By "heavier" I mean that the earrings are more substantial than I expected, which is a good thing.  Nice color to the amber and a nice size -- neither too large nor too small.  One of the posts was bent slightly (I started to type "in the mail," but that would have been difficult, given that the earrings came in a box).  Anyway, I was able to straighten the post without doing damage to the earring, so all is well.  I'm happy with the purchase.