Mask-wearing has been seriously cramping my jewelry style, and I’ve stopped wearing earrings because of it. Danglers may be good for standing out on a Zoom call or whatever, but when I’m going through the mask-on/mask-off ritual several times a day—on top of bundling up in a scarf, positioning earbuds, and possibly donning a hat that covers my ears—the only jewelry I can entertain as a holiday gift this season, earrings-wise, is a stud. A pair, actually.
Or a bunch of a singles that can be mixed and matched in pursuit of the ultimate #curatedear.
Mini studs in 14k gold and gemstones. First row, from left: Arrow, $100; blue topaz, $100; moon, $115; star, $120; elephant, $120. Second row, from left: Star, $120; evil eye, $110; pink topaz, $100; sun, $120; triangle, $105. Third row, from left: Citrine, $100; moon, $115; infinity, $115; snake, $120; unity, $120. Fourth row, from left: Starburst, $120; garnet, $100; butterfly, $120; petal, $120; peridot, $100. All Misahara.Little Promises set, from left: Enamel and diamond heart; emerald-accented fish; diamond-accented diamond shape; Harmony stud with sapphire; enamel and ruby and flower. All in 18k gold, $3,120; Aisha Baker.
I guess it’s fair to say that I’m newly enamored of this category. Just as I am newly enamored of taking a three-mile round-trip walk to the nearest Starbucks in the freezing cold while listening to the You’re Wrong About… podcast as a form of self-care because what else is there to do for fun?
It’s a wassail-free zone this year, brah. So it’s the little things that count.
What tiny treasure fits the bill for you?
Mini super stud earrings in 18k gold with rock crystal, $950; Julie LambLO-VE earrings in 14k gold with diamonds, $325; Serena Williams JewelryOcean Shell studs in 18k gold with akoya pearls and diamonds, $2,800; Jouer by SimoneSunburst earrings in 18k gold with diamonds, price on request; Karma El KhalilSylvie Stud in enamel and 18k rose gold with diamonds, $2,950; Melissa KayeShield studs in 14k gold with rhodolite garnet, $300; AdriaticClover studs in 14k gold with multicolored sapphires, $250; Ruta Reifen JewelryPetite emerald flower earrings in 14k white gold with diamonds, $1,090; Access79Cairo studs in 18k gold with malachite and diamonds, $5,070; TerzihanSmall heart earrings in blue rhodium plated sterling silver with green onyx and emerald enamel, $300; NakardMiniflower stud earrings in 18k gold with emeralds and sapphire, $670; Sophie d’AgonExtra small ruby flower studs in 18k white gold with diamonds, $10,400; Nam Cho Enamel daisy stud in 14k gold with yellow sapphire, $540; Alison LouJubilation studs in 14k gold with lapis and turquoise, $1,900; Emily KuvinAurora stud earrings in 18k white gold with aquamarine, $1,500; Future Fortune
Top: 3mm birthstone studs in 14k gold, $175 to $425 per pair; Valerie Madison