Coloured Moissanite Stud Earrings, 0.3ct to 3ct

These are stud earrings in coloured stones rather than the usual white, and the colour is the point. Green, black, red, blue, pink and white are all offered, so you can match a pair to a wardrobe, a birthstone or a mood. A coloured stud works best as a single accent, because it adds one note of colour to the ear without competing with a necklace or a watch. Black is the most neutral choice and goes with almost everything, including a suit.

The stones are moissanite, which matters for coloured studs because they sit close to the face, where a scratched or clouded stone shows immediately. Moissanite measures 9.25 on the Mohs scale, so it resists the scuffing that dulls glass and softer simulants. Its refractive index of about 2.65 is higher than diamond's 2.42, so coloured stones still flash. Coloured stones are not graded on the D to Z scale used for white ones, so choose them by eye.

The size range is wide, so read the millimetres. The 4mm at 0.3ct is a quiet pair for everyday wear or a second piercing. The 5mm at 0.5ct is the one most people choose. The 6.5mm at 1ct has clear presence. The 8mm at 2ct and 9mm at 3ct are statement studs for evenings. Every pair is set in s925 sterling silver plated with 18k white gold and suits men as well as women.

• Stone: coloured moissanite in green, black, red, blue, pink or white
• Sizes: 4mm 0.3ct, 5mm 0.5ct, 6.5mm 1ct, 8mm 2ct, 9mm 3ct
• Weight shown is per stone
• Metal: s925 sterling silver, 18k white gold plated
• Style: stud earrings
• Fitting: post and butterfly back