These are a great small statement earring. When I first saw them on RTR, I assumed the chain went through the ear piercing, but the chain is actually just connected to the earring back. The pink stud is plastic. Only reason I gave the earrings 4 stars instead of 5 is because the earrings are slightly tarnished. These earrings went great with the ML Monique LHuillier Sweetheart Coloblock Sheath I rented.