Our Top 3 Tips on How to Make Your Studs Last

Stud earrings are the quiet heroes of a jewellery collection. Easy to wear, endlessly versatile, and effortlessly elegant, they’re the kind of piece you reach for time and time again. And with a little care, they’ll last just as long as your love for them.

Whether they’re everyday diamonds or delicate gold spheres, these are our three most trusted tips for keeping your studs looking their best for years to come.

Take Them Off

It’s late. You’re tired. And taking off your earrings might feel like a step too far. But this small habit makes a world of difference when it comes to the longevity of your jewellery.

Contact with the skin, water, oils, and even friction from bedding can gradually dull the finish on your studs, particularly if they’re gold plated. Sleeping, swimming, or showering in your earrings exposes them to all of these elements and over time, it can wear away at the surface and loosen fittings.

We always recommend removing your studs at night and whenever they might come into contact with water or lotions. Keeping a small jewellery dish by your bedside or in the bathroom helps turn this into a simple habit, and prevents earrings from disappearing into the gaps between furniture.

If you know you’re likely to forget, then we suggest opting for solid gold studs. Unlike plated jewellery, solid gold doesn’t tarnish and is better suited to regular wear, even for those with busy days and sleep-filled nights.

Clean Them Well

The more regularly you clean your studs, the better they’ll look and the longer they’ll last. A little attention, done gently, will keep gold and gemstones shining, while also ensuring any build-up of residue or oils is kept at bay.

For plated studs, a dry, soft cloth is all you need. A gentle circular motion with a microfibre cloth will restore their shine. If you need to get into finer details, a soft-bristled toothbrush used dry can reach tiny crevices without damaging the finish. Avoid water or liquid cleansers, which can affect the plating over time.

Solid gold studs can handle a little more. A mild solution of dish soap and warm water is usually enough. Briefly submerge them, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush, avoiding excess pressure if gemstones are present. Rinse quickly and dry with a soft cloth. We always suggest not soaking for more than ten seconds, especially with antique or gemstone-set pieces.

And for the backs of your earrings, a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad will help keep things sanitary, just take care not to touch the front of the stud itself.

Store Them Right

A beautiful pair of studs deserves a proper place to rest. Storing them correctly protects against scratching, tarnish, and accidental damage and makes them easier to find when you’re getting ready in a hurry.

We always recommend keeping studs in a soft-lined box, ideally with separate compartments to prevent rubbing or tangling. Velvet or felt-lined interiors are especially kind to delicate surfaces and help keep everything in its place.

For those with a growing collection, laying your studs flat on a piece of satin or faux leather can work beautifully. It’s a simple and elegant way to store them, and looks just as good left on a dresser as it does tucked into a drawer.

When travelling, a small piece of card or padded fabric can do wonders. Secure the earrings through it with their backs fastened on the other side, and you’ll avoid the dreaded search for a missing stud at the bottom of your suitcase.

A Final Thought

A good pair of studs can become an everyday signature, but only if they’re cared for with the same love with which they were chosen. Remove them when you can, clean them when needed, and give them a safe place to live.

At Walter Bull & Son, we offer a range of solid gold stud earrings, designed to last beautifully for years to come. Explore our Studs Collection to find a pair that feels like you.