[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A twinkle and a sparkle of sophistication is the trend for the ear in 2013. Gone are the big dangling chandelier earrings and in its place are small diamonds in earrings that are delicate and barely there.
The History and Lore of Diamonds
Diamonds were first mined in India more than 4,000 years ago. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed they were tears of the gods and splinters from falling stars. The Hindus believed that the stones were formed by lightning striking rock, and attributed such power to these precious stones that they placed them in the eyes of their statues. Roman soldiers wore them in battle to protect them and give them courage and the Jewish High Priests believed the stone could determine innocence or guilt.
They were magical and mystical talismans and it was believed they could do everything from bring luck, wealth and success to power, fearlessness, invincibility and even heightened sexual prowess. Diamonds represent the ultimate gift of love and romance. Their strength and durability have made them an enduring symbol of matrimony and eternal commitment.
The diamond ring is placed on the third finger of the left hand, based on an ancient Egyptian belief that this finger contains a “love vein” that runs directly to the heart, and couples around the world have pledged their love and devotion with a diamond.
The Rarity of Diamonds
Most people know that the stones are rare, but why exactly are they so rare? Approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed to produce a single one-carat, polished, gem quality diamond. Although more than 100 million carats are mined each year, only a quarter of these will be considered gem quality.
Although they are found all over the world, over 80% of all diamonds come from just seven sources: Angola, Australia, Botswana, Namibia, Russia, South Africa and Zaire. But, modern mining began with DeBeers in South Africa.
Diamonds in Earrings
Diamonds in earrings are not a new notion. They have been used in earrings as traditional studs for as long as they have been around. In fact, that is one of the most accessible and popular earring to date. The struggle to keep the stud fresh is all in the setting, but the jewelry trend for diamond earrings aren’t just in the studs! We are now seeing the trend that the stud earrings that are made completely of diamonds.
Take a look at this video to see some of the wonderful trends in earrings for diamonds for 2013.
