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Ear Cuff

Ear Cuff

Last updated:

B

76 / 100

ProductScore

$28
Earrings Trying the curated ear look without piercingsAdding faux cartilage or helix accentAffordable trend-testing piece

Materials: 14K gold-plated brass; adjustable cuff design; sold individually

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B

The Verdict

Studs' Ear Cuff earns a B ProductScore of 76/100 — the brand's best value play and a clever no-commitment way to try the curated ear trend. At $28, the plating concerns matter less for a piece designed to be rotated, and the no-piercing design opens the door for jewelry-curious newcomers.

Score Breakdown

Quality 29/40
Value 28/35
Style 19/25

What Customers Say

Based on 1,750 mentions across social media and review platforms

Studs' Ear Cuff is a TikTok darling for its ability to fake a pierced look without commitment. Reviewers love the price point and the styling versatility. The main complaints center on the cuff sliding or falling off during vigorous activity, and some find the squeeze adjustment tricky to get right.

"This little cuff changed my ear game. I can fake a helix piercing without the pain or healing time. Brilliant product for $28."

Reddit r/jewelry

"Takes some trial and error to get the right tension. Too loose and it slides off, too tight and it pinches. But once you find the sweet spot it stays put."

Google Reviews

"Lost it at the gym when it fell off during a workout. They should warn you it's not for active use."

Trustpilot

"Perfect for my 12-year-old who wants the pierced look. Safe, no piercing needed, and if she loses it, it's only $28."

Reddit r/femalefashionadvice

"I own three of these and rotate them. At $28 each I can afford to have options. The gold tone is convincing."

Google Reviews

"Genuinely impressed at this price point. Looks like my friend's real gold ear cuff and she paid $200 for hers."

Reddit r/jewelry

Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • + Lowest price in the Studs lineup at $28 — genuine impulse buy territory
  • + No piercing required opens the product to a much wider audience
  • + Adjustable tension allows customization to individual ear shapes
  • + Convincing faux-pierced look from a normal viewing distance
  • + Easy to add and remove for situational styling

Trade-offs

  • Can slide off during exercise or vigorous movement
  • Finding the correct tension requires trial and error
  • Gold plating will wear with regular handling and adjustment
  • Sold individually — curating both ears gets expensive quickly

Specifications

Metal 14K gold-plated brass
Type Adjustable ear cuff
Width 3mm
Piercing Required No
Sold As Individual
Care Avoid bending repeatedly; store flat to maintain shape

Alternatives to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a piercing for the Studs Ear Cuff?
No. The Ear Cuff wraps around the cartilage of the ear and holds in place through gentle tension. No piercing is required, and no piercing is harmed. It can be placed on the helix, conch, or upper ear depending on preference.
Does the Studs Ear Cuff stay on?
With proper adjustment, the Ear Cuff stays securely in place during normal daily activities including walking, working, and casual movement. It may slide off during vigorous exercise, sleeping on that side, or activities involving helmets or headphones. The tension is adjustable by gently squeezing or spreading the cuff.
How do you adjust the Studs Ear Cuff to fit?
Gently squeeze the opening of the cuff to tighten it, or spread it slightly to loosen. Start with a snug fit and adjust from there. The cuff should grip the cartilage firmly without pinching or causing discomfort. Avoid over-bending, as repeated adjustments can weaken the metal.

Full Review

The ear cuff occupies a unique niche in jewelry: it offers the aesthetic of a piercing without the needle. Studs’ version packages this concept at the brand’s most accessible price point, creating a gateway product that introduces non-pierced customers to the curated ear world.

Design & Craftsmanship

The Ear Cuff is a simple C-shaped band at 3mm wide, designed to wrap around the ear’s cartilage and hold through tension. The gold-plated finish is smooth and consistent, and the cuff has enough springiness to grip without biting. The design is deliberately understated — it’s meant to mimic the look of a helix or conch piercing, not to announce itself as costume jewelry.

The adjustable nature of the cuff is both a feature and a challenge. When properly sized to your ear, it sits convincingly and comfortably for hours. Getting to that point, however, requires some trial-and-error bending that can be frustrating for first-time users.

Value Proposition

At $28, the Ear Cuff is the most compelling value in Studs’ lineup. The low price effectively eliminates purchase anxiety — if it doesn’t work for you or you lose it, the financial impact is minimal. This pricing strategy is smart: it gets Studs products onto ears (and into Instagram photos) with minimal friction.

The plating concern is less relevant here than on daily-wear pieces. Ear cuffs are inherently rotational — you put them on for specific looks and remove them for sleep and exercise. This occasional-wear pattern extends the plating life significantly.

The Wear Test

The Ear Cuff performs well during normal activities: office work, errands, dinner out, social events. It struggles with vigorous movement — gym sessions, running, and contact sports reliably dislodge it. Sleeping on the cuffed side is also a recipe for a lost ear cuff between the sheets. Multiple reviewers recommend treating it as a going-out piece rather than an all-day everyday accessory.

Who Should Buy This

The Ear Cuff is ideal for piercing-curious individuals who want to test the look before committing, styling enthusiasts who want to mix up their ear game without adding permanent holes, and parents looking for a safe way to let younger teens explore earring aesthetics. At $28, the risk-reward equation is about as favorable as jewelry gets.

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