When I lived in Hawaii, I purchased Hawaiian heritage 14 karat jewelry. I still have some special pieces. I bought these earrings because I did not have earrings before and they are quite nice. The only issue I have is that the lever back part Of the earrings, is thicker than my ear piercings. I really had to work them into my ear and I experienced a little bit of discomfort with that. I am wearing the earrings a little more frequently so that the hole they go through hopefully adjusts.