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Classic Huggie

Classic Huggie

Last updated:

B-

72 / 100

ProductScore

$40
Earrings First pair of huggie hoopsAffordable everyday earringsCurated ear base layer

Materials: 14K gold-plated brass; hinged closure; sold as a pair

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B-

The Verdict

Studs' Classic Huggie earns a B- ProductScore of 72/100 — a well-designed entry-level huggie hoop with Gen Z appeal and clever branding. The gold plating limits longevity compared to solid gold alternatives, but at $40 for a pair, it's a low-risk gateway into huggie hoops.

Score Breakdown

Quality 27/40
Value 26/35
Style 19/25

What Customers Say

Based on 1,550 mentions across social media and review platforms

Studs' Classic Huggie is frequently cited on TikTok and Reddit as a solid starter huggie for people building their first curated ear. The $40 price and fun branding resonate with younger buyers. Durability discussions are common — some report great longevity, while others see plating issues within months.

"These are my everyday go-to earrings. At $40 for a pair I don't stress about them. They look great and feel comfortable."

Reddit r/jewelry

"The hinge mechanism is surprisingly good for the price. Snaps shut securely and hasn't loosened after 4 months."

Google Reviews

"Cute but the gold tone faded to a slightly greenish tint after wearing them in the shower daily for two months."

Trustpilot

"Perfect starter huggie. I bought these before committing to solid gold ones and they helped me figure out that I love the huggie style."

Reddit r/femalefashionadvice

"They're fine for the price. Not life-changing but they do what they need to do. Good shape, decent weight."

Google Reviews

Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • + Accessible $40 price point makes huggie hoops low-risk to try
  • + Sold as a pair — genuine value at this price
  • + Hinged closure mechanism is well-constructed and secure
  • + Comfortable enough for all-day wear including sleep
  • + Clean, minimal design that pairs well with other Studs earrings

Trade-offs

  • Gold plating degrades with regular water exposure
  • Brass base metal may cause irritation for sensitive ears
  • Limited to one gold-tone finish with no silver or rose option
  • Cannot compete on longevity with solid gold huggies from other brands

Specifications

Metal 14K gold-plated brass
Type Huggie hoop with hinged closure
Diameter 10mm
Width 2mm
Sold As Pair
Care Remove before showering; avoid contact with perfume and lotions

Alternatives to Consider

Featured in Gift Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Studs Classic Huggies real gold?
No, the Classic Huggies are made from brass with a 14K gold plating. They have the look of gold but are not solid gold. The plating will eventually wear, especially with frequent water exposure. For solid gold huggies, expect to pay $130-160 from brands like Mejuri or Automic Gold.
Can I shower in Studs Classic Huggies?
Studs recommends removing all plated jewelry before showering. Water, soap, and shampoo accelerate plating degradation. While occasional water exposure won't immediately damage them, daily showering with the huggies on will noticeably shorten the plating's lifespan.
How do Studs Classic Huggies compare to solid gold huggies?
At $40, the Classic Huggies cost roughly one-third of solid gold alternatives. The trade-off is durability: solid gold huggies will last decades with zero degradation, while plated huggies typically show wear within 6-12 months of regular use. If you're testing the huggie style, Studs is a cost-effective trial. If you already know you love huggies, solid gold is the better long-term investment.

Full Review

The huggie hoop has become the workhorse earring of modern jewelry, and Studs’ Classic Huggie packages the format in the brand’s signature accessible, Gen Z-friendly wrapper. At $40 for a pair, it’s positioned as a gateway earring — and it fulfills that role capably.

Design & Craftsmanship

The 10mm diameter hits the sweet spot for huggie proportions: close enough to the lobe to justify the “huggie” name, large enough to catch light and register visually. The smooth, polished gold-tone finish is attractive out of the box, and the hinged closure has a satisfying snap that inspires more confidence than you’d expect at this price.

At 2mm width, the profile is slim and unobtrusive. These are earrings designed to be worn and forgotten about, which is exactly what most huggie buyers want. The weight is modest — noticeable enough to feel like real jewelry, light enough for extended wear.

Value Proposition

At $40 for a pair with hinged closures, the Classic Huggie delivers strong value for gold-plated jewelry. The hinged mechanism alone is typically a marker of higher-priced earrings; many competitors at this price use less secure push-back or lever-back closures. The branded packaging and overall presentation punch above the price point.

The caveat is the plating. At $40, you’re renting the gold look rather than owning it. Daily wear, especially with water exposure, will eventually reveal the brass underneath. For buyers who treat jewelry as seasonal or rotational, this is acceptable. For buy-it-for-life shoppers, it’s a non-starter.

The Wear Test

Reviewers who follow Studs’ care guidelines (remove before showering, avoid lotions) report 8-12 months of plating integrity. Those who wear them through everything see degradation within 3-4 months. The hinged closure holds up well regardless — mechanical failure is rare in reviews.

Who Should Buy This

The Classic Huggie is ideal for huggie hoop beginners who want to test the style before investing in solid gold, teens and young adults building their first earring wardrobe, and rotational wearers who cycle through multiple pairs. If you already know you love huggies and want a forever pair, skip the trial and go directly to solid gold.

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