Moissanite Stud Earrings, 3mm to 10mm Screw Back

A round stud is the one piece of jewellery judged almost entirely on size. Too small and it disappears on the lobe. Too large and it tips forward and sits at an angle. These run from 3mm to 10mm, which covers that whole decision in one listing. The setting is a simple four prong basket that holds the stone high enough to let light in from the sides, because a stud set flush into the metal loses most of its brightness.

Five stone and metal combinations are offered. Moissanite is available on 925 sterling silver and on 10k, 14k and 18k gold, and there is a 14k lab grown diamond option as well. Moissanite is the value pick and the brighter of the two, because its refractive index near 2.65 beats diamond's 2.42 and gives more visible fire at the same size. Lab diamond is harder at Mohs 10 against 9.25, and it is the option to take if resale matters to you.

Size is the real decision. The 3mm and 4mm are small enough for a second or third piercing and for anyone who wants the stone there but not announced. The 5mm and 6mm are the everyday range and the sizes most people end up wearing. The 8mm and 10mm are statement studs and are heavier on the lobe, which is exactly where the screw back fitting earns its place. Silver and gold tones are offered across the whole size range.

• Stone: moissanite, or 14k lab grown diamond option
• Sizes: 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm
• Metal: S925 sterling silver, 10k, 14k or 18k gold
• Finish: silver or yellow gold tone
• Fitting: screw back posts
• Setting: four prong basket