These earrings are pretty and the color is nice and soft. They aren't too gaudy (which would make them look like pure "junk" jewelery - but they also pop a whole lot. They would make a wonderful gift for a young teenager, but I wouldn't call them "gift" quality for an adult.
However, if this is your birth stone they would be wonderful to have as a treasure. They also look great with a toned down business casual or casual outfit. Again - not so much for dressing up and being the life of the party, but perfect for allowing your outfit to have a more completed look. They create just a nice and simple look and something I love having in my jewelry box that I can pull out with the right outfit. However, they aren't a piece I would buy an outfit simply to match them (ladies know what I am talking about here - LOL).
So, here is a quick buying guide for men out there wondering if these would be an appropriate gift:
Yes to these earrings for the following reasons
1. Daughter's 14th birthday
2. Niece turning 16 (but add a $10 Amazon gift card to the purchase)
3. Its your wife's birthday and this is your wife's birthstone and you also purchased a trip to Paris or a day at the spa
4. Your significant other just cut her hair short and she hates it - and you want to show her that her new hair brings out her lovely eyes and you thought these earrings would also sparkle in the glow of that sexy haircut

No on these earrings for the following reasons:
1. You forgot your wife's birthday and this is her birthstone (honestly, if you forgot her birthday you are probably wrong on the birthstone as well - so don't take any chances. Just go with the trip to Paris mentioned above)
2. Your significant other gained a few pounds and you want to show her that stud earrings make her look thin (they don't, I recommend buying her a new outfit - just cut out the size tag and sew in a new one one or two sizes smaller or go with the trip to Paris)
3. You are looking for a graduation present for your daughter who was Valedictorian (skip earrings, send her to Paris with your wife)
4. Your son has decided he wants an earring and you are being supportive (gift card to Amazon and let him pick out his own earrings; better yet, send him to Paris with your wife and daughter and let him get pierced there)

Hope this buying guide was helpful to any men out there!