Oh, the stud earring! The little bit of gem or precious metal that seemingly floats on an earlobe has been a staple in jewelry collections for centuries. Dating back to ancient civilizations, this simple but elegant piece has a fascinating history. Come with us as we trace its origins and see how it has continued to evolve in design and significance over thousands of years.
Ear piercing is one of the oldest known forms of body modification, but the earliest record we have of stud earrings dates back to 2500–3000 BC. Worn by both men and women as a status symbol, early designs were primarily gold or adorned with precious stones. Evidence shows that stud earrings worn in Mesopotamia designated your wealth and cultural identity. Often made of gold, the wealthiest stud-wearers had pieces made with the highly-prized lapis lazuli stone.
In the 1800s, the stud earrings saw a resurgence in popularity with the development of the open claw setting, which enhanced the sparkle of gemstones and helped the stud be easier to see. As more women began wearing their hair away from the face, this was important.
It wouldn’t be until the 1920’s when the stud would make a resurgence, as people moved away from the ornate designs of the Victorian and Edwardian eras to the more minimalist and geometric style of the Art Deco movement. Featuring sleek lines and contrasting stones, like onyx and diamond, these were inspired by modernity and Egyptian motifs after of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb.
In the 1950’s, marked by post-war prosperity and influenced by Hollywood glamour, women clamored for gold and diamond studs, reflecting elegance and affluence. Around this time, Audrey Hepburn made Breakfast at Tiffany’s and single-handedly turned the pearl stud into the epitome of classic American fashion.
The 1970’s shifted away from affluence and more toward eclectic and colorful, as it reflected the bohemian culture of the day. Stud earrings with turquoise, emerald, and ruby stones gained popularity and some brands began to craft the oversized stud to meet the desire for a louder statement.
By the time the 80’s rolled around, power dressing was in, and subtle elegance was out. Studs were bigger than ever, with bright stones and unique shapes; paired with structured blazers and bold makeup, they achieved a dramatic and confident look. In 1981, Princess Diana took the fashion world by storm with her favorite pair of sapphire studs and they remain popular today.
As fashion cycles do, the 1990’s saw a return to minimalist fashion and the stud earring followed suit. Diamond studs became the it-accessory. Popularized by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and model Kate Moss, the diamond stud signaled a return to understated elegance and sophistication.
Stud earrings only continued to evolve in the 2000s and beyond. Today, the stud is one of the most versatile and personalized pieces of jewelry. They say a diamond is a girl’s best friend, but today’s studs cater to everyone: they come in a wide range of materials, adorned with many different gemstones, and feature a vast array of designs.
Explore our selection of stud earrings in store today! Visit us at Sylvan's Jewelers in Columbia.