Oval Moissanite Stud Earrings, 1ct to 4ct Each

Oval is the cut that gives you the most visible stone per carat, and that applies to studs as much as to rings. Because the shape is elongated, more of the weight sits in the face of the stone and less is hidden in depth, so a two carat oval covers more of the lobe than a two carat round. Worn vertically it also lengthens the look of the lobe rather than widening it.

The stones are moissanite set on S925 sterling silver. An oval shows its cut quality more readily than a round, because a poorly proportioned oval develops a dark bowtie across the centre that no amount of polish removes. A well cut moissanite oval avoids that and uses its refractive index of about 2.65, against a diamond's 2.42, to push more coloured fire back out. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale the stones hold their polish.

Five pair weights are listed, quoted per ear: 1ct, 1.5ct, 2ct, 3ct and 4ct. The 1ct and 1.5ct pairs are everyday studs and stay within the lobe on most ears. The 2ct pair is the point where the stone becomes the feature of the face. The 3ct and 4ct pairs are large ovals that extend past the lobe edge and sit best on a bigger ear. Three finishes are offered, gold, silver and rose gold.

• Stone: oval cut moissanite
• Carat options per ear: 1ct, 1.5ct, 2ct, 3ct, 4ct
• Metal: S925 sterling silver
• Finish: gold, silver or rose gold
• Setting: prong set oval, worn vertically
• Sold as: one pair