Moissanite Halo Cluster Stud Earrings in 925 Silver

A halo setting surrounds a centre stone with a ring of smaller ones, and the effect is size without extra carat weight. The outer ring widens the visible face of the earring, so a small centre looks like a much larger stone from a conversational distance. Cluster designs push the same idea further by building the whole earring from many small stones set close together. Both styles sit flat against the lobe, which keeps them comfortable and stops them catching on collars and hair.

All the stones are moissanite, set in 925 sterling silver. Moissanite has a refractive index of about 2.65, higher than diamond's 2.42, so a cluster of small stones produces a lot of coloured flash for its size. It also rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale against diamond's 10, so the many tiny facets that make a halo work stay sharp instead of wearing round. That durability matters more on a cluster, where dull stones would show immediately.

Six designs are offered, each in a silver or gold finish. The Halo and Double Halo are the most classic, with the double adding a second ring for a bigger, brighter face. The Oval stretches the shape down the lobe. Roses and Sunflower are petal designs and read as decoration first and sparkle second. Horse hoof is a horseshoe outline and the most distinctive of the group. Choose silver for a cool, white look or the gold colour finish for something warmer against the skin.

• Stone: moissanite halo and cluster settings
• Designs: Halo, Double Halo, Oval, Roses, Sunflower, Horse hoof
• Metal: 925 sterling silver
• Finish: silver or gold colour
• Style: stud earrings, flat to the lobe
• Fitting: post and back