The 16 Best Stud Earrings to Wear All Of 2024
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No shade to the hoops, but it’s time to switch things up a little.
InStyle / Kristin Kempa
Jewelry trends may come and go, but if there’s one style that will always stick around, it’s the stud earring. Particularly for anyone who has more than one hole pierced, studs come in handy when you want to bedazzle the whole row up the cartilage. “Diamond studs are classics that will never go out of style,” says Olivia Landau, fourth-generation GIA-certified gemologist and founder of The Clear Cut. “They’re statements on their own and can also be mixed and matched with ‘trendier’ pieces for everyday wear.”
You can find plenty of styles beyond the classic diamond, however. We came across pearls, gold, and gemstones, in our search for the best studs, and they did not disappoint. Still, if you pick the wrong metal or a low-quality gem, a stud can irritate your ear and potentially break, which is why we spoke with several jewelry experts and tried out different styles to find the best. These designs come in at a range of prices and are worth the cost thanks to their high-quality materials, comfortable fit, and the sheer number of compliments they’ll fetch you.
Best Overall: Mejuri Marquis Topaz Earrings
What We Love: Natural gemstones ensure longevity.
What We Don’t Love: Because it’s not solid gold, you should still remove the jewelry before showering.
For our best overall pick, we chose something that can be worn every day — not just by style, but by material. The natural gemstones used in these studs ensure longevity, as does the thick layer of 18-karat gold on sterling silver. It’s not solid gold, so you should still avoid any wet environments while wearing these earrings. They won’t tarnish as quickly as simple gold-on-brass plating, however.
You’ll find eye-catching marquis-shaped white topaz gemstones forming a half flower on these studs. The look is sophisticated and unique, but non-splashy in a way that allows you to style them with everyday outfits.
Metal: 18k gold on sterling silver | Stone: White topaz | Single or Double: Double
Best Budget: Studs CZ Cluster Stud
What We Love: It has an impressive sparkle to it despite not being a real diamond.
What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t come as a pair.
Studs make it easy to outfit your entire ear without buying numerous sets of two earrings (especially when you only need one). Need something for your helix or tragus? This brand has options for whatever your piercing styling looks like. This piece in particular was found in the “conch” section, which is the hole midway through your interior ear, but it can theoretically be worn in any hole of your choosing. The cluster stud features three cubic zirconia stones in a zigzag shape, held up by a 14-karat gold-plated brass exterior. Reviewers rave that the stones have an impressive sparkle to them, making them an ideal affordable alternative to a real diamond. Take note that it does not come in a pair, and instead is intended to work as a solo piece on one ear.
Metal: 14k gold plated brass | Stone: Cubic Zirconia | Single or Double: Single
Best Splurge: Gucci Interlocking G Butterfly Clasp Earrings
What We Love: The solid 18-karat gold will remain in perfect condition.
What We Don’t Love: The back clasp is a standard post-back closure, which you can lose easily.
For a non-diamond, luxury pair of earrings, these Gucci studs, with their classic and timeless appeal, will do the trick. They give you that designer flair thanks to the not-so-subtle logo on your ears, but they don’t feel too flashy. These are a little more subtle and versatile. The 18-karat gold combined with the minimalist design will allow you to wear them regularly (and for the rest of your life, too). Just note that the back clasp is a standard post-back closure, which we’re sure you’ve lost one too many times before. We wish it were something a bit more secure, but if you store these pieces properly each time, you should be safe from ever misplacing them.
Metal: Solid 18k gold | Stone: N/A | Single or Double: Double
Best Crystal: Swarovski Millenia Stud Earrings
What We Love: The pear-shaped stone is cut like a diamond, so it reflects light beautifully.
What We Don’t Love: The rhodium plating can tarnish — avoid wet environments.
What makes Swarovski crystals so special is that the gemstones are cut in a similar fashion to diamonds, so they reflect light in a mesmerizing way. Diamonds aren’t the most budget-friendly accessories, either, so something slightly more casual is a wonderful alternative. The pear-cut zirconia stones are held by a claw prong, which is finished with a rhodium plating. Rhodium is harder than gold, offering a durable and scratch-resistant surface that’s ideal for jewelry. It does tarnish, however, which is why you should still avoid showers while wearing the earrings.
Metal: Rhodium-plated silver | Stone: Zirconia | Single or Double: Double
Best Natural Diamond : Ring Concierge Half Carat Mixed Shapes Diamond Studs
What We Love: These ethical stones come in round, heart, pear, or emerald cut.
