The picture does not do the earrings justice. The sapphires are the most gorgeous deep ocean blue color that sparkle when the light hits them. 5mm sapphires are not huge, but for these earrings anything bigger would have detracted from the luscious, button pearls. They are a classic round facet cut a sterling silver prongs and are attached by a thin wire to the sterling silver post. The Pearls are HUGE (the size of my pinky nail), much bigger than I imagined. They are button pearls (not perfectly round) which makes them wider and more squat than your average round pearl. This allows them to be larger than a round pearl without looking awkward on your ear. I have gotten many compliments with these earrings. And as far as giving as a gift, I don't know many women who wouldn't love them. Simply stunning.