Sterling Silver 10mm Heavy Ball Stud Earrings

A ball stud is a sphere on a post. ÒHeavyÓ is the trade's word for the wall thickness: the ball is formed from heavier-gauge metal than the standard version, so it resists denting and holds its shape over years of wear rather than going soft and oval.

This pair is sterling silver, 10 mm across. The weight of a ball stud sits directly on the lobe rather than hanging from it, which is why ball studs stay comfortable at diameters that would be unwearable as a drop.

At 10 mm this is the largest size in the range and effectively a statement earring, covering the lobe and standing clear of it.

Specification

• Metal: sterling silver (925)
• Style: Heavy Ball Stud
• Diameter: 10 mm
• Profile: Full sphere
• Wall: Heavy gauge
• Finish: Polished
• Sold as: Pair

Sterling silver is 925 parts per thousand fine silver, the balance copper. The copper is what makes it workable Ñ fine silver on its own is too soft to hold a form Ñ and it is also why sterling tarnishes: the copper reacts with sulphur in the air. Tarnish is a surface film, not corrosion. It polishes off with a silver cloth and the metal beneath is unchanged.

Care. Store silver in a closed box or a zip bag when it is not being worn Ñ tarnish is driven by air, not by wear, so the pieces you wear least are the ones that darken first. Sold as a pair.