These earrings are 100% genuine 925 sterling silver. One of our silversmiths makes the actual beads from which I make the earrings, which is by far the simplest part. These silver balls are known as "granulation" beads, which refers to the silversmith technique whereby tiny granules of silver are individually affixed to the surface of the ball or bead to create the desired effect. The headpins and hooks are also sterling silver. Length is 1.5 inches. The beads are 12mm diameter.