have had my ears pierced, now the hunt for earrings ...

[scripsi]

I know I am very late to the game, but I've been coveting earrings for a long while (I have had my hair cut to just below shoulder length after years of very long hair so there's more chance to actually see earrings now).
So far it's all been very straightforward with the piercing (fingerscrossed) and I want to start looking for flattering earrings.
I love some diamond studs as seen on Natalie Portman (more extravagantly I love the big emerald drops worn by angelina jolie - but I doubt I would ever be able to find the exact colour and style - and the colour was the thing I loved).
I can't afford real gems just now (this is all still rather an experiment to see whether I get on with earrings etc). I am thinking of getting these QVC ones: www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.602393.cm_scid.KeywordSearch
the reviews are mixed. I want something noticeable but realistic looking, in particular as I've got various weddings (and a possible job interview) coming up, which would be a good opportunity to wear something noticeable.
Have any of you tried these ones? I wish I could see the setting (I don't like lots of visible metal cages on earrings).

What is your budget?

Also (I am not sure) do you have to wear gold only or something when you first pierce your ears????

I think it is always a good idea to see jewellery in the flesh - I have bought two things in the past which looked amazing on the web, but when I got them, they didn't look as good.

I bought from QVC recently, but had to return them, as they looked a bit fake when I got them (and they looked elegant on the site)

Maybe others can give you better feedback :)

Cubic zircona isn't too bad?

Monica Vinader has some nice jewellery, in the style of the drops (but not the colour though)

www.monicavinader.com/

There was a thread about diamond simulants recently.

The best/most realistic stone that we came up with is Moissanite. Tends to be more expensive than diamonique/cubic zirconia ranges but is very very similar and has that 'wow' factor.

What is the budget?

Also if you're into green stones there's all manner of simulants out there as well....