Why steel rather than sterling

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper — and copper is what tarnishes. It is also what makes sterling a poor choice for anyone with sensitive ears, because sterling is frequently alloyed with nickel too.

316L stainless steel has neither problem. It does not oxidise at the surface, so the colour stays where it is, and it is designed without nickel, which is the metal most people actually react to. The trade is that this is a silver tone, not a precious metal — which is the right trade at $32 for something you intend to leave in.

All fifty-four styles here are 316L, waterproof, and made to ASTM F2923-20 — the US children's jewelry standard, which limits lead and cadmium content and restricts nickel release.

What's on the page

Devin Duster Silver is the best seller by a distance — 124 pairs last year — and Sadie Bow Silver (92), Snowflake Silver (81), Helen Silver (62) and Clara Cross Silver Sparkle (59) follow it.

Sizes run from a 2mm Micro Cooper up to a 12mm Sadie Bow, so the same finish works for a first hole and for a stack. Thirteen styles are set with CZ. Nineteen are western motifs — boots, horseshoes, the state of Texas, the steer. Five are cross and faith designs, and there are three Texas A&M logo styles at $38, the only licensed collegiate pieces in the shop.

Thirty-one of the fifty-four are sold as children's styles, which is more than half — silver reads younger, and the screw back is why parents buy it.

Also worth seeing

All screw back flat back studs · Gold flat back studs · Kids hypoallergenic earrings

Questions

Is this real silver?

No — it is 316L surgical-grade stainless steel with a silver-toned finish, not sterling silver. That is deliberate. Sterling contains copper, which tarnishes, and is often alloyed with nickel, which is what most sensitive ears react to. Steel has neither problem, which is why these can be worn continuously.

Will they tarnish?

No. Tarnish is copper oxidising at the surface, and there is no copper here. The finish does not dull in a jewelry box, in a shower or in a pool, and there is no polishing cloth to keep track of.

Can you shower, swim and sleep in them?

All fifty-four are rated waterproof for shower, pool, ocean and sweat, and the flat disc back sits flush enough against the lobe to sleep on. The screw back threads onto the post rather than pushing on, so it does not work loose overnight.

Are they safe for sensitive ears?

The post is 316L surgical-grade stainless steel designed without nickel — nickel being the usual cause of itching, redness and weeping. All fifty-four are made to ASTM F2923-20, the US standard for children's jewelry, which sets a limit on nickel release.

What size should I get?

2mm to 5mm reads as barely-there and works for a second or third piercing. 7mm to 8mm is the everyday size. 10mm and 12mm are the ones people notice. Everything is $32 apart from the three licensed Texas A&M styles at $38.