| The word 'diamond' is derived from an ancient | | | | non-pierced ears. Post earrings use a clutch, |
| Greek work meaning "impossible to tame." | | | | nut or some other means to support it in the |
| Diamonds are one of the best-known forms of | | | | ear. Post earrings with a solitary diamond at |
| carbon. They have been used as gems from time | | | | the end are called stud earrings. Wire |
| immemorial and have a wide variety of | | | | earrings like fish hooks and kidney wires use |
| industrial applications. The popularity of | | | | a differently shaped small wire that slips |
| diamonds increased in the 19th century | | | | through the pierced ear to hold the earrings |
| because of improved cutting and polishing | | | | in place. Sometimes a hook at the back is |
| techniques. The quality of the diamond is | | | | used as an additional support. In the clip |
| usually judged by the four C's, referring to | | | | earrings a hinged clip clasps the earring in |
| carat, clarity, color and cut. | | | | the ear lobe. |
| | | | |
| Diamond earrings are a personal adornment | | | | Diamond earrings vary in style, price range, |
| worn attached to the ear lobe. Egyptians | | | | size and weight. The diamond may be set with |
| initiated the fashion of earrings by first | | | | other diamonds or precious stones like |
| wearing large gold hoops, which eventually | | | | emeralds, rubies and sapphires in yellow, |
| grew smaller and also contained a pendant. In | | | | white or red gold, silver, rhodium or |
| Babylonia and Assyria, men used to wear | | | | platinum. There are infant and baby earrings |
| earrings as a sign of position. The Romans | | | | as small as 0.06 carat, which is a |
| were connoisseurs of earrings set with | | | | 2-millimeter diamond in each ear, available |
| precious stones. In the 18th century the | | | | for $49. On the other hand, some earrings set |
| diamond earring became more fashionable, and | | | | in platinum with an 18K princess-cut diamond |
| the 19th century witnessed the extensive use | | | | are priced over $5,000, and can be as |
| of the cameo. | | | | expensive as $20,000. |
| | | | |
| Two basic types of diamond earrings exist. | | | | Elegant and sophisticated, diamond earrings |
| Diamond post and diamond wire earrings are | | | | have always been considered a favorite piece |
| for pierced ears, while diamond clips are for | | | | of jewelry with women. |