What styles of diamond earring is the best?
Diamond earrings are perhaps one of the most popular types of diamond jewelry today. There are many different styles and designs to choose from, which makes the selection a bit challenging. So, if you're interested in buying diamond earrings, here are some tips to help you make the right decision.
HISTORY OF DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS
The history of stud earrings dates back to 5000 BC, when people wore an early form of stud earrings and other designs to show what religion they believed or what tribe or family they belonged to. Also, ancient people believed that evil spirits and sickness entered through our body orifices, especially through the ear holes. This made them place gemstone earrings near the earhole to protect themselves from spirits and evil.
Modern-style diamond stud earrings made their appearance in the latter part of the 19th century when the South African diamond fields were discovered, and the diamond market was full of diamonds.
The popularity of diamond stud earrings increased in the 1970s, and ever since, they have remained the most popular earring type. While the styles of studs constantly change throughout the decades, the classic beauty of diamond stud earrings has never changed.
HOW TO CHOOSE DIAMONDS FOR STUD EARRINGS
The 4Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat weight) are the universal standard for evaluating diamond quality. To get the best quality for the price you can allow, you need to follow the simple guidelines below.
COLOR
Diamonds in the near-colorless range will serve you just as well as the stones with the higher grade. The difference would be invisible to others, but you would save a good amount of money.
CLARITY
Similar to the color, choosing the best clarity will not make a visible difference. Of course, you can opt for the highest range, but it will not give any noticeable benefit.Since it is unlikely that anyone will be able to spot inclusions on your diamond earrings, you can skip diamonds with higher clarity grades and choose stones that are Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) or even Included (I1 and I2).
CUT
It is always recommended to choose the best-cut stones (Excellent grade) to ensure that each diamond’s proportions and symmetry will maximize the amount of fire, brilliance and scintillation. In case you want to save some money, you can consider the Very Good cut grade, as the difference between those two will not be that noticeable. If you are buying round diamonds, make sure the stones are not too deep or too shallow, as this disproportion will greatly affect the appearance.
CARAT WEIGHT
Diamond size is always a matter of taste. Just keep in mind that as the stones get bigger, their flaws and tints become more noticeable to the naked eye. This is why you need to pay extra attention to the color and clarity of your diamonds if they are 1-carat and larger.
What Are The Types of Earring?
Stud Earrings
Stud earrings tend to be on the small side and sit snugly on top of the ear lobe without dropping downward, looping backward, or climbing upward. Typically featuring a simple design, studs are comfortable to wear and look great with any outfit. Diamond Stud are a jewelry box staple and one of the most popular styles of earrings.
Drop Earrings
If you want an earring that’s still simple but has a little bit of length to it, a delicate drop earring might be just what you are looking for. Drop earrings hang down below the earlobe and are typically stationary, almost like an extended stud earring.
Cluster Earrings
Cluster Earrings sit tightly on top of the earlobe and are composed of several stones or gems grouped together to create a cluster. These decorative earrings can come in the form of a stud or have a slight drop.
Dangle Earrings
Similar to the drop earring, dangle earrings also hang down below the earlobe. Dangle earrings typically feature a more intricate design and have more movement to them than a standard drop earring.
Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are shaped like hoops and loop from the front of the earlobe to the back. While most hoop earrings are round, they can come in varying shapes like triangles, squares, and ovals, and range in size from small to large. Smaller hoops create an understated look while larger hoop earrings provide for a more dramatic effect. For a glamorous look, opt for a pair of in and out diamond hoops.
Chandelier Earrings
Chandelier Earrings are a type of dangle earring with a shape that resembles an ornate crystal chandelier. Chandelier earrings exude elegance and femininity and are thought to be the most luxurious of all the earring styles.