Marion Fasel, writing in the December 2012 issue of InStyle magazine, explains the phenomenon perfectly: “In the history of precious pendant earrings, we’ve seen pear shapes, lean drops, and long chandeliers. The rhombus hasn’t really had a moment—until now.”
For those for whom the terminology is unfamiliar, or for whom the term “rhombus” brings up remote memories of geometry class, the term refers to an oblique-angled equilateral parallelogram—essentially any equilateral or equal-sided parallelogram except a square. In common parlance, this is essentially an elongated “diamond shape. “
Fasel continues her ode to rhombi, suggesting, “Put on a pair with an ornate dress and give the sophisticated design its due.” InStyle features a number of fabulous designs: earrings of iolite, tourmaline, sapphire, aquamarine, beryl, and 18k gold from Mallary Marks; diamond, ruby, and 22k gold from Cathy Waterman; 18k gold from Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.; pavé diamond, moonstone, and 18k rose gold from Irene Neuwirth; and diamond, 18k rose gold, and 18k white gold from Tacori.
The November 2012 issue of Vogue features model Liu Wen wearing a pair of rhombus-shaped freshwater pearl earrings from Chanel along with a matching long freshwater pearl necklace. Her romper, brocade coat, and boots are from Nina Ricci; her fox collar is from Adrienne Landau.
Actress Hayden Panettiere is pictured in the Dec. 10, 2012 issue of People wearing a pair of rhombus-shaped earrings from an unidentified designer. The fringed earrings pictured bottom left are a 12k gold-plated design from Danielle Stevens Nashville.
A current ad for Express features rhombus-shaped earrings.
A number of designs that are near-rhombus shapes have also been favored in fashion editorial. The earrings by Lanvin, seen here in the September 2012 issue of Marie Claire, have appeared in numerous fashion spreads.
The earrings to the right from Janis by Janis Savitt approximate a rhombus shape in this photograph from the December 2012 issue of Marie Claire. The earrings to the left are from Fallon; the earrings center are from Mawi.
The Oscar de la Renta earrings featured bottom center in this photograph from the September 2012 issue of Marie Claire have a vaguely rhombus-like shape. The bracelet pictured is from Juicy Couture.
Earrings with square drops set at an angle appear in this photograph from the September 2012 issue of Real Simple. The gold-plated earrings are from Kendra Scott. Also pictured is an A.V. Max cuff bracelet of brass plate, glass beads, and cotton.
Here’s another example of an earring design that has a rhombus shape, although in this case the drop portion of each earring has a flat top and the rhombus is completed with the top of the earring. The earrings of gold plate, semiprecious stones, and acrylic are from Sequin. The gold-plated cuff is from R.J. Graziano.
There’s plenty of style to encourage remembering the rhombus.
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