These earrings were replacing what amounted to a more expensive version of the exact same thing.  I have lost TONS of earrings of this basic kind, usually due to my own ineptitude.  These were extraordinarily inexpensive.  Usually when I buy cheap earrings, they wind up giving me trouble in the form of an allergic reaction.  Not so with these.  These not only stay in my ear without difficulty, but they are definitely made of sterling silver.  I have no idea how they sell them so cheaply.  I took one point off because the backing is ridiculously long, to the point where it's a touch absurd, but overall they have MORE than showed their worth.  I would buy these again if I lose one (although the backs fit so tightly, I think I have solved this problem!).