To choose stud earrings, pick a metal that works for your ears, a size that suits the look you want, and a back that keeps them secure. Solid gold in 10K or 14K is a reliable everyday choice, 4–6 mm is a classic size, and screw backs or locking backs are the most secure if you worry about losing one.
Studs are the earrings people wear the most, so it pays to get these three details right.
Which metal is best for stud earrings?
The post goes through your earlobe, so the metal matters.
| Metal |
Pure gold |
What to know |
| 10K gold |
41.7% |
Strong, durable, good value |
| 14K gold |
58.3% |
Richer color, still strong for daily wear |
| 18K gold |
75% |
Deepest yellow; softer |
| Gold-plated |
Thin surface layer |
Lower cost; plating can wear off |
Many people with sensitive ears do well with solid gold; ask us. On our site, every listing shows the metal and karat, and gold-plated items are labeled as plated.
What size stud earrings should I get?
For stone studs, size is often listed in carats. For each pair, that number is usually the total carat weight (ctw) of both stones together, so a 1 ctw pair is two stones of about half a carat each.
| Total carat weight (pair) |
Each stone |
Approx. diameter (round) |
| 0.25 ctw |
0.125 ct |
3.2 mm |
| 0.50 ctw |
0.25 ct |
4.1 mm |
| 1.00 ctw |
0.50 ct |
5.2 mm |
| 1.50 ctw |
0.75 ct |
5.8 mm |
| 2.00 ctw |
1.00 ct |
6.5 mm |
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3–4 mm: small and subtle. Good for second piercings and everyday wear.
-
5–6 mm: the classic, noticeable size.
-
7 mm and up: bold and eye-catching.
Gold design studs, like medallion or picture studs, are measured by diameter instead. Our studs collection lists the approximate diameter in inches on each pair, from about 0.4 inch up to 1.4 inches.
Diamond, lab-grown or CZ?
Diamond studs are graded on the 4Cs. For earrings, you can usually go easier on clarity and color than you would for a ring, because people see them from farther away. Learn the grades in our diamond basics guide, and compare stone types in natural, lab-grown and CZ. CZ studs are a smart, low-cost way to get the look.
Which earring backs are most secure?
-
Push backs (butterfly or friction backs): the most common. Slide on and off easily, but can loosen over time. Gently squeezing the loops tightens the grip.
-
Screw backs: the post is threaded and the back screws on. Very secure and a good choice for higher-value studs.
-
Locking backs: the back clicks onto a grooved post and releases with a squeeze. Secure and easier than screwing.
-
Silicone or rubber backs: soft and comfortable, often used as an extra backup.
If a back feels loose, replace it. A new back costs much less than a lost earring.
How do I care for stud earrings?
- Take them off for swimming and showering, and before using lotions or hair spray.
- Clean the posts and backs gently with mild soap and water.
- Store pairs together so the backs don't get lost.
Want a bigger look? See our hoop earrings buying guide. Need a new piercing? We do ear piercing in our store; call or text for details.
Visit or text us
See sizes side by side and try a few backs before you choose. Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Shop our studs collection or all earrings.
Stud Earrings Guide: Metals, Sizes and Backs
To choose stud earrings, pick a metal that works for your ears, a size that suits the look you want, and a back that keeps them secure. Solid gold in 10K or 14K is a reliable everyday choice, 4–6 mm is a classic size, and screw backs or locking backs are the most secure if you worry about losing one.
Studs are the earrings people wear the most, so it pays to get these three details right.
Which metal is best for stud earrings?
The post goes through your earlobe, so the metal matters.
Many people with sensitive ears do well with solid gold; ask us. On our site, every listing shows the metal and karat, and gold-plated items are labeled as plated.
What size stud earrings should I get?
For stone studs, size is often listed in carats. For each pair, that number is usually the total carat weight (ctw) of both stones together, so a 1 ctw pair is two stones of about half a carat each.
Gold design studs, like medallion or picture studs, are measured by diameter instead. Our studs collection lists the approximate diameter in inches on each pair, from about 0.4 inch up to 1.4 inches.
Diamond, lab-grown or CZ?
Diamond studs are graded on the 4Cs. For earrings, you can usually go easier on clarity and color than you would for a ring, because people see them from farther away. Learn the grades in our diamond basics guide, and compare stone types in natural, lab-grown and CZ. CZ studs are a smart, low-cost way to get the look.
Which earring backs are most secure?
If a back feels loose, replace it. A new back costs much less than a lost earring.
How do I care for stud earrings?
Want a bigger look? See our hoop earrings buying guide. Need a new piercing? We do ear piercing in our store; call or text for details.
Visit or text us
See sizes side by side and try a few backs before you choose. Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Shop our studs collection or all earrings.