8mm vs. 10mm Earrings | Which Size Fits You Better?

Shopping for jewelry is all fun and games until you get to the part where you have to choose a size. That’s especially true if you’re not familiar with millimeters and you don’t know the dramatic difference one millimeter can make!

However, we’re here to save the day. Whether you’re shopping for a pearl earring or a hoop one, we’ve got you covered with our size guide. We’ll help you land the perfect pair of pearls or hoops in the right size for your ear and style.

So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about 8mm vs. 10mm earrings. On a related note, you should also check out our 6mm vs. 8mm Earrings and 5mm vs. 6mm Earrings posts.

8mm Pearl Earrings

It’s no doubt that smaller pearl sizes are more popular among young wearers because small stud earrings are more versatile and fit many occasions and styles. Furthermore, 8mm pearls fit the classic sizes of most pearl studs because they’re at that sweet spot where they’re neither too large nor too small. On a side note, diamond studs (see also fake diamonds) are not something just women get to wear, so if you want to know how to get diamond studs for men, we have you covered, too.

Additionally, an 8mm pearl earring is incredibly comfortable to wear as it doesn’t add too much weight to the ear. Besides, if you have your ear pierced, that size is small enough that you can wear another ear-piercing jewelry besides an 8mm pearl, and it’ll still look elegant.

Moreover, an 8mm pearl earring can be worn at any time of the day. For example, it’s perfect with office wear, evening wear, or for a casual everyday look; that’s exactly why this pearl size is so trendy; it’s just so versatile. Further, it fits with a lobe shape or size and a round face.

Note: You can find the right pair of South Sea pearls in the 8-mm pearl size at any store; they’re called Baby South Sea pearls!

10mm Pearl Earrings

Besides following the standard sizes for most necklaces, 10mm pearls are perfect for earrings! Some people prefer the larger pearl sizes, and it’s easy to see why: larger pearls are a fashion statement!

The 10mm pearl earring fits most formal occasions like engagements or date nights. Such pearl size falls into the luxury pearl category, and that’s what makes it the perfect jewelry for fancy nights out.

However, that doesn’t mean that larger pearls can’t be worn during the day! In fact, a 10mm pearl earring can fit with your casual outfits if you want to bring those outfits up a notch.

Note: If you can’t resist a large earring or an eye-catching necklace, you don’t have to stop at 10mm because South Sea pearl sizes can go up to 20mm.

Choosing Between 8mm and 10mm Pearl Earrings

To help you make a final decision between 8mm and 10mm pearls, here’s a guide of which earring size you should go for and why.

If you have small ears or other piercings, it’s better to go for the 8mm option. That way, you can still wear others studs beside the pearl, and it won’t look too over-the-top. Also, if you want a one-size-fits-all option that you can wear on many occasions, an 8mm earring is the way to go.

On the flip side, if you like to make a statement with your jewelry, you need to go for a pair of 10mm pearls. Further, 10mm pearls would elevate any outfit you wear for a fancy night out. However, keep in mind that larger pearls cost more money!

Now that you know which pearl size is best for you, it’s time to dive into an earring style that nobody can resist: hoop earrings!

8mm vs. 10mm Hoop Earrings

Typically, when it comes to hoops, many people love large hoops because they just look so dramatic and incredibly eye-catching.

However, when it comes to choosing between two small hoop sizes like 8 and 10 millimeters, the answer might not be as clear as you’d wish. So here’s a size guide with everything you need to know about both hoop sizes.

8mm Hoops

An 8mm-diameter hoop is perfect for most people because it’s barely large enough to hang down your ear lobe without being too large (see cartilage earrings, too). But, of course, that depends on your earlobe shape and size, so that might not be accurate for everyone.

8mm hoops are the way to go if you want snug-fitted jewelry or a hoop to wear as a second piecing, so it doesn’t draw too much attention away from the main show.

10mm Hoops

A 10mm-diameter hoop would give you a more typical hoop earring look because it’s large enough to hang down your ear, and it should flow around more freely as you move your head. Besides, a 10mm hoop is one piece of jewelry that can fit almost everyone out there, so it’s a safe option if you don’t know which size to go for.

A standard measurement for a hoop earring is 20 gauge, which is the thickness of the metal, whether it’s gold, titanium, or something else. As that number gets smaller, that means that the thickness of the metal is larger, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping for a hoop ring. Most earlobes (see also helix earrings) are pierced with a 20 gauge needle, so that shouldn’t be an issue.

If you want to see how far the earring will hang down your ear before making a buying decision, there’s a way to do just that. First of all, measure and determine the distance between the piercing and the end of your earlobe.

That measurement you end up with should be the basic guide for your hoop shopping (see here prices of diamond studs). Always add one millimeter to the length you measured to make sure that the hoop won’t be too snug for you.

However, suppose you’re wearing a hoop that fits you. In that case, you can lay it down on a flat surface, like a table, then measure its inner diameter (inner edge to inner edge, passing through the center point) in millimeters using a ruler.

If you’re shopping for your first-ever hoop, the process of finding the perfect size for you might involve some trial and error. So, if possible, make sure you go to a professional piercer and ask for their recommendations of the perfect size for your earlobe. Also, if you want your earrings to feel comfortable and secure, you should pay more attention to earring backs that keep your earrings in place.

FAQs

Q1. What does mm mean for earrings?

A. Mm is the abbreviation for millimeters, and it is used in the jewelry industry to be able to size larger pieces of jewelry like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. For example, a measurement of 925 means that an item is 925/1000th of a meter in length, width, or thickness.

Q2. How do I know what size earring post to get?

A. The nut on your earring’s ear post must match the nut on your earring’s earring. Ideally, the threaded piece of the earring post should be measured at its widest point. Make use of a digital gauge or caliper if you have one. On the other hand, threadless earrings are preferable for forward-facing jewelry, as they’re usually removed frequently, so cleaning them (see post) shouldn’t be much trouble.

Q3. How thick are earring posts?

A. The thickness of the posts varies from brand to brand. However, on average, they are between 3 and 5 mm thick. On the other hand, the diameter of the earring posts is between 9 and 12 mm.

Final Words

We hope you now know the exact size you need for your next earring, whether it’s a pearl or a hoop. Still, here’s a quick recap of what to expect from each size to make your life a little easier. Also, the ideal size of men’s hoop earrings is 14mm. A 14mm diameter hoop is about as big as most men want to go.

8mm pearls are much more versatile, and they can fit with any outfit, from casual to evening wear. On the other hand, 10mm pearls look much more luxurious, and they can really elevate an outfit, making such large pearls the perfect choice for fancy occasions.

As for hoop jewelry, it’s better to know the exact measurements of your ear piercing to make the best buying decision. However, for most people, 8mm hoop rings are snug, and they barely hang down the ear, while 10mm ones should hang down a little and provide you with movement.