How to Choose a Diamond Earring

Not every diamond earring that sparkles is worth its price tag. Poor cutting of a diamond can weaken the overall structure or cause a fault line at an occlusion that is just waiting to crumble at the slightest accident. Occlusions, or natural internal flaws, give precious stones character, but they also pose potential problems. Learn how to choose one or more diamonds in an earring setting.

Instructions

Choose Diamond Stud and Pendulous Earrings

1

Examine a diamond stud earring as you would a ring or loose stone of substantial carat weight. Look at both stones in the pair. Judge them on color, clarity and cut, and on how closely they match each other.

2

View diamond stud earrings next to your skin tone at the ear. This may be quite different from the shade of skin on your hands. Notice how visible they are, especially when you turn your head.

3

Swap with other diamonds for comparison and repeat the process.

4

View the diamond earrings you like the best under various lighting conditions, especially low light, where you are most likely to wear them.

5

Contrast with skin tone by viewing diamonds against a dark cloth. Note whether the stones are as brilliant in both environments.

6

Select pendulous earring pieces for viewing based more on the setting than the quality of stone clarity. This style of earring usually incorporates one or more diamonds of low carat weight that are not easily graded visibly without magnification.

7

Test dangle-style earrings against your skin as with stud styles.

8

Reject diamonds that have visible occlusions. In small stones, these greatly diminish reflection and refraction, as well as weaken the diamond.