I purchased this set last year in a charity shop in Killarney, Ireland. They are small button shaped earrings that measure just a tad under 1" across. Their pierced and have these really marvelous large silver butterfly backs - we don't see those here too often in the states. The Celtic design is very lovely and unique. I have absolutely no clue what kind of metal they are made of but they are rather lightweight. They are pre-owned. I've made no attempt to clean them. I would upon purchase suggest that you clean the backs and post with alcohol. Exceedingly interesting and I've seen alot of Celtic jewelry.