Choosing Pearl and Diamond Earrings

A pearl diamond earring is a classy gift that contains two different elements: the flash of the diamond and the quiet beauty of the pearl. This contrasting combination has been a very popular choice for jewelry and while it has been used for many years, each time, it is still a knockout.

If you’re planning to buy pearl and diamond earrings either as a gift or as part of your jewelry collection, then you’ve made a great choice. This combination is not only valuable, it also has lasting beauty and elegance.

Know your pearls
If the pearl is the more dominant gem in your earrings, then be sure to pick a good quality one. Even if the diamond/s in your earrings is high quality, a bad pearl can ruin the whole look of your jewelry. Here are a few tips and info on pearls:

The pearl is the only gem that is produced by a live organism, namely mollusks and oysters. They are formed each time a foreign particle, like a grain of sand, enters the shell. The mollusk or oyster then reacts by treating it as an irritation and proceeds to coat it with nacre, a crystalline substance. It is the same substance that we find in the interior of the shell when we open it.

The foreign particle is continuously coated with layers upon layers of nacre until it grows in size. In the end, this foreign particle with the layers of nacre becomes a pearl. Natural pearls are formed this way and are more often shaped irregularly.

Cultured pearls are in no way inferior to natural pearls. They are still real pearls, except that their production involved a deliberate implanting of a foreign substance to stimulate a mollusk.

The value of a pearl depends on its quality: the size, shape, color, thickness of the nacre, luster and texture. Since pearls are naturally occurring gems and no two are alike, these factors can vary greatly.

Choosing your diamonds
There are four Cs to note when choosing a diamond. These are good to note especially if it is the more dominant or focal gem in your earring.

Cut – involves two things: the shape of the diamond and the quality of the cut. Three of the most common are the brilliant cut, the princess cut and the emerald cut. The cut of the diamond will determine how brilliant its shine is and the more the cut brings out this quality, the higher the price. Of the three, the emerald cut is the most affordable.

Color – since diamonds are a natural substance, they are not always crystal clear. They come in different colors – yellow, pink and red, with the last two the more expensive.

Clarity – refers to the number of imperfections found in your diamond. Imperfections or inclusions affect the way light is reflected by the stone, so the clearer the gem, the more expensive it is.

Carat – refers to the size of the diamond with one carat equal to about 200 mgs. An honest diamond seller will have jewelry marked with ‘ct’ for carat or ‘ctw/tcw’ for total carat weight. When buying earrings with diamonds, look for the tcw. Earrings are bought in pairs and so they should have two diamonds of equal size.

How to care for your pearl and diamond earrings
Pearls and diamonds may look good together as components of an earring, but their contrasting characteristics can actually affect their care. Pearls are softer gems because they are organic while diamonds are the hardest gemstones in the world. Pearls can get easily scratched or damaged if you are not careful about their storage so the best thing to do is, tailor your care on the weaker gem which is the pearl.

It’s not a good idea to store pearls with other hard jewelry. To keep your jewelry in good shape, try to store them in the box they were bought in. Each earring will have a separate hole where it can safely stay. This way, there is no danger of one of the diamonds scratching the pearl of the other earring.

Pearls can also get affected by hair spray, sweat, body oils, colognes and perfumes. If you’re planning to put on your earrings, best apply cosmetics first. This way, you will minimize chemical contact with your pearls.

Princess Cut Diamond Earrings

If you're looking to stand out in the crowd, be the talk of the town and really grab his attention, then princess cut diamond earrings are for you. Tradition dictates that diamond buyers go for the more old-fashioned, round brilliant diamonds when making their purchases, but the astonishing cut is very popular these days and why not? It stands out because of its unique shape, it has the same sparkle and brilliance of the round brilliant we have been taught to favor and it comes with a less expensive price tag!

Princess cut diamond earrings are square while the round brilliant is round in shape as you already know. The diamonds of this cut are shaped more or less like an inverted pyramid or a prism, with the top a square shape and the bottom a tapered end point. Additionally, a princess cut diamond, with the same width as the diameter of a round brilliant diamond, will weigh much more than it's round counter part because of the four corners which are present on it. In the round brilliant, these four corners would have been meticulously cut off!

One would not be incorrect to say that the princess cut actually originated from the French Cut. The elegance of this cut manages to effectively show off the sparkle of the round brilliant cut, in a unique shape.  Since diamond cutters can fashion the princess cut and yet maintain a larger percentage of the weight of the diamond crystal itself, it is a great choice!

So where should you buy your princess cut diamond earrings from? Well, if you don't want to take the effort of going to your jeweler you might as well shop online. Thousands of designs are available online, with great discounts and hence at great prices. Or, if you're the type who wants to see exactly what they're paying for, then the nearby jeweler is a better option.

A word of caution for those who want to purchase their jewelry online, you need to make sure that the seller shows you the display certificate of the diamonds he is trying to sell you. Moreover, you need to make sure that the certificate is authentic. Go get your princess cut diamond earrings today!

How Earrings Can Make You Sexier

Do earrings increase your sex appeal?

Why have women been wearing earrings for centuries?

Why go through the pain of piercing the ears just to wear earrings?

Try wearing a pair of large gold hoop earrings, free spirited gypsy earrings and see the difference. Just that pair of earrings can glam up any outfit. From jeans and plain tops to that little black dress. Not only do these earrings draw attention to you, they give you a free spirited vibe which is so sexy.

Dangling earrings are especially sexy. The movement of earrings catch the eye. They distract the guys and catch their attention.

The fact is earrings do increase your sex appeal. In ways that are both obvious and subtle.

That gorgeous actress walking down the red carpet, wearing a pair of chandelier earrings knows how these earrings would make her look even more glamorous than ever. The dazzling precious gold or platinum, the brilliant diamonds, the beautiful stones. All these used to create that work of art she wears for all to admire.

Chandelier earrings draw attention to her beautiful features. The earrings cascade down the sides of her face, framing her face beautifully. The really long chandelier earrings cascade down your neck, highlighting your neck.

Your neck is a vulnerable, very sexy part of you that guys find attractive. Show off your neck and bare your shoulders when you wear chandelier earrings, for the sexiest effect.

If chandelier earrings are too much, try linear earrings instead. They slim the face.

There are subtle ways earrings enhance your looks, improving your sex appeal.

Pearls are lustrous. They reflect soft, diffused light back to your skin which is very flattering. Wearing a pair of pearl earrings can make you look luminous. Especially if you have good skin, or are skillful with makeup.

Diamonds on the other hand, are famous for their fiery brilliance.

Ever stared at a diamond in the spot light and watched the fiery light dance in that diamond?

Mesmerizing, isn't it?

A pair of diamond earrings bring that light to your face. Even a pair of diamond stud earrings can make quite a difference. Subtle no doubt, but somehow, a woman looks more beautiful when she wears a pair of diamond earrings.

The shape of the earrings can also make you look better through optical illusions.

A round face would look slimmer when you wear long earrings that emphasise a vertical line. Long rectangle earrings can be adjusted to make your face look slimmer. Dangling earrings slim the face too.

Flat features look sharper with angular earrings. The sharp lines of the earrings make your features look sharper.

A too angular face looks softer with round earrings. Circles and ovals incorporated into the earring design gives the features a softer look.

By wearing earrings, a woman can look more beautiful, instantly.

Looking For Gifts For a Girl Friend? Earrings Are the Perfect Choice

Sometimes it's just as much fun to shop for a gift as it is to receive one. When looking for gifts for a girl friend, many UK shoppers choose earrings. Earrings are a perfect gift because you don't have to worry about size. Also, earrings are a great gift idea for a girl friend because they come in so many styles and colors. So if you're wondering, "How do I find great earring gifts for my girl friend," read on for a few informative tips.

What's the Best Material to Choose?

Unique gifts like one-of-a-kind earrings are available attractive materials like crystal, pearl, diamante and glass. For crystal earrings, Swarovski crystals are the best choice. Why not choose some sassy or flirty floral drop earrings in one of the many elegant colors offered by Swarovski. When selecting birthday gifts or personalized gifts for a girl friend, crystals are always an appropriate choice. If your friend isn't exactly sassy or flirty, why not give a pair of classic pearl earrings? Gift ideas like elegant pearl studs are sure to bring a smile to her face. There are so many colors of pearl available that it's hard to make a mistake when considering gifts for her. Diamante is a rhinestone or diamond simulate made from glass, acrylic or rock crystal. The best diamante comes from Swarovski. When considering gifts for your girlfriend, a dressy pair of diamante dangles is probably something she wouldn't consider for herself but would adore receiving as a gift. Glass earrings, especial if mouth-blown or "boutiquey," will give your friend a trendy, modern look.

Outside-The-Box Choices

Perhaps you're running out of gift ideas for a girl friend because she's so unconventional and has a great sense of style. Play to her uniqueness by choosing earrings for her in a material like wood or ceramic. Shell inlay earrings are another good possibility. If you're planning on getting her gemstone earrings, look for rare but affordable gems like spessartite garnet, spinel, zircon, beryl and tourmaline. Stainless steel jewellery is currently a fashion trend. Because stainless steel can mimic the look of platinum and is hypo-allergenic, it's an affordable high-fashion look for sensitive ears.

Regardless of which of the many earring gifts for a girl friend you finally select for that special woman, she's sure to be both flattered and appreciative, especially if the gift is unique and from the heart.

William Shepherd, an ethical jewellery designer, is an expert author on various topics - from wedding gifts to bridal accessories. He has been working with Ayedogifts.co.uk for the last 4 years. Ayedogifts.co.uk showcases contemporary gift items, including modern jeweleries and accessories.