What We Don’t Love: You may have to save up for this investment piece.
Jewelry is all about feeling unique and special, and the Ring Concierge gives you that customization. With the brand’s natural diamond studs, you can choose between a round, heart, pear, or emerald shape, and each cut comes in a half carat size, which Landau says is a great foundational piece. “They are subtle enough to wear everyday but still make a statement,” she says. You can then choose whether the 14K solid gold comes in yellow, white, or rose. The diamonds are ethically sourced and come with a 60-day limited warranty — and if you ever need a repair past that point, simply contact the brand.
Metal: 14K Yellow, White, Rose Gold | Stone: Natural Diamond | Single or Double: Double
Best Affordable Diamond: Wwake Small Brilliant Diamond Studs
What We Love: The recycled gold and diamond make these more sustainable and affordable.
What We Don’t Love: It’s very small and therefore easy to lose if not properly stored away.
Diamonds are more attainable than you may have previously believed. With options like lab grown diamonds and recycled diamonds (like this piece from Wwake) widely available, you can rotate them into your everyday accessories much more easily than before. These miniature studs are two millimeters in diameter and feature 0.03 carats on one diamond. The rock is held up by a recycled 14-karat solid-gold clasp that won’t wear or tear with time. It’s a subtle statement, suitable for everyday life, or an extension to a bigger diamond when worn in a second hole. Either way, you’re guaranteed to get a lot of wear out of these pieces, which makes the already fair price of $200 that much more of a steal. Just make sure to keep your jewelry organized: with their small size, they’re easily misplaced.
Metal: Recycled solid 14k gold | Stone: Recycled diamond | Single or Double: Double
Best Moissanite : The Ring Pal Tristan Moissanite Oval Cut Studs
What We Love: The unique shape and rainbow reflection make these stud earrings stand out.
What We Don’t Love: The oval shape will twist, so if you don’t like mismatching, go for another shape.
Moissanite is another gem that has a similar look to diamonds, according to Hillary Watson, Senior Director of Sales & Merchandising at Charles and Colvard. Because they are created in a lab and are softer than diamonds, they tend to be more affordable, and they also give off a rainbow light reflection that’s unlike a diamond’s white shine.
Associate commerce editor Emily Cieslak doesn’t mind some color, so she was happy to be gifted this pair from Ring Pal. “I specifically chose the oval shape since I wanted something different from the traditional circle. The shape is elegant and fits my lobe very well — I honestly like when it twists to the side for a unique look,” she says. The backings are very sturdy, which is key when wearing a more valuable gemstone. And the gem itself is beautifully cut with a great shine. Made in Los Angeles, the earrings come with a lifetime quality guarantee. With the option to choose different metals and carat sizes, your dream stud awaits.
Metal: 14k or 18k white, yellow or rose Gold | Stone: Moissanite | Single or Double: Double
Best for Cartilage: Missoma Harris Reed Serpent Single Stud Earring
What We Love: The single stud allows you to mix and match with different earrings on the other ear.
What We Don’t Love: The back closure may be a little loose.
Cartilage accessories look chic when they have a little length to them. Something that “climbs” the earlobe, like this serpent stud, is eye-catching. The golden snake is spotted with black cubic zirconia rocks, giving it a cool little edge. And because it’s a single stud, you can mix and match different accessories on the other ear.
One reviewer expressed concern regarding the back closure, however, commenting that it’s a little loose, though she hasn’t lost an earring yet.
Metal: 18k recycled gold vermeil on recycled sterling silver | Stone: Cubic zirconia | Single or Double: Single
Best Fashion: Kendra Scott Ellie Gold Stud Earrings
What We Love: These fashionable stud earrings pack mega shine without weighing you or your wallet down.
What We Don’t Love: Multiple stone options make it hard to pick just one.
We all have those occasions when we want to dress like Princess Diana and don some huge rocks — without the royal price tag, that is. For a fun, fashionable earring, you can’t go wrong with these bold studs. They come in nearly 20 different gemstones, ranging from ruby to amethyst. Cieslak received a sample of the Iridescent Drusy, which is the natural formation of crystals on a rock surface. With her long hair, studs can often get lost, so the larger size and glittering sparkle were perfect when she wanted to make a statement. If you’re a fan of layering dainty gold necklaces and crystals, the earthy vibe of these earrings will fit right in, which isn’t always the case with diamond styles. Though they are the largest studs she owns, Cieslak often forgets she has them on. They are as light as a feather, and the 14-karat gold-plated brass didn’t irritate her skin.
