Brilliant Embers earrings in .925 sterling silver set with cubic zirconia, rhodium finished so the metal stays bright white against the stone. The range covers studs for everyday wear, drops and dangles for evening, and heart designs that pair with the necklaces from the same line.
See also the full Brilliant Embers collection, dangle earrings, heart earrings, circle and assorted designs, matching necklaces and all earrings.
More about brilliant embers earrings
Studs, drops and dangles
A stud sits against the lobe and is the piece worn daily and slept in. A drop hangs a short distance below the fitting and stays discreet. A dangle moves as the head moves and reads as the dressiest of the three. The fitting type is stated on each product page.
Cubic zirconia, and why the range uses it
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created stone cut the way a diamond is cut. At normal viewing distance it reads almost identically at a fraction of the cost, and that is what lets a range like this use larger stones and cover more of the surface.
The rhodium finish
Rhodium is a hard white metal from the platinum group, applied as a finish over sterling silver. It gives the bright white surface that sets off a clear stone and slows the tarnishing silver does naturally. It is a finish, not the metal — the body is .925 silver throughout.
Weight and comfort
Sterling silver set with cubic zirconia is appreciably lighter than an equivalent gold piece set with mined stones, which is why a larger earring in this range is still comfortable through an evening. Weight is given in grams on each product page.
Common questions
What is cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created stone cut the way a diamond is cut. At normal viewing distance it reads almost identically at a fraction of the cost, and that is what lets a range like this use larger stones and cover more of the surface.
What is the difference between a drop and a dangle earring?
A drop hangs a short fixed distance below the fitting and barely moves. A dangle is articulated and swings with the head. Drops read as more discreet and suit daily wear; dangles are the dressier of the two.
Are these good for sensitive ears?
Sterling silver with a rhodium finish suits most people, because the rhodium puts a barrier between the skin and the copper in the sterling alloy. Everything in this range is .925 silver rather than a mixed or base metal, and base metal is the usual cause of a reaction.
Can I sleep in these?
A small stud, yes. Anything with a hook, a dangle or a larger stone is better taken out, both because the setting can catch and because pressure on a stone-set earring overnight can loosen a prong over time.
Will the rhodium wear off?
It thins over years of daily wear, usually first where the earring rubs against skin or a pillow. A jeweler can reapply it inexpensively, and the sterling silver underneath is unchanged.
Do these come as a matched set with a necklace?
Pieces within Brilliant Embers share stone size, setting and finish, so an earring and a necklace from the line match. They are sold separately rather than boxed as a set, which lets you choose the combination.
How should I store them?
Dry, and separately from other pieces so the stones are not scratched by harder metal. A soft pouch or a lined box is enough. Putting them on after perfume and hairspray rather than before keeps the finish bright.
