last year i purchased these w/ a pear shaped stone, stone a bit larger & did not like the way they hung, i saw these w/ a smaller stone on sale half price, they are beautiful, sit just right, i like the platinum coating, don't irriate my ears, wound up buying a 2nd pair for a family member, they sparkle & are really nice for the price, i cant speak for the gold plated, but the platinum plated hold up well, & after losing too many 14k gold earrings, these are a nice replacement.....