Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Lab-Created White Opal Stud Dangle Earrings in Sterling Silver

Precious Metals at Sophia Jewelers

Our earrings come in a range of metals, from gold, platinum and sterling silver to stainless steel and titanium. Each product page lists its exact metal.

14k Gold (Most Popular)

58.3% pure gold. The ideal balance of durability and color richness. Available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. The standard choice for fine earrings and everyday fine jewelry.

18k Gold (Premium)

75% pure gold. Richer in color, slightly softer than 14k. Preferred for statement and heirloom pieces where purity matters most.

10k Gold (Everyday Value)

41.7% pure gold. The most durable gold alloy, ideal for active wearers. Stamped 417 on the piece.

Sterling Silver

92.5% pure silver, stamped 925. Cool-toned and versatile. Best for occasional wear; silver develops a natural patina over time.

Platinum

Naturally white, hypoallergenic, and the most durable precious metal. Recommended for those with nickel sensitivities.

Titanium & Stainless Steel

Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and virtually maintenance-free. An excellent choice for everyday earrings and sensitive ears.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. Same carbon crystal structure, same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), same brilliance. The difference is origin and price: created in a controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds are typically 50-70% less expensive than comparable mined stones, meaning you get a larger, higher-quality diamond for your budget.

Lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free by origin and graded on the same 4Cs as mined diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Grading reports are included only when the individual product details specify one. Diamond details are listed in each product description.

Earring Styles at a Glance

Not sure which earring style is right for you? Here is a quick guide to help you choose.

Studs

Sit directly on the earlobe. Timeless and versatile, the most popular style for everyday wear. Sized by diameter: 3-4mm is subtle, 5-6mm is classic, 7mm and above makes a statement.

Huggie Hoops

Small hoops that sit snug and close to the lobe. Comfortable for all-day wear and a modern alternative to studs. Inner diameter 10-14mm.

Hoop Earrings

Classic circular earrings in a range of sizes. 20-30mm is a classic medium hoop; 40mm and above creates a bold statement look.

Drop & Dangle Earrings

Hang below the earlobe in a variety of lengths. Drop length is measured from the bottom of the post to the bottom of the earring. Perfect for evenings and special occasions.

Chandelier Earrings

Multi-tiered drops with dramatic presence. Best for formal occasions and events.

Understanding Diamond Carat Total Weight (CTW)

For diamond earrings, CTW is the combined carat weight of all diamonds in both earrings. Here is a quick reference:

• 1/10 CTW (0.10 ct) - Delicate, subtle sparkle. Ideal for everyday wear and minimalist styles.
• 1/4 CTW (0.25 ct) - Noticeable brilliance without being dramatic. A popular choice for classic diamond studs.
• 1/2 CTW (0.50 ct) - The most popular diamond stud weight. Visible sparkle that reads as fine jewelry.
• 3/4 CTW (0.75 ct) - Rich, substantial presence. Statement-level for studs; classic for hoops.
• 1 CTW and above - Maximum brilliance. Ideal for special occasions and significant gifts.

Higher CTW does not always mean a larger-looking earring. Cut quality and stone placement affect visual impact significantly. A well-cut 1/2 CTW hoop can outshine a poorly cut 1 CTW pair.

Backing Types

• Push back (friction post) - standard backing for most studs
• Screw back - twist-on for added security on precious stone studs
• Lever back - hinged closure for drop styles
• Hinged hoop - clicks shut for seamless closure on hoops
• French wire - open hook for lightweight drop earrings

The backing type for each pair is noted in the product description.

How to Care for Your Earrings

Fine earrings deserve thoughtful care. These guidelines will keep your pieces luminous for years.

Daily Care

• Remove earrings before swimming, showering, or using cleaning products
• Apply lotion, perfume, and hairspray before putting on your earrings
• Avoid wearing earrings during gym workouts or high-contact activities
• Put earrings on last when getting dressed — last on, first off

Cleaning at Home

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Safe for gold, platinum, and most gemstones. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for pearls, opals, and emeralds.

Storage

Store earrings individually in soft pouches or a compartmentalized jewelry box to prevent scratching and tangling. Keep backs with their pairs so you do not lose them.

Professional Care

Have precious stone earrings professionally cleaned and inspected once a year to check prong integrity and stone security.

Shipping

Standard shipping is free on US orders of $99 or more. Orders ship within 2–3 business days in insured packaging.

• Standard: free on US orders of $99 or more; under $99, the USPS rate is shown at checkout
• Faster delivery: USPS Priority Mail, UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS Next Day Air, priced at checkout
• International: Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia and Japan, priced at checkout

A tracking number is emailed as soon as your order ships.

Returns and Exchanges

Return or exchange unworn earrings within 30 days of delivery, with their original tags and packaging; for hygiene reasons they must be completely unworn. Request a return authorization (RMA) first; refunds carry a 10% restocking fee, waived for store credit. Engraved and personalized pieces can't be returned.

To start a return or exchange, email info@sophiajewelers.com with your order number, or see how returns work.