If you're looking for something timeless and elegant, stud earrings are a standard choice. Some may be part of a set. For example, a pair of pearl earrings naturally complements a pearl necklace or bracelet. Stud earrings are also commonly made with precious stones, such as sapphires and diamonds, which can match other jewelry pieces.

Styles of Stud Earrings

Do you remember the first pair of earrings that you got right after you had your ears pierced? It's more than likely that they were basic stud earrings, featuring a tiny stone or a ball, star, or disc made of gold. Stud earrings, however, come in a variety of designs and materials. You can find stud earrings in both white and yellow gold, or made from silver.

Another way in which stud earrings are differentiated from each other is by the cut of the stones. As with rings, the stones in stud earrings can be cut in different ways by the jewelers. Popular cuts are the princess cut, round cut, and emerald cut. You can also find stud earrings that have an oval cut, pear shape, or trillion cut.

Stud earrings can be worn as an everyday accessory, especially when other styles of earrings may be too flashy. That does not mean, however, that they have to be plain and boring. Anyone wearing a pair of 0.5 carat pear cut diamond stud earrings is going to attract a considerable amount of attention, especially if they are paired with an equally attractive necklace or bracelet. If you're planning to give stud earrings as a gift, you should use the jewelry that the intended recipient currently owns as guidance. This way, you will avoid buying something that she will accept but never wear.

As an accessory, few pieces can top off an ensemble like earrings. Finding the perfect pair to complement what you're wearing can often be as exhausting as shopping for the outfit itself. Should they dangle? How much? Should they look wild and fun, or demure and classy? Will they be too heavy after a few hours?

A well-stocked jewelry box will surely contain several pairs of earrings meant to be just the thing for certain occasions. Women have been known to set aside earrings for their wedding before they even get engaged, and can become rather disheartened by boyfriends who buys earrings that aren't their color or style. That said, it is important that you choose the proper pair of earrings, whether by doing your research or asking your girlfriend what she likes.

Earring Basics

In general, there are three distinct types of earrings: studs, hoops and dangles. Studs are small, simple, and easy to wear. They compliment cocktail dresses as well as jeans, and are usually in heavy rotation in a woman's repertoire. Hoops are exactly what the name implies--solid bands looped through the ear. Since the natural colors of precious metals go with nearly everything, hoops are a sure-fire staple. If you are giving hoops as a gift, it is a good idea to do a little reconnaissance first: check out the hoops she has, and buy a pair that is about the same size to make sure she'll be comfortable with it. Hoops that are small might seem boring to one woman, while large hoops to another might seem more like costume jewelry than an elegant piece of jewelry.

The last and most potentially unique design is the dangling earring. These can be as simple as a charm or stone at the end of a link of fine chain. They can also hang several inches below the ear. Tastes vary when it comes to dangling earrings, and women prefer different looks depending on their style, mood, and outfit on a given day. If you want to give her an earring that dangles, it is wise to use her jewelry box as a guide. If you're choosing something that she's never seen, you're safest buying earrings that are no more than half an inch longer than the longest earrings you've seen her wear, and not much wider, either.

You can find hoop earrings in several different styles and metals. They're commonly made in platinum, gold, or sterling silver. If you think that plain hoop earrings are a little too conservative, you can also find them made with diamonds or other precious stones. A common design is to have the stones set in a channel on the hoop so that they remain secure.

While some people like hoop earrings, others think that they are too flashy to wear casually. Rather than getting large hoop earrings for someone who feels like this, you might consider purchasing smaller hoops that do not dangle as much. Alternatively, you could look at other styles of earrings, such as studs and dangling earrings, if you think that she would like those more.

Textures of Hoop Earrings

While the most basic style of hoop earrings has a smooth texture, you may also want to pick up a few pairs that have a different texture. For example, rather than wearing plain hoop earrings every day, you might alternate them with hammered hoop earrings. If you do not like that style, you can also find twisted or corrugated hoop earrings that maintain the same aesthetic appeal of plain hoop earrings but with a novel twist.

If the mass-produced styles of hoop earring do not appeal to your taste (or to the taste of the person for whom you are buying them), you may have better luck looking at crafts fairs or specialty stores. Since hoop earrings are fairly easy to construct, many jewelry makers will have large selections that feature unique designs. While you may not find diamond earrings in their collections, you may find hoops with sparkling beads or dangling charms that you will not see anywhere else.

There are a few items of jewelry which are considered classics. Almost every woman will have a string of pearls and pair of diamond studs, as these elegant and classic pieces are extremely versatile and can be paired with anything from the most sophisticated business suit to the most elegant little black dress. If, however, these pieces are not your opinion of the most exciting items of jewelry, it makes sense to consider attractive synthetics instead of the extreme high end.

Save Money with Cubic Zirconia Earrings

If what you really want is a Happy Snowflake watch from Chopard, it might be extremely disappointing to open a jewelry box and find a pair of diamond studs, no matter how beautiful they are. If you suspect that your partner or parents or grandparents are considering an extravagant gift and might be tempted (due to lack of inspiration or information) to get you something traditional, you should find a tactful way to make it clear that that isn't what you really want. A beautiful pair of cubic zirconia earrings will look just like diamonds to any naked eye, and can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on their size.

Cubic zirconia (or CZ) is the most famous substitute for diamonds, as well as a beautiful gem in its own right. Naturally occurring CZ can be found, but it is almost always synthetic. As such, where diamonds are almost all flawed, CZs are all perfect. CZs can be made in almost any color, and they can be evaluated by their fire or brilliance. They have slightly less sparkle than diamonds, and typically more flashes of color, but can pass for diamonds when set in precious metals.

A simple set of CZ studs can be a jewelry staple that doesn't break the bank. But there are also countless striking designs with dangles, drops, chandeliers, and other contemporary settings. The affordability of CZ gives you the opportunity to have some fun while adding sparkle and class to almost any ensemble.