These small post earrings feature one pair of genuine earth-mined emeralds set in solid sterling silver settings. You can choose from three types of emerald : Brazilian, Colombian, or African by using the selector in the righthand column. The differences between each type are outlined in the 2nd photo.

I'd like to emphasize that these gems are very beautiful but small, indeed, they're the tiniest in the whole Salon Petite collection! They'll offer just a dash of authentic emerald colour to your presentation which is great if that's what you're after, however, please do have a look at all the photos in the series for an idea of their true size and what they'll look like when worn.

The gems were all earth-mined in their respective countries and are all 100% natural and untreated except for an industry standard cedar oil wash to improve their colour and clarity. Externally, each emerald type is well-finished and displays a good cut with neat proportions and symmetry and smooth faces.

Of the 3 types :
- the African emeralds demonstrate the best clarity (transparency) and sparkle;
- the Colombian emeralds offer the brightest colour but have more of a subtle 'glow' than a sparkle;
- the Brazilian emeralds show the deepest 'jungle green' colour but are decidedly matt and cloudy (i.e they have practically no sparkle at all - predictable with dark coloured gems since the dark colouring absorbs the light).

In each case the emeralds weigh around 0.12 carats and measure 3mm diameter each. Set, each earring weighs 0.17 grams and measures 3mm diameter x 14mm length. The settings used are premium quality 'basket' style settings manufactured by Stuller Inc. of Louisiana, America's finest jewellery components manufacturer.

As with all Salon Petite stud earrings the prong tips have been micro polished to limit the chances of catching in hair or on clothing; and both sterling silver butterfly clutches and clear silicone stoppers are supplied for your comfort and convenience in fitting.

Presentation for the earrings includes a hinge-lid gift box lined with Japanese Unryu papers. Unryu is a handmade designer paper that contains strands of plant fiber for colour and contrast - very pretty. Dressing up my jewellery for display and gift-giving is one of my favourite parts of the Etsy process (photo #7).