Some of the things we do are so intuitive that if all trace of them were to be lost, they would be re-discovered. A ring adorning a finger or a pendant hung around the neck are good examples and once the ancient practice of piercing had begun, a solitaire stud earring for the lobes of the ears was sure to follow. Stud earrings are now a staple of the modern look.
Great style is about what you emphasise. When considering one's jewellery ensemble, it is important to have elements that keep rhythm as well as soloists! Stud earrings can fulfil both functions. When worn with an understated outfit they can be the star of the show: bright accents of light. When worn every day or in a combination where the emphasis lies elsewhere, their role is to keep rhythm and lift the whole show.
Diamond Solitaire Stud earrings - a classic.
The go-to classic look for a stud earring is a round brilliant cut diamond, such as the ones shown below. As a rule of thumb, studs over a carat in size become very noticeable! A sweet spot in our experience is between 0.50cts and 0.75cts in each ear. A larger-than-life character will do well with a larger set of earrings, of course, but generally, this size range is most versatile. Smaller and they will be more every day, larger and they start to step forward.
Left to Right: Platinum and Diamond Studs, 33 ptr, 50 ptr, 70 ptr
A Bespoke Stud Earring
From there it is possible to explore more considered or unique options. The transitional cut is so called because it was a halfway house between the old mine cut of the Victorian period when diamonds were cut with fewer facets, high tables and often a tiny flat facet at the back where they come to a point - like the tip of the diamond has been snipped off. The more obvious this facet is when seen from the front of the stone, the older the diamond cut. These diamonds overall, have fewer facets and therefore a subtly understated, vintage look. They play the same role as modern cuts but somehow subtly keep their own time. A riff for the connoisseur!
Whilst it is true that by virtue of being colourless, diamonds can go with anything, we have talked a lot recently about coloured gemstones and the exciting world of possibilities that they represent. Here is the perfect place to indulge a pursuit of colour. Pretty much every gemstone can be found as a matching pair in a round cut and mounted as studs: Aquamarines, Garnets, Sapphires, Peridots, Opals, Pearls, Rubies, Emerald... you name it. So it may be that you have a colour in mind and that's a good place to start.
How to Accessorise a Stud Earring
Halo
If you already have a stud, the next step may be to accessorise. We have a selection of pave-set, removable halos (also known as a cluster) to surround and lift any stud earring. These are in Platinum but could also be made in yellow gold. These are a versatile addition and help the stud to the front of the stage!
Ear stack
Many people have several piercings in the ear and the size of the earrings tends to diminish the higher up they are worn. So if you have a stud for the lobe already, perhaps the next step is to choose something slightly smaller to sit above.
0.70ct Diamond Stud with a 4mm Sapphire Stud
Detachable Drop
Here we have a removable pearl drop suspended from a 0.70cts round brilliant stud.
How to choose a solitaire earring
Start by asking yourself the following questions:
Do you want them to keep rhythm or to be the stars of the show?
Another way to consider this is: are these to be worn every day or on special occasions, or both?
Classic or a conversation starter?
Perhaps one definition of classic is that it has been done before. The great benefit of bespoke is that it has never been done before. It is unique.
Does the recipient have a go-to colour they like to wear?
This may be safe territory for a set of coloured gemstone studs.
A measure of success in choosing a pair is that once given, they are seldom removed!
We have a variety of stud earrings, diamond and coloured gemstones, available to purchase. Alternatively, if you require a bespoke pair, we are only too happy to help.