Quite possibly the most interesting fashion phenomenon of the 2000′s was the sudden upsurge in popularity diamond earrings. Most people can’t even recall images of famous celebrities such as Halle Berry, Nelly Furtado or Noureen DeWulf where they weren’t wearing hoop earrings.
If the 2000s were about the plain simplistic design, the upcoming decade will be about upgrading it to a higher level of sophistication. How does one do this? This brings us to the most simple, and yet most beautiful way of updating the design – the diamond hoop earring.
Diamonds are expensive, it’s true, but there is simply no other jewel that creates a better effect. Hoop earrings by themselves are lovely, but diamond-encrusted hoop earrings are stunningly beautiful. Even a solar-eclipse-style hoop earring with a single diamond is dazzlingly attractive compared to a hoop earring that is decorated with lesser jewels, like rubies or sapphires.
Part of the appeal of the diamond is the fact that it is colour neutral – it can suit any colour of outfit, and can complement any shade of skin tone. Diamonds indiscriminately add to the beauty of any article of jewellery, because they create such a lovely natural interplay of light, a sparkle that catches the eye almost immediately. It is very hard to look away from a diamond – it creates an alpha aura around the wearer, making sure they capture the attention of everyone in the room. This is why they cost so much; this is why they are so rare; this is why they are prized above all other forms of jewellery.
Of course, the hoop earring is important too. The hoop earring sets the backdrop, framing the diamond so as to give it presence. In light of this, one of the most important things to decide is what you want the hoop to be made of. Examples can range from gold and silver, down to bronze or copper, or even more exotic materials like platinum, palladium or rhodium.
The important thing to look at is whether the colour of the metal complements or contrasts with the diamond. Complementary and contrasting metals can both create exquisite effects – the choice is entirely up to the preference of the wearer. 18kt gold is the classic metal used for high-end jewellery, diamond studs and diamond gold hoop earrings are certainly quite popular, providing a grand look that never really goes out of style.
The perennially classic option, of course, is a pair of yellow gold earrings. For those seeking to go with a more understated metal hue in order to most subtly frame the diamonds on the earrings, there is the white gold option. Under good light, white gold catches the sparkle of diamonds in a fantastic manner, making white gold diamond hoop earrings one of the most sophisticated styles of earrings that one can wear.
The darker metals also provide an extremely interesting aesthetic – a copper or brass alloy both offer a very unique look to the earring, framing it against a darker backdrop and adding contrast, thus making the diamond more visible. Such earrings are very unique, and can sometimes represent bespoke creations, custom made to the order of a particular customer.
And, of course, there are other options, such as platinum or rhodium – these are rather rare in diamond earrings, because most jewellers prefer the ease of sculpting that accompanies traditional 18kt gold. As a result, metals like palladium and platinum are only found in very high-end pieces, but there is no denying their beauty – or price.