Few accessories will bring as much sparkle and character to a woman's appearance as much as a pair of gorgeous earrings that frame her face. Whether it is a dangling statement set that complement the cheekbones, or a striking pair of studs, there's a perfect pair of earrings for every woman.

Shopping for earrings involves a process of balancing comfort, design and price. What's most important is to find a pair that suits your taste as well as your skin type. Earrings are the only type of jewellery that penetrates the skin, and it's important to be very selective in your choice of materials.

• Metal
  Earrings are available in nearly every metal imaginable. It's important to be clear about which parts of the earring are made from which types of metals; for example, gold studs won't necessarily have gold posts, and platinum studs won't necessarily have platinum posts. Be careful not to purchase a pair of earrings that's only part gold or part platinum.
• Gemstone
  Earrings are often adorned with diamonds or gemstones, and it's important to have a basic understanding of the quality of the stones inside. It's a good idea to ensure that your earrings contain only high-quality certified stones.
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  Gold
  We recommend you choose 14 karat or 18 karat gold when shopping for earrings, whether your taste is for white or yellow gold. These qualities of gold offer the best durability in combination with the highest purity and colour.
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  Platinum
  Platinum is a popular choice for earring metal because it's 95-99% pure and therefore suitable for sensitive skin. It is, however, a dense material, which means that platinum earrings will feel heavier than gold earrings.
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  Palladium
  A precious metal that's strong and durable, palladium has recently emerged as a popular alternative to platinum. A member of the same metal family as platinum, palladium is actually lighter than platinum, but shares its strength. It offers the same shine, purity, and durability as platinum, but at a lower price.
• Titanium
  Titanium is a metal that's also popular among the sensitive skin set; however, its dark grey colour makes it especially popular with men. Titanium is 100% allergy free, light, and extremely durable. In testament to its hypoallergenic nature, it's even the go-to metal for surgical tools and implants!
• Stainless Steel
  Stainless steel is also a popular variety of men's jewellery metal; however, it's not ideal for those with metal sensitivities as it's typically alloyed with nickel. Similar to titanium, stainless steel is slightly darker and duller than other metals, such as gold and platinum.

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  Studs
  The simple stud is the smallest and most comfortable type of earring. It usually features a post back that holds the earring securely in place, and can vary in size and design to add a subtle shimmer or a bold statement to any outfit.
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  Hoops
  Hoops can vary greatly in size and are worn by both men and women. Depending on their size and design, they can be appropriate for both casual and special events. Larger hoops, sometimes adorned with diamonds, are both sophisticated and glamorous.
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  Dangle
  Dangle earrings vary in length and are typically the most decorative and ornate of all types of earrings. These dainty shapes hang delicately off the earlobes, and are often adorned with fancy gemstones or diamonds.