Studs? It’s a “Yes” for Me (Because: Masks)

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.

Misahara mini studs — 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.

Aisha Baker stud earrings — 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?