Stud Earrings: Types, Sizes and Earring Backs Explained

A stud earring is a small earring with a decorative front and a post that goes through the earlobe. A back on the other side holds it in place. Nothing hangs from a stud, so it doesn't catch on hair or scarves, and that is why most people wear studs every day. Here is how to tell the types apart, how to choose a size and which back to use.

Types of stud earrings

• Plain metal studs. The Gold Stud Earrings have a ribbed, rounded shape and are listed as gold-plated.
• Stone studs. The Moissanite Stud Earring has an emerald-cut lab-created moissanite in an S925 silver setting. The Point Studs Gold pair a white CZ with a colored crystal stone on 18k gold-plated 925 sterling silver.
• Shaped studs. The Double Heart Studs have two small heart-cut cubic zirconia stones per earring, 18k gold plated over brass. The Mini Flower Stud is a petite flower in 18k gold-plated 925 sterling silver.
• Statement studs. The Eye Malachite Studs add a green accent with an eye-shaped design in 18k gold-plated 925 sterling silver.

Check one thing on each page: whether it is sold as a pair or as a single. The Double Heart Studs are sold as one pair. The Mini Flower Stud is a single stud earring.

What size should stud earrings be?

Stud size is measured across the front. As a rough guide, under 5 mm is tiny and sits quietly, 6 to 8 mm is a common everyday size and 10 mm or more is clearly visible. These ranges are a general convention, not a measurement of our products. On our pages, the heart on the Double Heart Studs is 3 to 5 mm (about 0.1 to 0.2 inch), and The Bloom Stud is 12 mm (about 0.5 inch). If a page doesn't list a size, the photos show the stud next to the ear.

Earring backs: which one do you need?

• Butterfly back (push back): the most common. It slides onto the post and holds by friction.
• Screw back: it threads onto the post, so it stays put better. It takes a little longer to put on.
• Flat back: a post with a flat disc that sits against the ear instead of poking out. It is common for second and third piercings.

Our pages name the closure when we know it, for example post-style or a post with a butterfly back. If you need a particular back and the page doesn't say, ask us before you order.

If your ears are sensitive

Check the material on the product page first. Some of our studs are S925 silver, others are gold-plated brass or gold-plated silver, and the metal underneath the plating is what touches your ear once the finish wears. We don't promise that any piece will suit sensitive ears. If a pair irritates you, stop wearing it.

How to wear studs

• One pair, every day, with whatever you wear.
• A second stud higher on the ear, in a smaller size, for a simple stack.
• A stud with a small hoop in the next hole. See huggie vs hoop earrings for how the two differ, and our huggie earrings for small hoops that pair with studs.
• Mixed metals on purpose. Gold-tone and silver-tone studs look intentional when you wear them in different holes.

Caring for studs

Put them on after lotion and perfume, take them off before showering or swimming, wipe them with a soft cloth and store each pair on its own. More in our care guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between stud earrings and hoops?

A stud sits on the lobe with a post and a back. A hoop is a ring that goes through the ear. For sizes and shapes of hoops, see our guide to gold hoop earrings.

Can I sleep in stud earrings?

We don't recommend it for every pair. A flat back sits closest to the ear. Whatever you choose, take your jewelry off to keep the finish and the stones in good shape.

Browse our stud earrings or the full earrings collection.