A retailer in Toronto wanted a stud earring SKU that matched a 6.5 mm solitaire ring she already carried. She asked for the same stone, the same 14K yellow gold, and a pair of butterfly backs that would not pull out on a small earlobe. That brief is the custom earring order in miniature: the stone is easy, the findings are where the order lives or dies. This article covers the three commercial earring formats we produce as custom orders, the findings each one needs, and the sizing that prevents return-rate problems.
Studs: the highest-turnover earring SKU
Studs are the earring format buyers reorder most. The commercial size range is 4.0 mm (about 0.3 ct equivalent) to 8.0 mm (about 2.0 ct equivalent), with 6.5 mm being the default for a diamond-stud look. Settings are usually four-prong or bezel. We ship studs with a 10.5 mm post (long enough for most earlobes) and a butterfly back with a plastic insert, which prevents the back from unscrewing itself during wear. Latch-back earrings are a step up in security and are the default for studs above 7 mm. See the prong vs bezel comparison for which setting to choose.
Drops and dangles: the statement SKU
A drop earring hangs below the earlobe on a lever-back or french wire. The most common custom drop is a 7x5 mm oval moissanite on a 15 to 20 mm drop, which reads as an elegant evening earring without being heavy. Total drop weight should stay under 3 grams per ear; above that, the earlobe stretches and customers return them. We use a lever-back clasp rather than a fish hook on drops above 2 grams, because fish hooks open under the weight. Drop earrings also need a wider post and a reinforced soldered joint where the drop meets the lever, which is where a cheap drop usually breaks.
Hoops: the everyday SKU
Custom moissanite hoops are usually set with a continuous row of small stones (1.0 to 1.5 mm rounds) around the front half of a 25 to 40 mm hoop. The hoop wire is 1.2 to 1.5 mm thick. Hinged hoops with a click closure are the default; we avoid screw-back hoops on earrings above 25 mm because the screw is a common failure point. Pavé hoops need every seat to be drilled by hand, which is why a pair of hoops takes 5 to 7 days longer in setting than a pair of studs. We reference earring construction history only for context; the modern finding choices are what matter for a wholesale order.
Pair matching and symmetry
Earrings are sold as pairs, and the two stones must match within 0.1 mm on diameter and within one color grade. We pair stones under magnification before setting and reject any pair where the face-up size differs by more than 2%. This is also why earrings carry a 10 to 15% price premium over a single pendant: the matching cost is built in. Buyers commissioning couple earring-cufflink sets usually ask for the same stone cut across both pieces so the pair reads as related.
Backs, posts and the nickel question
Posts and backs are where nickel sensitivity becomes a real issue. Our posts are 14K or 18K gold, or 925 sterling with a rhodium flash, both of which comply with the EU Nickel Directive on nickel release. We do not ship nickel-alloy posts. For buyers shipping into the EU, we include the compliance declaration on the invoice.
What is the minimum order for custom earrings?
One pair. We produce single pairs for engagement and wedding sets, and batch runs of 10 to 50 pairs for retail stock. The per-pair price drops 25 to 30% at MOQ 10.
How heavy is too heavy for a drop earring?
Above 3 grams per ear. We flag any design over 3 grams and offer an open-back setting or a smaller stone to bring the weight down.
Do you sell just the findings?
No. We produce finished pairs only. But we can set stones you supply into our standard finding design, which saves the CAD fee on repeat orders.
How long does a custom earring pair take?
Studs 18 to 22 working days. Drops 22 to 28 days. Pavé hoops 30 to 38 days, because each accent stone is set by hand.
Can I order earrings to match a custom ring?
Yes. We use the same stone cut and metal finish across the ring and the earring pair, so buyers sell a set rather than a single piece. See the ring design process for the ring side of the order.
Send us the stone size, the format (stud, drop or hoop) and the pair quantity. We will return a CAD render and a paired quote within three working days. Request your earring quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is moissanite a good diamond alternative for retail buyers?
Yes for price-sensitive customers who want brilliance and hardness. Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, holds up to daily wear and costs a fraction of a natural diamond of the same size, so it resells fast in bridal and fashion lines.
What is the minimum order for wholesale moissanite?
MOQ starts at 50 pieces per design for stock items. Custom cuts and private-label settings usually start at 100–300 pieces depending on the mold.
Do you provide certificates with moissanite stones?
Yes. Every parcel ships with GRA or IGI documentation listing carat weight, color grade and cut. We recommend passing the certificate to your end customer for trust.
How long does sample and bulk production take?
Samples ship in 3–5 days. Bulk runs take 15–20 days under 500 pieces, and 25–30 days for custom work.
