Living in a trend-driven world [1], it can be hard to keep up with what's "in" and what's "out" — especially when it comes to jewelry. Super chunky statement necklaces? Yawn. So over it. Oversize hoops? Meh, depends on the occasion. And while body chains [2] and rose gold items [3] are currently in style, by this time next year their days could be numbered.
So when we had the chance to chat with one of Hollywood's most famed jewelry designers, Neil Lane (who also sells affordable pieces at Kay Jewelers, Jared, and Zales), we just had to ask: what's the one diamond item every woman should own? Something that'll last forever and won't be phased out [4]?
"Definitely a pair of diamond earrings," Neil responded without hesitation. "Every woman should have diamond earrings that take them from their work place to cocktails to a meeting to a date. [It's] a jewel that translates and transforms from day to night. They light up the face, they're very elegant, and they can take sort of a drab wardrobe and lighten it all up."
With an answer that detailed, how could we not want to shop? Scroll through to update your collection with a pair of everyday studs and drops, then check out what real diamond sizes [5] look like against the average hand.
Neil Lane Designs Diamond Earrings [6] ($1,610)
Nordstrom Bony Levy Diamond Stud Earrings Exclusive [7] ($575)
Judith Ripka 18k Yellow Gold Pave Circle Diamond Earrings [8] ($459)
Blanca Monros Gomez Tiny Diamond Filigree Stud Earrings [9] ($195)
Bloomingdale's Diamond Stud Earrings in 14 Kt. White Gold [10] ($900)
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti®:Diamonds by the Yard® Earrings [11] ($550)
JCPenney 1/5 CT. T.W. Diamond 10K White Gold Cluster and Curve 2-in-1 Earrings [12] ($521)
Kiki McDonough Grace White Topaz & Diamond Stud Earrings [13] ($1,190)
David Yurman Infinity Earrings With Diamonds [14] ($495)
Sirena Diamond Drop Earrings in 14k White Gold [15] ($2,400)
Sydney Evan Pave Diamond Triangle Earring Jacket [16] ($750)
Jennifer Meyer Diamond Bar Studs in White Gold [17] ($675)
TruMiracle® Diamond Stud Earrings in 14k White Gold [18] ($5,000)
Marco Bicego Goa Diamond Two-Tone Hoop Earrings [19] ($1,670)
Lagos Diamond & Caviar Stud Earrings [20] ($2,250)