Metal: 14k gold-plated brass | Stone: 9 options | Single or Double: Double
Best Pearl: Nishi Pearls 14K Gold Midi Studs
What We Love: These classic pearl studs come from sustainable farms and ethical practices.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t come in silver.
These aren’t your grandmother’s pearl earrings. From a brand aiming to reinvent the gemstone, these studs use freshwater pearls cultured from sustainable farms and crafted under ethical conditions and wages. While pearls are currently all the rage, and you can experiment with eclectic designs, everyone should have a classic round stud in their collection. You can dress it up or down and pair it with other earrings. This mid-size option won’t swallow up your entire ear, but it’s still large enough to be noticeable on Zoom (side note: earrings make you look instantly polished on camera). And if you are more into Barbiecore than Coastal Grandmother Chic, the naturally pink pearl is a must-have.
Metal: 14k gold | Stone: Pink or white freshwater pearls | Single or Double: Double
Best Gold: Monica Vinader Crescent Moon Single Labret Piercing Earring
What We Love: Solid gold won’t tarnish, allowing you to wear it daily without a worry.
What We Don’t Love: She’s very (very) small.
Simple, dainty, and very chic, this crescent moon single earring deserves a spot in some type of ear piercing as well. It’s made of 14-karat solid gold, so you don’t have to worry about taking it off during showers. That’s a huge relief, as we’re sure we’d lose such a small piece if we had to take it off daily. For reference, it’s 3.3 millimeters tall, but if you’re someone who likes to stack earrings, then this won’t clash with any other earring (like the previous Serpent piece).
Metal: 14k gold | Stone: N/A | Single or Double: Single
Best Rose: Tiffany & Co Open Heart Earrings
What We Love: She’s simple, elegant, and easy to wear every day.
What We Don’t Love: The price difference between the small and large options is pretty drastic.
Fall in love with these heart-shaped earrings from Tiffany & Co (which is jewelry that is notoriously giftable, too). This 18-karat rose gold piece stands out from the usual silvers and yellow-golds: endearing yet sophisticated, dainty yet eye-catching. So although it’s more of an investment piece, you’ll always find an occasion to wear it. You can even choose between a seven-millimeter and 11-millimeter size, but be aware of the $300 difference in price.
Metal: 18k rose gold | Stone: N/A | Single or Double: Double
Best Opal: Maya Brenner Alli Webb Opal Comfort Stud
What We Love: You can choose between a single or pair.
What We Don’t Love: There’s no backing, which leaves the earring vulnerable to falling off.
Fashion blogger Cassandra Stone recommends opal earrings as an eye-catching and dainty accessory. They have a mesmerizing holographic effect that draws your gaze in. These from Maya Brenner have an interesting twisted bar that curls into your ear and looks like a cuff. It doesn’t therefore have an actual backing, making it more prone to slippage.
You can choose to get the earring as a single or pair, but you don’t get a special bundle price when you buy two, unfortunately.
Metal: 14k gold | Stone: Opal | Single or Double: Single
Best Bar: Uncommon James Bar Stud Earrings
What We Love: These simple bars add some gold without being over the top.
What We Don’t Love: The shape and color make them easy to lose in your jewelry collection.
Sometimes you want a simple gold earring that isn’t a hoop. In those cases, reach for these bar earrings. Cieslak received a sample from the brand, and they filled a void in her jewelry collection. We all have those days when we want to keep our ears lowkey, and this minimalistic design gives you some gold without all the drama. “They come in clutch when I’m wearing a chunky necklace and bracelets and want to take it easy on top, or if I’m headed to the gym and want a pair that’s sleek and light enough not to bother me,” she says. They also pair well with other designs if you have numerous piercings. Like a stud, you can twist both or one of them for some variety in your ears. Her only warning is that due to their slim shape, they can be easy to lose, so store them carefully.
Metal: 14k Gold-plated brass | Stone: None | Single or Double: Double
Best Heart: James Allen 14k Yellow Gold Heart Stud Earrings
What We Love: There’s a 14k white gold version as well.
What We Don’t Love: The push-back closure does not feel particularly secure.
Carry a little love around with these 14-karat gold heart studs. Much like that love, it will never tarnish thanks to its pure-gold makeup. You can choose between a yellow and a white gold, but either way, the quality remains the same. They’re a great gift for anyone, and they even come with a lifetime warranty. Should something happen to the earring (like losing one of the backings), you’ll be able to get a replacement.
