The Emmy's Sparkle with Celebrities, Style and Diamonds

It was hard to tell who was the big winner on Emmy night - the celebrities or their diamonds. In celebration of the Primetime Emmy Award's 60th diamond anniversary, there was plenty of bling to mark the occasion - from Heidi Klum's diamond butterfly earrings to the commissioned $10 million Hearts On Fire Diamond Chandelier.

The heart-stopping, one-of-a-kind chandelier was designed by Hearts On Fire, a jeweler based in Boston. The shimmering, three-tiered fixture served as the centerpiece of the Architectural Digest Green Room where final preparations were made by the celebs before appearing on stage. With more than 3,300 diamonds totaling over 1,000 carats, the Hearts On Fire Diamond Chandelier glittered with a series of diamond strands which were illuminated by fiber optics. The diamond beauty was safeguarded 24/7 by a team of security guards.

For celebs who wanted to get up close to the chandelier, white glove service was provided. According to a spokesperson from Hearts On Fire, the piece is nothing short of spectacular when lit.

Back on the red carpet, it was clear that style for the evening was bold and dazzling. Sandra Oh, a clear fashion winner for the evening, swept hearts in her Oscar de la Renta black lace dress and 5.5 carat, emerald cut diamond stud earrings from Bulgari. America Ferrara's stylists bathed her tastefully in diamonds, including the Fred Leighton 19th-century diamond flower necklace, 2.5-carat pendant earrings, a diamond cluster bracelet, and a 19th century diamond line bracelet. Meanwhile, Ferrara's co-star Vanessa Williams illuminated the red carpet in diamond drop earrings, accentuated with iridescent pink and yellow diamonds. On her wrist, princess-cut diamond rows of 72 carats total weight set in platinum accented her Kevan Hall mermaid gown.

Another star who beguiled onlookers was Christina Applegate adorned with fancy colored diamond chandelier drops which perfectly complemented her elegant Reem Acra gown in ice blue with metallic touches. Booke Shields was stunning in a hot pink gown, a fashion season favorite, accessorized with a 19th-century diamond bow brooch and bold, diamond-statement earrings.

While most of us may never sashay down the red carpet adorned in diamonds, the diamonds we do own are priceless treasures. And they should be cared for as they are typically some of our most often worn jewelry. Products such as lotions and cosmetics can leave a diamond dull-looking from daily wear so it's important not to wait too long in between cleanings.

Diamonds may be the hardest substance known to man, but they should not be cleaned with just any cleaner. A piece that is need of a really good cleaning may require an ultrasonic cleaner to remove encrusted dirt. This method should not be used on fragile settings, however, as ultrasonic cleaners can shake loose stones from their settings.

An effective but gentle method for cleaning diamonds begins with warm water and a small amount of liquid detergent. After soaking the piece for several minutes, a soft brush may be used to remove dirt, but avoid using a brush with stiff bristles as this may scratch any metal settings. Afterward, rinse the diamond in warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Diamonds should be stored separately in a jewelry case with a fabric lining from other pieces of jewelry. They can also be wrapped individually in tissue paper and kept in a box. Storing jewelry together in a case can result in scratching. And for those who are in the habit of leaving a diamond ring on the rim of a sink, you may be tempting fate. Rings can easily slip down a drain and their retrieval can be both inconvenient and messy.