Studded chic

Sarah Palin starts out following the unwritten rule of 'understated' earrings ... Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP

... but then gets it horrendously wrong at home in Alaska with these beaded dangling monstrosities Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP

... someone's taken a leaf out of Michelle Obama's book. Palin at the Republican Governor's Association Luncheon Photograph: Ethan Miller/Getty

We can't tell if this is the famous Alaska earring - it looks suspiciously like a tacky Chinese character to us. Moreover, what is that gold spike doing in her lobe? Palin reveals her punk past Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty

Palin turns to Mrs Obama again for inspiration ... Photograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty

... SNAP! Michelle Obama wears this subtle diamond drop first Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP

Doing the power pearl thing Photograph: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

Michelle Obama shows us how to do subtle with matching brooch and earrings Photograph: Steve Helber/AP

Hillary opts for understated blue studs Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP

"Have you seen what Palin's wearing today?" Photograph: Elise Amendola/AP

This cluster of jet in gold is rather lovely Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty

Just because Hillary knows studs are the way forward, doesn't mean her supporters do ... Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP