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