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Fairy Light Earrings

Fairy Light Earrings

Last updated:

B+

82 / 100

ProductScore

$128
Earrings Everyday diamond studsMinimalist earring loversSecond or third piercing earrings

Materials: Solid 14K yellow gold; two natural white diamonds (approximately 1.5mm each) in prong settings

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B+

The Verdict

Catbird's Fairy Light Earrings earn a B+ ProductScore of 82/100 — tiny diamond studs in solid 14K gold that deliver just enough sparkle to catch the light without announcing themselves. The petite scale and quality construction make them the ideal everyday earrings for minimalists who still want the real thing.

Score Breakdown

Quality 32/40
Value 27/35
Style 23/25

What Customers Say

Based on 2,900 mentions across social media and review platforms

The Fairy Light Earrings are a staple in Catbird discussions online, frequently recommended as the perfect everyday diamond studs. Reviewers love the delicate scale and real diamond quality, with many noting they're ideal for second piercings or as the studs you never take off. The tiny diamond size polarizes some buyers, but most who purchase them become devoted fans.

"These are my 'never take off' earrings. Real diamonds, real gold, small enough for sleeping, showering, and living. They've been in my ears for 8 months straight."

Reddit r/jewelry

"Perfect for my second holes. The tiny diamonds add just a whisper of sparkle next to my regular studs. Exactly what I wanted."

Google Reviews

"The diamonds are very small — like, really small. They're beautiful but don't expect people to notice them from a distance. They're more of a personal pleasure than a statement."

Reddit r/femalefashionadvice

"I've tried so many 'everyday stud' earrings and these are the ones that stuck. The quality is evident and they're comfortable enough to sleep in without irritation."

Google Reviews

"Gave these to my mom for Mother's Day. She's not a big jewelry person but she wears these every day. They're just subtle enough for someone who doesn't like flashy accessories."

Trustpilot

"The 14K gold posts are perfect for my sensitive ears. No reactions at all, which I can't say for cheaper alternatives I've tried."

Reddit r/jewelry

Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • + Genuine natural diamonds in solid 14K gold at an accessible price
  • + Tiny scale is perfect for everyday wear, sleeping, and continuous use
  • + 14K gold posts are hypoallergenic for most sensitive ears
  • + Ideal size for second and third piercing earrings
  • + Handmade in Brooklyn with Catbird's signature artisanal quality

Trade-offs

  • 1.5mm diamonds are very small and not visible from more than arm's length
  • Standard push-back closures could be more secure for everyday wear
  • Only available in yellow gold, limiting styling options
  • Tiny diamonds mean minimal sparkle compared to larger diamond studs

Specifications

Diamonds Two natural white diamonds, approximately 1.5mm each (0.015ct each)
Metal Solid 14K yellow gold
Setting Three-prong
Posts 14K gold friction push-back
Diamond Diameter 1.5mm each
Production Handmade in Brooklyn, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sleep in the Catbird Fairy Light Earrings?
Yes. The Fairy Light Earrings are specifically designed for continuous wear. The tiny diamond studs and smooth settings sit flat enough against the earlobe that sleeping on them is comfortable. The 14K gold posts won't irritate the piercing overnight. Many Catbird customers report wearing them 24/7 for months at a time.
Are the Catbird Fairy Light Earrings good for sensitive ears?
14K gold is one of the most hypoallergenic metals for earring posts. While no metal is guaranteed to be reaction-free for every individual, 14K gold causes significantly fewer reactions than surgical steel, sterling silver, or plated metals. If you have severe metal sensitivities, consult your dermatologist, but most people with 'sensitive ears' do well with 14K gold.
How big are the diamonds in the Catbird Fairy Light Earrings?
Each diamond is approximately 1.5mm in diameter (about 0.015 carats). This is intentionally tiny — the design philosophy is a subtle, intimate sparkle rather than a visible statement. The diamonds are most visible in direct sunlight or close conversation distance. For larger diamond studs, Catbird offers other options with bigger stones.
Are the Catbird Fairy Light Earrings real diamonds?
Yes, the Fairy Light Earrings feature genuine natural white diamonds — not cubic zirconia, moissanite, or crystal. Each diamond is individually selected for clarity and set by hand in Catbird's Brooklyn studio. Despite their tiny size, they are real diamonds with the hardness, brilliance, and permanence that only diamonds provide.

Full Review

There’s a specific joy in owning diamond earrings so small they feel like a secret. Catbird’s Fairy Light Earrings embody that joy — two tiny natural diamonds in solid gold, scaled to be felt rather than seen, designed for the person who values knowing they’re wearing something precious more than showing it off.

Design & Scale

The Fairy Light Earrings are deliberately, delightfully tiny. Each diamond is approximately 1.5mm — a glinting point of light rather than a visible stone. Set in delicate three-prong settings on 14K gold posts, they sit close to the earlobe with essentially no protrusion. The visual effect is a barely-there sparkle that catches light at close range, creating the fairy-light twinkle that gives them their name.

This scale makes them versatile in ways that larger studs can’t match. They’re ideal for second and third piercings, where a smaller earring complements rather than competes with a primary pair. They layer beautifully with hoops and other earring styles. And they disappear enough to be appropriate in any setting, from boardrooms to beach days.

The Everyday Earring

Catbird designed the Fairy Lights to be the earrings you forget you’re wearing — and in this, they succeed perfectly. The smooth settings don’t press into the earlobe during sleep, the 14K gold posts won’t irritate the piercing, and the tiny scale means nothing catches on hair, pillows, or phone calls.

Reviewers who wear them continuously for months report zero issues with tarnish, irritation, or wear. The solid gold construction handles water, sweat, sunscreen, and the general chaos of daily life without complaint.

The Size Question

The perennial question with the Fairy Lights is whether the diamonds are too small. The honest answer: it depends on what you want from your earrings. If you want visible sparkle that’s noticeable in photos and across dinner tables, 1.5mm diamonds won’t deliver that. If you want a personal, intimate touch of luxury that you can feel even when others can’t see it, these are perfect.

Who Should Buy These

The Fairy Light Earrings are for the minimalist who loves real materials, the sensitive-eared person who needs quality gold posts, and anyone looking for beautiful second-piercing studs. They’re also an excellent gift for the person who says “I don’t really wear jewelry” — these might be the exception that proves them wrong.

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