Simple and sophisticated, stud earrings match virtually every outfit. They’re elegant enough to be worn on their own, or they can be paired with other jewelry to pull together an entire look. All things considered, stud earrings are nothing short of essential accessories.
There are countless varieties of stud earrings, some of which are worth adding to your earring collection. You can splurge on diamond studs or invest in fashion studs featuring rhinestones and other embellishments. If you’re partial to a classic stud design, the Macy’s Certified 1/4-Carat-Total-Weight Diamond Stud Earrings in Gold might be perfect for you.
What to know before you buy stud earrings
Popular types of stud earrings
While diamond and pearl studs are often the first styles that come to mind, they’re far from the only ones available.
Gemstone studs, such as jade, sapphire and emerald, are known for their eye-catching colors and sparkle.
Metal studs without gemstones or embellishments typically feature simple balls or shapes. They’re usually made with gold, silver, stainless steel, titanium or platinum.
Fashion studs are made with affordable materials, such as inexpensive metal, rhinestones or glass. They’re available in several shapes, sizes and designs.
How to wear studs with other earrings
Studs are often worn on their own, though it’s not the only way to style them. Individuals with more than one earring hole may wear a set of progressive studs that get smaller as they travel up the ear. Those with second earring holes may prefer wearing a stud in this hole when they wear hoops or drop earrings in their first hole. Other people match stud earrings to other jewelry, including necklaces, cartilage piercings and nose rings.
Stud earrings features
Setting style
Setting style refers to how a stone is mounted, and you may be familiar with some of these styles if you’ve ever shopped for diamond or gemstone rings.
Some of the most common styles feature prong, crown and basket settings. Several modern stud pairs feature minimalist bezel settings, in which stones are encased in a low-profile metal band. Halo settings, considered the most glamorous, feature a sparkling ring of smaller stones that encircle the stud.
Back and post materials
Backs and posts of stud earrings are available in a variety of materials. Premium studs, for example, are made with gold, sterling silver, titanium or platinum. These high-quality metals withstand the test of time and give studs an upscale appearance.
Inexpensive pairs, on the other hand, are made with cheaper metals. Some of these may contain nickel, a metal that may trigger inflammation or irritation on sensitive skin. There are, however, affordable alternatives such as stainless steel, plastic, silicone or acrylic. Certain pairs marked “hypoallergenic” present minimal risk of triggering allergic reactions.
Stud back
While all stud earring backs perform the same task of securing the stud to the ear, there are a couple of design variations. Push, screw and clutch backs are the most popular.
Push backs, which resemble tiny butterflies, slide over posts and stay put due to their friction designs. These backs are easy to remove with minimal pulling; however, that also means they can be pulled off accidentally when you brush your hair or pull clothes over your head.
Some stud earrings have threaded posts that resemble tiny screws. They require compatible screw backs that can be twisted up the post, which in turn, offers an adjustable, secure fit. These stud styles are typically seen on more expensive pairs, as well as many retro and vintage pairs. Unfortunately, some individuals may experience difficulty using these mechanisms.
There are also clutch backs, which consist of small metal nuts with plastic or rubber pads around them. Clutch backs are usually only seen on inexpensive fashion studs. They’re known for staying secure on posts like push backs. While some wearers are partial to them, others feel clutch backs are bulky or uncomfortable.
Stud earrings cost
Fashion stud earrings, which are made with inexpensive materials, cost $5-$100 per pair. Those made with better-quality materials, including many gold and sterling silver pairs, cost between $100 and $300. Stud earrings with gemstones or diamonds may run from $200-$2,500, or more, depending on their size, cut, clarity or value.
Stud earrings FAQ
What are earring jackets?
A. Earring jackets are decorative additions to traditional stud earrings. They have tiny holes that slip over posts and feature unique designs like halos, drop earrings or other types of enhancements. They’re an ideal way to “upgrade” a pair of studs instead of buying new ones.
How do I clean stud earrings?
A. It depends on the stud materials. There are various types of jewelry cleaning solutions for gold and silver, whereas you’ll need to use a special cloth to clean natural pearl earrings. Studs made with inexpensive materials, like rhinestones and stainless steel, can be cleaned with alcohol. Or, you can take your studs to a jewelry store for professional cleaning.
Which stud earrings should I get?
Best of the best stud earrings
Macy’s Certified 1/4-Carat-Total-Weight Diamond Stud Earrings in Gold: available at Macy’s
Our take: This classic diamond stud, available in white or yellow gold settings, is versatile enough for day-to-night wear.
What we like: The diamond studs have three-prong settings that are low-profile and give the diamond a “floating” appearance. They have screw-backing closures, which help secure the earring better than push backings. The studs are comfortable to wear all day long.
What we dislike: They’re not available in other popular setting materials, like sterling silver or rose gold.
Best bang for your buck stud earrings
Charisma Imitation Pearl Earring Stud Set: available at Amazon
Our take: Affordable and versatile, this 12-pair imitation pearl collection with progressive sizing is popular among individuals with multiple earring holes.
What we like: The pearl studs are set in hypoallergenic surgical stainless steel, which is ideal for sensitive skin. They come with well-made push backings that stay put instead of sliding down the post. The set comes in a gift-ready box.
What we dislike: The larger pairs look fake and inexpensive, plus they’re rather bulky.
Honorable mention stud earrings
Mints Opal Solitaire-Style Stud Earring: available at Amazon
Our take: Ideal if you want a pop of color, these opal earrings with 18-karat gold posts are an ideal choice.
What we like: The studs are well-made and appear more expensive than they are. The green opals have an iridescent tone that can be dressed up or down. At 5 millimeters, the studs are suitable for everyday or professional wear.
What we dislike: Some wearers indicate the opals appear to be lab-created, not natural.
Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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