I love these earrings. The size is perfect I've received lots of compliments on these earrings. I have very sensitive ears I cannot wear costume jewelry, the post has to be 100% sterling silver or 14k gold. I was a little worried about buying earrings online because you never know what you will get. But these earrings didn't give me any problems at all with my ears, so I guess it's safe to say these are the real thing.