Stud Earrings and Their Alternatives
Stud earrings are more discreet than most other types of earrings, and are basically a rod or pole inserted through the ear with a small ball or stud attached to one end that sits right against the ear. A butterfly is pressed on the other end of the rod and pressed down to secure it.
Stud earrings are available in a very wide range of materials and designs, and the shape and size is limited only by the size of the ear. They offer a great deal of flexibility to designers, and are currently worn by people of all ages from small children to their great-grandparents.
They are particularly popular with sportsmen and women, and also with parents for their children. The reason for that is that their design offers little possibility of catching on anything and tearing the ear. Even hair is less likely to be caught up in stud earrings than alternatives are, and this is often recognized by those schools where studs are the only type of earring permitted in the playground.
Would Stud Earrings Suit Me?
Many people prefer stud earrings, not only because they lack the brashness of more prominent ear jewellery, but also because they are available in such a large range of styles and colours that a pair of studs can be found to match any outfit or accessory. Nevertheless, larger studs are available, their size being limited only by the strength of the pole and the size of the ear.
Although most stud earrings are made for the lobe of the ear, they are also available for the tragus, for the main scapha and for the anti-tragus – some even wear multiple studs in a line right round the ear. Because they are relatively small, multiple piercings can look very stylish when fitted with this type of earring.
Do Stud Earrings Suit Men?
An increasing number of men are wearing a single stud earring both as a fashion statement and because it looks more masculine than wearing a pair. Studs are generally preferred by men to any of the other earring types available. Here again, this type of design makes it easy to match either a casual look or something more formal, and the colour can even be chosen to match or contrast with the hair.
One of the main attractions of stud earrings for men is that they are available in almost any material you can think of – from diamonds, rubies and emeralds to beautifully fashioned gold and platinum or even ceramic and semi-precious stones such as garnet. Think of a colour, and you will find it, and another great thing about them is that while they look very attractive and stylish, they don’t take the emphasis away from your face or outfit – whether you are a man or a woman.
What Factors are Important When Choosing Stud Earrings?
A major factor to consider before any other is the material, particularly the material used for the pole. Many people are allergic to certain metals, their ears swelling and becoming intolerably itchy, even to the extent that the piercing itself never heals. Most people affected this way are aware of their limitations in choice, and gold is generally the least likely metal to cause inflammation. The most common metals that cause allergic reactions are nickel, cobalt, copper and chromates.
Metals least likely to cause allergies are gold, platinum, titanium niobium and sterling silver. You can also purchase hypoallergenic medical plastic or plastic-coated poles, although some plastics lack the durability of metal and have to be replaced regularly. If you find earrings that irritate you, then don’t buy any more in that particular metal or alloy.
Other factors that will influence your choice relate to design and appearance. You may want your studs in emerald or amethyst to match a special outfit, or to be of a more versatile neutral colour such as a diamond. You may prefer them to be smaller, and more discreet rather than larger and louder. Perhaps you already have jewellery you like to wear and want earrings to match.
What Other Types of Earring Can I Wear?
Hoop earrings are the most popular design if you prefer not to wear stud earrings. Hoops come in most natural and synthetic materials, colours and sizes and their most distinguishing feature is that they are mainly in the form of a full circle, dangling under your ears. Some hoops are very large which others are small, and yet others are semicircular in design, fitted using a pole and butterfly fixing just as with the stud earrings.
Although hoop earrings can look fashionable, and are often used to project an outgoing personality, they do present some problems. For starters, they can be overpowering, and draw attention right to your ears and away from your outfit. That’s fine if you want to do that, although you may want more discreet studs for formal occasions. Hoops can also get caught on things, and they should definitely not be used by children because they can be pulled by other kids and cause serious ear damage.
You could also opt for dangle earrings that are generally hooked through your piercing without a full fixture. They can also be tugged and catch in your hair, although they too are available in a wide range of designs and materials, though can usually only be attached to the earlobe.
There are other alternatives to stud earrings, such as plugs and flesh tunnels that can be fitted to stretched piercings. Stretching or gauging your ears is a skilled business, and while you can do it yourself, it is best to use a trained professional, because stretchings can become infected and overstretching could lead to a permanent problem with an ear that refuses to heal.
Stud earrings are preferred by most people, men and women, because they look good, they are fashionable and can be worm just about anywhere on the ear. There is a wide range of stud designs and colours available, and they tend to complement your overall look and style rather than dictate it.