Visit the Aye Do gift site to see our wonderful collection. We've pooled together accessories we've crafted with those made by designers from around the United Kingdom. The thousand choices offered at the Aye Do gift site were chosen for fine craftsmanship, style, and quality. Choosing a gift from us will be an enjoyable experience.

Knot Mesh Earrings - Elegance With a Dash of Funk

Do you consider yourself as a girly-girl without being ultra-feminine? Do you like adding creative touches to an otherwise-classy look? Then knot mesh earrings are a good choice of jewelry for you.

These types of earrings take their cues from touches that reflect the Renaissance period. These are designed like ribbons that have a rope-like feel to them, which makes the look both elegant yet funky - perfect for the girl who likes to add in an element of fun in their outfits.

These earrings are a great way to play up a full sober suit for the office, or maybe a fabulous touch to an already-fun outfit. You can also use these earrings on a night out in town in your favorite mini-dress. These will also work for a casual lunch out with family or friends. Just wear your favorite pair of skinny jeans, a loose-fitting printed top, and your knot mesh earrings.

Funky-elegance is always a good look to go by, and it allows you to stand out and look unique while still retaining the classic styles and silhouettes of basic smart-casual dressing. If you are someone who likes to play it safe in terms of tops and jeans, then your best bet to look different and go daring and bold is through these earrings. It is always good to have a funky feature in your outfit as a centerpiece or means of attraction - and with these earrings, you are sure to meet the objective.

These types of earrings are a good way to encourage you to discover a whole new side of yourself, fashion-wise. And if you are too scared to do anything drastic, these earrings are a great way to start. Also, if you don't have enough time on your hands to get made up and beautified, these are great earrings to wear as they provide the instant made-over touch that you need to look like you're dressed to kill - and to party.

Diamond Stud Earrings - Why Do Women Buy Diamond Studs?

One of the most popular selections women make in the accessory department is diamond studs. Timeless beauty, versatility, durability and uniqueness in design are some of the attributes of diamond studs and it provides a perfect compliment to any wardrobe item. For all their glittering appeal and style, a pair of diamond stud earrings should be part of everyone's fashion. From princess to a common man, these earrings are treasured by people of every opinion and are involved in most income categories. Apart from pearl jewelry, only a few other jewelry styles offer peerless elegance at an affordable price!

Timeless Beauty: These Diamond earrings have stood the test of time. For generations, diamond studs have maintained its appeal. They started appearing in European high society in the 1700s thereafter it has been popular with women of all ages.

Versatility: These earrings can be worn high society black-tie dinners or it can be worn with jeans. As a simple elegant accessory, you can not go wrong with a stud earring

Durability: A Stud earring is durable and are typically set in four or three prong basket styles. This style makes stud earrings very durable and you do not have to worry about the diamond falling.

Uniqueness: These Earrings come in various shapes and sizes. The classic design is round diamonds set in gold or platinum setting. However increasing other shapes such as princess cut or square diamonds are also becoming very popular. Most of the leading online diamond stores also allow you to customize your earrings for added uniqueness.

All About Teardrop and Hoop Earrings

You know those dreams; I mean nightmares, where you find yourself naked in public? Well that's how I (and some other women who are addicted to earrings) feel when we find ourselves with bare ears. I sleep and swim and exercise and do everything with earrings and so, needless to say, I am always on the lookout for quality jewelry that meets certain demanding criteria.

For example earrings must be feminine and delicate yet strong enough to sleep on. They must not tarnish too quickly if exposed to sun, salt, sand and perspiration. They must not make my ears itch although they need not be exclusively labeled as hypoallergenic. They must be flattering to my face shape while not been distracting for professional settings.

They must have a certain amount of luster but not be ostentatious or gaudy. They mustn't have genuine diamonds or be made of gold or sterling silver or have real gemstones, but they must look as if they did. In the end, my favorite, most versatile and comfortable earring designs have come down to these categories:

Teardrop - Medium length sterling silver teardrop earrings with surgical steel posts - pearl earrings, cubic zirconia drop earrings and small amber earrings seem to be the most practical. The ones with posts should not be too long or heavy. The best drop earrings have an oval or circular clasp and not a post.

Hoop Earrings - Round and oval cubic zirconia encrusted hoop earrings set in silver or stainless steel. (I don't use plated silver over copper or white gold because nickel makes me have allergic reactions). My favorite and super versatile hoops are the ones that look like eternity rings with small studded zirconia or gemstones all around the hoop. They are glamorous enough for evening cocktails and not too over the top for daywear with a business suit or dress.

The other hoop mainstays are the Bali hoops in antiqued sterling silver with just a simple winding rope detail around the hoop. They can also have a delicate dangle charm or a silver bead. These hoops look great with a pair of jeans and a blouse or with a casual dress. They work for most face shapes depending on the size of the hoop. I use quite large hops because I have an oval face, but If you have a round face shape just go with a smaller Bali hoop and it will be okay.