How to wear: stud earrings

How well do you know your stud earrings? Having been through a bit of a renaissance in recent years, there’s a lot more to wearing modern stud earrings than you might think. Find out what more you need to know about this jewellery staple.

Doesn’t everyone know how to wear stud earrings?

Stud earrings used to be simple. You had the traditional gold stud that everyone got when they first had their ears pierced. Once those healed, you moved on to slightly more exciting designs, like silver studs, or maybe a butterfly design or two. If you were really lucky, you might even own a matching set of sparkly crystals or pearls. 

These days, studs have got serious game. Not only is there a huge variety of designs out there to choose from, but there are also endless combinations of multiple piercings to mix and match. So what are the options? And how do you find the right combination for you or your occasion?

We’ve put this quick guide together to explain what's available (and we to talk about a few of our favourites while we do it - win, win!)

Stud earrings explained

Stud earrings are now sold in singles, as a matching pair, or as part of a curated set for multiple piercings. So you can take your favourite studs and mix them with hoop earrings, ear cuffs or drop earrings to curate your own look, or buy a set that does it for you. 

There are also a huge array of different stud designs to choose from. From simple metal designs in silver, gold or rose gold, to gemstone creations and crystals in white or a variety of vibrant colours. They can be small and dainty, or big and bold. Some are simple, single dots, while others are moulded metal, detailed motifs or feature multiple stones.

Gemstone stud earrings

A gemstone stud earring is the ideal way to add a touch of colour. Use them to bring different shades to your monotone or neutral look, highlight a particular colour in a patterned item, or match a bold shade.

With so much variety to choose from, you can pick the colours to suit your outfit. Or make it more personal, by choosing a gemstone that is significant to you, like your birthstone.

We love Sarah Alexander’s range of Irregular gemstone studs. From misty moonstones to soft, sage green lemongrass prehnite and moody labradorite. Each one boasting a generous, rough-cut, natural gemstone in a gold plated setting. 

Matching stud earring sets

When you’re in a rush to get out the door for work or an evening out, you need a quick and easy earring solution. This is when stud earring set is a life saver. Matching sets of two have always been the standard and there are some gorgeous examples out there for when you want to look your best. Swarovski’s large, coloured crystal stud earrings, for example, are the ones to grab when you want to make an impact. While Ania Haie’s delicate designs look stunning but understated for work or play. All jewellery collections have their own take on the simple, matching stud earring set, so find your perfect pair and wear to your heart's content.

Mixed stud earring sets

For those of you with multiple piercings, a mixed stud earring set makes short work of curating your ear stack. Usually consisting of three or more studs, these sets tend to be individually different but based around a theme. So they bring variety while still looking great together. Choose to wear them all on one ear or split them between the two, depending on the placement of your piercings.

We love Olivia Burton’s Celestial set which includes three stud earrings. A tiny star, a larger, more decorative star and a crescent moon, each embedded with sparkling crystals. Together they're the perfect going out accessory.

We also love Scream Pretty’s Trinity earring set. It features a single sparkling stud, a triangular stud with three crystals and a small crystal-studded hoop. Available in silver or gold, you could even go one step further, buy two sets and mix-up the metals!

Curating your own earring stack

For those occasions where you have more time, why not curate your own look with a mixture of different studs or other earrings? There are endless possibilities to choose from - and the only rule is to enjoy creating your own look. 

Mix metals, alongside gemstones and crystals or pearls - the final look is up to you. We love Scream Pretty’s funky throwback Mix Tape earrings. They look great on their own but even better mixed with some lightning bolts or other funky offerings.

We also love Ania Haie and Thomas Sabo’s beautiful single studs made from sculpted metal and crystals. Mix these with each other or add some hoop earrings for a change in size. You can even throw in a long drop chain or an ear cuff for extra texture to your final look.