Round Solitaire Stud Earrings, 0.5ct to 3ct

Solitaire studs are the one piece of jewellery almost everyone wears, which is why the size you pick matters more than the styling. Half a carat each is a sleeper size you can wear through a workday and forget about. One carat each is the classic proportion and the one most people mean when they say diamond studs. Two and three carats each read deliberately large and photograph strongly. Both zircon and moissanite options sit in the same mount, so the difference is in the stone alone.

Both stone types are available in every size. The moissanite option is the one to take if you want the earrings to keep their brightness over years rather than months, since moissanite is close to diamond in hardness and holds a polish accordingly, and it bends light harder so the flash stays lively under dull indoor lighting. The zircon option is softer and less fiery but delivers the same clean look at a lower entry price.

The mount is 925 sterling silver plated in white gold, with a four claw head that sits the stone slightly proud of the lobe so light can enter from the sides. White, yellow and rose gold finishes are all offered, and the backs are secure enough for everyday wear. If you are choosing a larger size, take the secure backs seriously and check them after the first week of wear.

• Stone: choose moissanite or zircon
• Weights: 0.5ct, 1ct, 2ct or 3ct each
• Metal: 925 sterling silver
• Finish: white gold, yellow gold or rose gold
• Setting: four claw raised head
• Sold as a pair