Princess Cut Stud Earrings, 0.4ct to 5ct in 925 Silver

Princess cut is a square stone with a brilliant facet pattern underneath, so it holds the straight edges of a square while still flashing like a round. In a stud that combination is useful. The flat sides give the earring a defined outline against the lobe, which is why it reads as sharper and more modern than a round stud, and the four corners are held in V shaped prongs that protect the most vulnerable part of the stone.

There are two stone routes. Certified moissanite is the harder stone at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, so the corners and facet edges stay sharp, and its refractive index of about 2.65 against a diamond's 2.42 gives it noticeably more fire. Uncertified zircon is softer, so corners round off and the surface clouds with wear, and it throws far less colour. Zircon is the cheaper way in and fine as a gift. Moissanite is the one to buy if you wear studs daily.

Six pair weights are listed, each quoted per ear. The 0.4ct and 0.6ct pairs are discreet and sit entirely within the lobe, which is the usual territory for a men's stud. The 1ct pair is the middle ground and still reads as jewellery rather than a statement. The 2ct and 3ct pairs cover the lobe fully. The 5ct pair is a deliberate statement and heavy enough that a secure fitting matters. All are set on 925 sterling silver.

• Stone: princess cut certified moissanite or uncertified zircon
• Carat options per ear: 0.4ct, 0.6ct, 1ct, 2ct, 3ct, 5ct
• Metal: 925 sterling silver
• Setting: four V shaped corner prongs
• Sold as: one pair
• Note: the GRA certificate applies to the moissanite option only