Sterling Silver 8mm 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, 8 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 8 mm the stud covers most of the lobe. This is the size where the weight of the metal starts to be felt, and where a secure back matters.

Specification

• Metal: sterling silver (925)
• Style: Heavy Ball Stud
• Diameter: 8 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.