Diamond Earring Facts
Diamond earrings are considered a staple in a woman's jewelry wardrobe. The clear color of the diamond makes it an easy gemstone to match to any outfit. There are different types of diamond earrings ranging in value, size and style. Diamond earrings can be worn during the day or in the evening for any type of event from casual to formal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Diamond Color Characteristics
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The clarity of a diamond is measured by how many flaws or inclusions are visible inside of a stone. The most valuable diamonds have few, if any, flaws. The following rating system is used to describe clarity: FL, IF stand for internally flawless, VVS stands for very very slightly imperfect, VS stands for very slightly imperfect, SI stands for slightly imperfect, and I stands for imperfect.
Diamond color is equally important in determining the value of diamond earrings. Diamonds range in color from colorless to slightly yellow. The most valuable diamond earrings are colorless and the least valuable are slightly yellow. The grading scale ranges from D for colorless diamonds and ends at Z for slightly yellow diamonds.
Diamond Size Characteristics
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The cut of a diamond is rated on a scale as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor. The most valuable cuts are rated very dood or excellent. Diamonds are also cut into different shapes. Common diamond cuts are round, princess or square, pear, emerald or rectangle, and oval.
Carat weight is considered important for the value of a diamond because it describes the size of the diamond. The carat weight for each individual earring in a set is added together for a total carat weight. For example, earrings come in pairs and if each earring is one carat in weight, the earrings will be considered two carats.
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Types of Diamond Earrings
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Diamond earrings come in many shapes and forms. Diamonds are mounted on gold or platinum settings. The settings can have multiple diamonds or a single stone in each ear. Common diamond earring settings are studs, hoops and dangles. Dangles can come in multiple shapes such as circles, squares, lines, triangles and chandelier. Diamond earrings come in different sizes ranging from small, where they do not drop below the bottom of the earlobe, to extra large where the earrings touch the top of one's shoulders.
Uses for Diamond Earrings
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Diamond earrings are clear in color which makes them easy to match to any color combination in an outfit. The sparkle and shine, which are characteristic of diamonds due to their cut, make them an instant and noticeable fashion statement. Smaller diamond earrings are appropriate for daytime activities such as lunch with friends or shopping at the mall. Larger diamond earrings are appropriate for semi-formal or formal events such as weddings, charity dinners or attending the opera.
Care
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Special care should be taken to properly clean and store diamond earrings. Diamond earrings should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap such as liquid dish soap. The drain in the sink should be shut in order to prevent the diamond earrings from slipping down the drain while being cleaned.
Diamond earrings should be stored in a jewelry box or felt pouch to protect the gold or platinum setting from being scratched by other jewelry. Storing diamond earrings separate from other jewelry also will help prevent them from getting separated or tangled in other jewelry such as necklaces.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit diamond stud earrings image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
