Earrings Guide

The internet is a wonderful tool and it has opened up options that were never available previously. If you wanted to buy a pair of silver earrings or drop earrings, you would have to go down to the local mall or shop several jewelry stores in order to pick through the selection. If you wanted to shop around it would mean driving from store to store, fending off the advances of the store clerk who tried to get your business and their commission. Of course, the internet has introduced its own problems to the mix, but overall the online experience is far greater than the old way of doing things.

The selection is the biggest advantage. You will have dozens of stores to look through and see inventory that is always available, not just what was left in the store. The amount of choices will make the experience much nicer and allow you to buy the perfect earrings. The ability to bounce from retailer to retailer as you look for the perfect set of sterling silver earrings (for example) is wonderful and you won’t feel pressured or rushed by any sale associate. The ability to do research as well about the company, the materials used in the earrings, and the styles, makes for a much better shopping experience overall.

The discounts are what really draw people to the internet though. Whether you are purchasing wholesale or just a few pieces, you will find discounts that are almost unheard of at an actual store. Of course, be careful when you are looking at discounts, something simply unbelievable could very well have fake gemstones. The idea of wholesale may not mean what you think it means either. Most of the time wholesale represents buying a bulk amount, but in the jewelry area, it can pertain to the amount spent. So if you have extra cash to splurge, you can save a ton of money and get a lot of jewelry at a fraction of the cost.

Buying earrings online is not as hard as it may seem. If you take the time to look over many retailers you can find exactly what you are looking for. The discounts, the lack of pressure and the inventory will keep having you return to the internet to find your next earring or jewelry purchase. Plus, becoming internet savvy with purchases will help you purchase a lot of things online and at a discount compared to what you are normally paying.

Diamonds are still a girl’s best friend and are a timeless gift that will become a part of her jewelry box for the rest of her life. Picking out a pair of diamond earrings can be a monumental task, because you want to pick out something that you feel will be perfect and that she will be able to wear on multiple occasions. Taking the time to learn a bit about diamonds first and who you are buying them for, will let you make a smart decision and if you buy earrings online, then you can even save your pocketbook.

There is one big question you should address first. Are you looking for something she can wear everyday or just something to be worn to a fancy dinner and upscale parties? There are elegant styles that fit both areas. Of course most everyday earrings could still be worn on a night on the town, but the opposite is rarely true. Normally if you go with something designed more for a party, they may look elegant, but long dangly earrings can become an issue during daily errands.

There are four C’s when it comes to diamonds and determining their quality: cut, carat, clarity, and color; when you pick out your diamonds these are the big things to target. The value of understanding these qualities will help you identify fake or poorly crafted diamonds over the real beauties. Whether you are buying earrings on the internet or in a shop, you need to know what you are looking for beforehand. You can find a lot of information from various online retailers and the price and selection are divine. You will see a lot more than you would at a jewelry shop, plus there is no pressure from a salesman trying to direct your purchase.  Whether you prefer diamond drop earrings or a basic silver earrings set, online shopping is very efficient.

Diamond stud earrings are a lovely choice and you’ll find it’s very important to find a set that will be timeless. You want to make sure you get your money’s worth and are not fooled by fake or poor quality diamonds. If you look for a reputable company you will find that they care about their reputation and will go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase. Don’t feel a rush to purchase either, shopping around at multiple retailers will give you a better sense of what costs what and of course finding amazing discounts online is very easy, even from quality stores.

Georgian Period

The Georgian Period covers most of the 18th century and into the early to mid 19th century.  During the interim, England was governed by  a total of four King George regimes.  During this period, handmade jewelry was very popular and the designs and fashion had a theme that came from nature (insects, flowers, birds, trees, and leaves).  Another common theme for costume jewelry and fashion jewelry contained ribbon and bow motifs.  In addition to a delicate design, you will find jewelry with moving parts than would quiver as the person moved with the jewelry.  During the 18th century, a new discovery of diamonds took full flight in Brazil.  This resulted in the creation of jewelry (including earrings) that combined diamonds with colored gems such as aquamarine and pink topaz.  Even today, aquamarine and pink topaz are popular gems in earrings.  You can also find aquamarine and topaz in many wholesale jewelry stores given the ability to mass produce.

During the mid-18th century, glass, steel, marcasites, and rhinestones took center stage with jewelry wearers.  A gold jewelry copycat known as pinchback was created by combining zinc and copper.  For those who could not afford gold jewelry, pinchback became a popular substitute for earrings, rings, and necklaces. You can imagine that pinchback  was a nice way to save some money when shopping for wedding jewelry. However, I can’t imagine that the bride was wearing a tiara with pinchback given that silver jewelry was the common design for a tiara.  On the other hand, the general population would not begin wearing silver jewelry pieces until the latter half of the 18th century.

During the latter part of the 18th century, intaglios and carved gemstones became popular and even nostalgic as evidenced by the use of bows, doves, and hearts.  The influence of France is seen in the beginning of the 19th century as foliate patterns and scrolls became popular.  Other popular designs included cameos, mosaics, amethysts, pearls (especially in necklaces, silver earrings, and costume jewelry).

Victorian Period

This period began with the reign of Queen Victoria in 1837, but jewelers from several years preceding the start of her reign will include similar design elements.  Victoria reigned for almost 75 years, so the jewelry of this period covers an array of styles. Among the famous names of this period include Hancock, Giuliano, Falize, Boucheron, and Tiffany.

Jewelry from the Victorian Period was light-weight and included the use of small colored stones and pearls.  Designs consisted of scrollwork, multicolored gold jewelry, and floral spray patterns.  Handmade jewelry was still a popular design method during this period.  Even drop earrings and stud earrings were in style.

The Gothic Revival movement took full force in the 1850s.  During this time, there was a wide use of gemstones that came in multiple shapes, colors, and sizes. Pearl earrings and necklaces were especially worn.  At this time, larger was better.  This era also included jewelry with colored gems in heavy gold jewelry.  Gold necklaces and brooches with festoons and fringe became popular.  Dangle earrings were also very popular.

After Prince Albert passed away in and around 1861, jewelry was worn for mourning purposes.  Crafted from black onyx (often with seed pearls), the design was meant to be gloomy.  Heavy silver earrings also became a type of fashion jewelry for daytime wear.