Moissanite Cross Stud Earrings, 3mm to 6.5mm S925

A cross stud has to solve a problem a round stud does not. The shape is long on one axis, so it only looks right if it sits straight, and that depends on the post being centred on the mass rather than on the outline. These are set with the post behind the intersection, which is why they hang level instead of rotating. The arms are fully set with stones to the tips, so the shape stays bright along its whole length.

The stones are moissanite throughout, on 925 sterling silver. On a pave piece the case for moissanite is structural rather than cosmetic. Small stones are held by thin beads of metal with very little margin, so a stone that chips at the girdle works loose and falls out. At Mohs 9.25 that happens far less often than with zircon at 8.5. The higher refractive index near 2.65 is the reason a 3mm cross still reads as bright rather than grey.

Sizes run 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6.5mm, and the back style is tied to the size on the option list. The 3mm and 4mm are small enough to wear with anything and are the usual choice for a daily pair. The 5mm reads clearly from a conversational distance. The 6.5mm is a statement and is where the screw back matters, because a heavier cross will work a push back loose over a day. Yellow gold or white gold finish.

• Stone: full moissanite, paved to the arm tips
• Sizes: 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6.5mm
• Metal: 100% 925 sterling silver
• Finish: yellow gold or white gold
• Fitting: push back or screw back by size
• Style: flat cross stud, sits level on the lobe