Getting your ears pierced as a man used to be symbolic of rebellion. It was often seen as unprofessional and overstated. However, as times change, so do the meaning of men’s earrings. In 2021, they are a bold, unique, and respectable way to take your appearance to a whole new level.

If you don’t have a piercing yet, this is your sign to get one ASAP. But even if you’ve been showing off your studs for years, there are some trends and styles in 2021 that are a bit different from previous years. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here is your complete guide to buying diamond earrings in 2021:

Studs Aren’t Duds

When you get your piercing, chances are you were given a starter stud while the wound heals. Despite the fact that these types of earrings have long been seen as traditional and more subdued, diamond studs are a long-lasting classic in the realm of men’s jewelry.

Clustered Diamond Earrings 

The classic stud is known as a single, or solitaire, stud. They come with no side diamonds and instead are made with one large, singular diamond. These are great, understated pieces, especially if you’re new to wearing earrings and you’re not quite sure what your preferences are yet.

However, there are plenty of stud variations that let you experiment with different styles. One look that seems to be trending in 2021 are clustered diamond studs. These contain multiple layers of diamonds that really pop. They’re a great way to bring on a fresh take to the usual, simple diamond stud without going overboard.

Making the Cut

Although studs are simple and subdued, it doesn’t mean that they’re all built alike. Choosing the right diamond cut for your earring is an essential decision.

If you’re a guy who feels comfortable and confident in the classics, then round cut diamond earrings are your go-to. These are circle-shaped stones that reflect the light perfectly, helping to boost your look without overwhelming it.

Princess Cut Diamond Earrings

If you’ve got some jagged edges and feel a little rebellious every now and then, going with princess cut diamonds is necessary. Don’t let the name fool you. The square, geometric shape of these stones is fit for a king, and it acts as a variation to the typical diamond shape that you’ll see in most studs.

While these are probably the most popular and well-known diamond cuts, they are definitely not the only ones. The best way to find the best stud for your earlobes is to familiarize yourself with all of the options.

Keep It Symbol

Studs are usually the go-to earring for most men because it feels classy and professional while being pretty easy to pull off. However, 2021 is all about stepping outside your comfort zone. One of the best ways to do this is by going with an earring that takes on a completely different shape.

Ascher Cut Cross Earrings

Wearing the right earring can tell a story on its own, and you might be able to show off some of your personal history before ever opening your mouth. Cross earrings are the epitome of a symbolic earring, helping to emblemize your faith without sacrificing style. These are great for men who feel strongly tied to their religion and want to keep their beliefs close at all times.

But if you’re not spiritual, it doesn’t mean you can’t still play around with something other than the typical studs. Something like these Leaf earrings shows a playful side, proving that you like to have fun every now and then. It lets everyone know you’re a free spirit that knows a thing or two about jewelry.

These pieces are also great for men who want a little more than just a singular diamond, as most will be studded on all sides with high-quality gems. They’re riskier pieces to pull off, but the end result is something that no one will be able to look away from.

Settle On a Setting

While the diamonds in your earrings are the main attraction by default, they aren’t the only aspect that you need to consider. That’s because those diamonds need something to grasp onto: the setting.

Settings are the metal base that gives your piece depth and structure. Typically, you’ll be able to choose between traditional gold and white gold for your setting preference.

Traditional gold has the iconic luster that feels classic. It acts as a nice contrast to the translucent diamonds, really allowing them to pop. Gold has been a symbol of wealth and success for centuries, and these types of earrings can really make you look like a king.

White gold, on the other hand, blends in seamlessly with the diamonds. It makes for a clean, uniform, and balanced look that exudes professionalism and classiness. This is great if you want to wear your studs to an important business meeting before going out to the club. 

There’s really no right or wrong choice here. Keep experimenting until you find a look that feels right to you.

Mix and Match

Years ago, it was uncommon to wear two different earrings in each ear. However, this is a great way to show off two of your favorite earrings without needing to go back home to change. In fact, this is a great way to amp up your style in 2021 without needing to work too hard.

This is a bold move, but the payoff is unmatched. There are just a few key things to remember. For one, make sure you’re using a stud in one ear and a hanging piece in the other; you never want to mix and match with the same style. For example, you can put the round cut diamond stud in one ear and then have some fun on the left with these Bolt Earrings.

Bolt Earrings

Also, make sure the gold finish matches on both. In other words, if you’ve got a white gold setting in one ear, make sure you also use white gold in the other. This just helps to bring some balance and uniformity to the look to make you look more poised.

A Look To Notice

A lot of men don’t pay too much attention to fashion and style, but your outward appearance can have a direct effect on how people perceive you. Wearing earrings is a great way to earn immediate respect. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

If you’re a stud looking to wear some studs, you’ll want to find the right diamond cut that suits your style. But if you want to break the boundaries, go for a symbolic piece that acts as a hanging earring instead.

You also need to think about the gold setting that you want your diamond to rest in. Traditional gold feels authentic, but white gold is more modern and polished.

Really, the only wrong way to wear an earring is to not wear one in the first place. Keep experimenting with different styles until you finally nail your perfect look.

 

Sources:

Why more men are wearing jewelry | BBC

Different Diamond Shapes: Ultimate Guide with Size & Price Chart | IGS

Early History of Jewelry: Ancient Times to the 17th Century | IGS