14K Gold Stud Earrings

Plain gold and stone-set studs

A good stud is a small thing done carefully. The plain 14K gold stud earrings here are the ball stud, a polished sphere; the square stud; and a two tone knot that brings two gold colors into one twist. Stone-set options begin with round studs in cubic zirconia or simulated gemstones, simulated citrine among them, and a bar stud with a round stone made in two sizes, S and M. A vintage-inspired pair sets a simulated ruby among baguette and round cubic zirconia. With more character: a music note, a coiled snake with stone accents, and a teardrop that hangs just below the post.

Which stud for which piercing

For a first lobe piercing, a ball or round stone stud between 3mm and 5mm is the usual choice; it shows without drooping. Upper lobe and helix piercings want something smaller and flatter, which is where square and small bar studs earn their keep. Gold studs are also the easiest earrings to give, since they need no sizing. Worn with a huggie in the next piercing, a single stud is often all a stack needs. Each pair is stamped 585 or 14K.

• Huggie earrings
• Gold hoop earrings
• Earring styles explained
• How to build an ear stack