Metal: 14k gold | Stone: N/A | Single or Double: Double
Best Gemstone: Sonia Hou Fire Pink Coral Gemstone Studs
What We Love: Pink coral represents love and harmony, which is a beautiful thing to carry around.
What We Don’t Love: The backing is made of 24k gold-plated brass, which will tarnish over time.
If you want to add a pop of color to your ears, then opt for Sonja Hou’s gemstone studs (also available in blue). The pink coral used in this piece represents love and harmony, which, when carried on your person, will invite more of it into your life. They’re encircled by a 24-karat gold-over-brass frame, which as you know, should not be worn in water. With a 10-millimeter radius, they’re quite large and noticeable as well, making for a great statement piece.
Metal: 24k gold plated brass | Stone: Pink coral | Single or Double: Double
What to Keep in Mind
Metal: If you're looking for earrings for sensitive ears, you’ll want to stick to pure metals like platinum or sterling silver. Gold is another good option, but depending on the karat, it can have other metals mixed in that can possibly irritate your skin. “A lower-karat gold like the 14K and 10K has a large percentage of other metals such as nickel, which is known to cause allergic reactions such as rashes and skin swelling,” says Sandy Ip, gemologist and founder and designer of jewelry brand Sevun. “If you are easily allergic to jewelry, we suggest wearing at least 18K gold, 24K gold, and platinum.” If it’s gold-plated or gold-filled, double-check the base metal underneath, since gold can wear down over time and expose you to the underlying irritating metals. Though pure gold and platinum are more pricey, you’ll have peace of mind knowing they won’t tarnish.
Stone: To get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to invest in stones that won’t deteriorate over time. “Natural, untreated diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are the hardest gemstones and are less prone to damage from constant wear,” says Landau. “They also hold the most value and are the rarest throughout history.” Ip says you should always ask for the color, clarity, and cut grade before investing in diamonds. If you are buying a significant piece of jewelry, she recommends asking for certification of the gemstone from a reputable laboratory. For diamonds, ask for certificates from GIA or AGS; and for colored gemstones, ask for GRS, Gubelin, or SSEF.
Shape: For an everyday diamond stud, Landau recommends a half-carat in each ear. For non-diamond stud earrings, simply consider what kind of style speaks to you the most, and what can be paired with most outfits in your closet. If you don’t mind having your earrings mismatched as they twirl around, you can play around with different shapes.
Your Questions, Answered
What’s the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds?
If you’ve been following the jewelry world, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz around natural versus lab grown diamonds. While natural diamonds are mined from the earth, lab-grown are man-made in a lab.
“From their chemical, physical, and optical properties, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable to mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin,” says Watson. “Not even the most trained gemologist or high-tech loupe can tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond.”
So what do you choose? It all comes down to your priorities. Landau only works with natural diamonds, because she prefers the rarity and inherent value associated with them.
Can I wear stud earrings further up my cartilage?
Nowadays, a lot of studs are sold either as singles or doubles giving you the option to wear a single one further up your ear. If you are unsure if a stud can be worn in your cartilage, follow Mirabent’s advice.
“If you want to wear a stud in cartilage, you have to make sure the stud post is long enough to go through your ear and still have space left over on the back,” she says. “Cartilage piercings are very sensitive, and you can get a keloid if your earring is too tight. Make sure you give your ear piercing enough room to swell.”
How do I take care of my studs?
Because stud earrings are less likely to get stuck on things like your hair or sheets, Landau says it’s safe to sleep with them, though some may feel more comfortable without them. If they are made from fine metal like pure gold or platinum, you also can keep them on while showering and sweating. Other metals will tarnish with time.
To clean fine jewelry, Landau recommends soaking your pieces in a solution of warm water and a pea-sized drop of dish soap. After 15 minutes, use a toothbrush to gently brush off any remaining dirt, then rinse and pat dry your piece with a paper towel or a jewelry cloth.
Why Shop With Us
Emily Cieslak is an Assistant Commerce Editor at InStyle and writes about all things fashion, from jewelry to jeans. Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle with three years of experience covering beauty and fashion. For this article, jewelry experts including Hillary Watson, Senior Director of Sales & Merchandising at Charles and Colvard, Sandy Ip, gemologist and founder and designer of jewelry brand Sevun, and Olivia Landau, fourth-generation GIA-certified gemologist & founder of The Clear Cut, were thoroughly interviewed. Fashion blogger Cassandra Stone was tapped for her product picks as well.
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