Stud Earrings: Shapes, Styles, and Backs Explained

You can’t really go wrong with a good pair of stud earrings.

They’ve been a favourite for decades and for good reason. They are comfortable, versatile, and effortlessly stylish. Whether you’re the type to wear classic gold every day or you save the glittering gems for a night out, studs will fit the bill.

Here, we’ll take you through what makes them such a smart choice and how to find the ones that feel like “you” by explaining the shapes, styles, and backs.

Shape of the Stones / Diamonds in Stud Earrings

The shape of the stone plays a huge role in the overall look of stud earrings. It can influence how the piece catches light, how it sits on your ear, and even the mood it conveys.

Heart-Shaped Studs

Heart-shaped studs are one of those pieces that feel personal. It’s hard not to smile at a pair of heart studs. They’ve got this way of looking sweet without trying too hard.

Gold gives them a soft glow that suits the shape so well. Some keep theirs neat and simple, others go all out with a halo of tiny stones.

 

Pear-Shaped Studs

There’s a certain charm to pear shapes. That little taper at the end gives a soft, graceful line, and somehow makes the ear look a touch longer. Works on lots of face shapes.

Gold studs in this shape are a safe bet for every day, but if you’ve got a party to go to, a pair with diamonds will absolutely do the trick.

Round Illusion Studs

There’s something rather clever about round illusion studs. The design plays with light and shape to make the central stone appear bigger than it is.

It’s the perfect way to get that ‘big diamond’ look without stretching your budget.

Need more inspo? Our Complete Guide to Stud Earrings: Styles & Tips will help you find styles to suit every outfit.

Baguette Studs

Baguette-cut stones are a mix of modern minimalism and vintage charm. Their long, slim shape feels effortlessly elegant and a bit Art Deco.

They look stunning on their own in a simple gold setting or mixed into a cluster.

Hamsa Hand Studs

Wearing a Hamsa hand is said to invite luck and guard against negativity, and it just so happens to look gorgeous, too. 

As studs, they’re easy to wear and effortlessly meaningful. Many are made in gold, with intricate engraving or tiny stones set into the design.

Four Leaf Clover Studs

Who doesn’t like a little good luck? Four-leaf clover studs offer a charming, whimsical touch without being over the top.

They’re playful but can still feel elegant, especially when crafted in gold or with gemstone accents.

Popular Style of Studs

Studs come in different styles, and they have the power to change your outfit’s whole vibe.

Curved Ear Bar Studs

These studs curve in line with your ear, giving a contemporary feel that’s a touch on the daring side. A brilliant choice if you like jewellery that feels a little different.

 

Huggie Style Studs

Huggies hug your earlobe (hence the name), sitting nice and close for a secure, comfy fit. If you go for gold, you’ll have a pair that works as well for the office as it does for a dine out.

Palm Tree Studs

Think of palm tree studs as holiday vibes you can wear. Perfect for sunny days by the beach or just adding a splash of tropical fun to your everyday outfits. They’re lovely with other playful pieces, but they also look gorgeous next to simple gold for a bit of balance.

 

Triple Diamond Studs

Triple studs keep things clean and contemporary. They’ve got that minimalist feel but still stand out, ideal if you want something understated that still makes an impact.

Chelsea Flower Studs

Romantic without being over the top, these floral studs are a classic. The diamond petals catch the light beautifully, making them a sweet year-round reminder of renewal and growth.

 

Horseshoe Studs

Horseshoes represent luck and protection, and their semi-circular shape adds rustic charm. In gold, they can feel classic; in silver or with stones, they lean a bit boho.

Style of the Backing System

The little bit at the back of your earring might not get much attention until one goes missing or starts to feel uncomfortable. The right backing makes a big difference in both security and comfort.

Threaded Flat Back

Threaded flat backs screw into place and sit flush against the ear. Great if you sleep in your earrings or have sensitive ears.

Butterfly Back

The most common type, butterfly backs, are simple to put on and take off. The everyday hero. Easy to use, reliable, and gets the job done.

Ball Back

Ball backs are soft, rounded, and easy to wear. The rounded design helps prevent irritation and pressure on the earlobes.

Screw Back

A twist-on design that holds on tight, making them ideal for valuable diamond or gold stud earrings. They take a little longer to put on, but they offer a peace of mind.

Safety Back

Uses a locking system to stop it from slipping off, reducing the risk of losing expensive studs. They’re popular with heavier or sentimental earrings. Also suitable for kids. 

Unique and Creative Stud Earring Styles

If you like your jewellery to stand out, there’s no shortage of innovative stud designs.

Ear Jacket Studs

The stud sits at the front, but the fun bit is the piece that hangs or frames the back of your ear. A  surprise element that’s both stylish and comfortable.

Ear Chain Studs

A stud joined by a fine chain, sometimes linking to another piercing. It’s an instant statement,  think festivals, rooftop bars, or just adding a bit of edge to your everyday look.

Bezel Set Studs

Bezel set studs keep things simple and chic. The stone sits snugly inside a slim metal frame, making the design look modern while giving your gem plenty of protection. Ideal if you want earrings that can handle everyday life.

How to Style Your Stud Earrings

Once you’ve picked the shape and style, you get to do the fun part: figuring out where to wear them.

Everyday Look

On busy days, keep it easy. Plain gold studs, tiny diamonds, or something unfussy that works with anything from a T-shirt to a work dress.

Formal & Evening Wear

When you’re dressing up, go bigger. Something ornate, maybe a pear or baguette cut, adds that extra polish. It’s an easy way to elevate your whole look.

Mixing and Matching

And please, don’t be afraid to mismatch. Different shapes, metals, or sizes on each ear? Why not! A little contrast between ears makes the whole look feel intentional and personal.
Still debating the gemstone? Our guide Which Gemstones Are Right for Your Stud Earrings? might help you choose.

Conclusion

Some days, you might fancy something sweet and romantic, like a heart stud; other days, you might lean towards a sleek baguette cut or a simple pair of huggies. And then there are times you want to make a statement with something bold, like an ear chain. 
The right pair depends on more than just looks; shape, style, and even the type of backing can make all the difference in terms of comfort and how secure they feel. Whether you’re after a trusty everyday pair or something that turns heads, Argent & Asher have a gorgeous collection of handcrafted, ethically made studs designed to last.