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The Eternal Journey Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
through life. A beautiful and symbolic pair of diamond earrings. 10 diamonds weigh 1/2 carat in total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Gold

Debra Navarro Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tear Drop Disc Stud Earrings
By Debra Navarro
Located in Wichita, KS
0.18 carat. Earrings measure approximately 10 x 7mm. The Barefoot Collection, with names like Stepping
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Antique Emerald Pear Drop Earring Set, Emerald Statement Earrings Set
Located in Orlando, Florida
Cute Earrings, Natural Emerald Earrings, Stud Earrings, Dangle and Drop Earrings, Unique Emerald
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hoop Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

The Eternal Journey Drop Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
through life. A beautiful and symbolic pair of diamond earrings. 10 diamonds weigh 1/2 carat in total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Pair of 92 Carat Black Diamond Bead 18 Karat Blackened Gold Tassel Earrings
Located in San Francisco, CA
This pair of elegant Black Diamond 3mm Bead tassel long drop earrings, with Pave Black Diamond set
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold

Nava Joaillerie Indy Mono Earring Diamonds Drops 18K rose gold, 9 diamonds
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Finesse, power and preciousness combine to create the Indy Mono Earring Diamonds Drop. Each Indy
Category

2010s French Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Nava Joaillerie Indy Mono Earring Diamonds Drops 18K white gold, 9 diamonds
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Finesse, power and preciousness combine to create the Indy Mono Earring Diamonds Drop. Each Indy
Category

2010s French Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Nava Joaillerie Indy Mono Earring Diamonds Drops 18K yellow gold, 9 diamonds
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
inesse, power and preciousness combine to create the Indy Mono Earring Diamonds Drop. Each Indy
Category

2010s French Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

MALACHITES Peridot Diamond Rose Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
18 Carat Rose Gold Necklace with Fancy beads Shape in Malachite with Diamond Pavé & Fancy Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Kite Stud Earrings with Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold
By The Golden Eye
Located in Santa Fe, NM
karat gold and set with .10 tcw white diamonds. Gold beading between the points and at cardinal points
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

BLACK JADE Amethyst Diamond Rose Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
18 Carat Rose Gold Necklace with Fancy beads Shape in Black Jade with Diamond Pavé & Fancy Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Black Jade, Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Andreoli Heart Shape Colombian Emerald Diamond Necklace CDC Certified 18Kt Gold
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
features 10 Vivid Green Colombian Emerald CDC Certified with Minor Oil totaling 35.68 carats. Delicately
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Reuleaux Triangle Stud Earrings in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
By The Golden Eye
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Our Reuleaux Triangle Stud Earrings are crafted in 18 karat gold and set with .10 ctw diamond
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

1.20 Carat Pear Round Diamond Ear Climbers in 14K Yellow Gold, Shlomit Rogel
By Shlomit Rogel
Located in Ramatgan, IL
, part drop earrings, and full of style! An alluring pair of diamond ear climbers from our Lor
Category

2010s Israeli Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold Tanzanite Earring Set, Tanzanite and Diamond Earrings for Women
Located in Orlando, Florida
Vintage Natural Tanzanite Earrings, Stud Earrings, Dangle and Drop Earrings, Cute Earrings, Unique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hoop Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Tiffany Co. 1999 Angela Cumming Tahitian Grey Pearls Diamonds Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany Co.
Located in Surfside, FL
Tiffany & Co. 1999, Angela Cummings Tahitian grey pearl (10 x 10.5mm) and diamonds drop earrings
Category

1990s French Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

South Sea Pearl Icy and White Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Nicosia, CY
VS Clarity set in 18 Karat Blackened Gold Drop Earrings. The Pearls 10 - 14mm have a high luster and
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

14k Rose Gold 9ct Sapphire Briolette Chandelier Earrings w/ 2.90ct Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Briolettes Total Length of Drop = 2.5" Appx Width = 1" Appx 9 Carats Sapphire Appx 2.90 Cts Diamonds Average
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

18k Gold Rhodium Convertible Day/Night Earrings with Pearls 7.5ct Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Total Carat Weight: 7.5 carats Cultured Pearl measurements: 10 x 10 x 10mm Set in 18k Gold and
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium

Initial Necklace " E "
Located in Dubai, AE
workshops. 18 Carat, 1.68g Gemstone: Diamond Carat: 0.05 CT Amount: 10 Color: G+ Clarity: SI Cut: Round
Category

2010s Emirian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold

Initial Necklaces "B"
Located in Dubai, AE
. 18 Carat, 1.68g Gemstone: Diamond Carat: 0.05 CT Amount: 10 Color: G+ Clarity: SI Cut: Round Round
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Dangle Removable South Sea Baroque Pearl Stud 18k White Gold Earrings
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
. Brilliant cut diamonds. Diamond approximate carat weight: 0.4 carat. Weight: 10 grams. Length: 4.2 cm
Category

Vintage 1970s Spanish Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Initial Necklace "D"
Located in Dubai, AE
. 18 Carat, 1.68g Gemstone: Diamond Carat: 0.05 CT Amount: 10 Color: G+ Clarity: SI Cut: Round Round
Category

2010s Emirian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Initial Necklace " C "
Located in Dubai, AE
. 18 Carat, 1.68g Gemstone: Diamond Carat: 0.05 CT Amount: 10 Color: G+ Clarity: SI Cut: Round Round
Category

2010s Emirian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Dangle Removable South Sea Baroque Pearl Stud 18k White Gold Earrings
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
. Brilliant cut diamonds. Diamond approximate carat weight: 0.4 carat. Weight: 10 grams. Length: 4.2 cm
Category

Vintage 1970s Spanish Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold 18k Yellow Citrine and Diamond Earrings
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant 18k white gold earrings with drop-shaped citrines and diamonds. The earrings are handmade
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Citrine, White Gold

Stephanie Albertson 12.0 Carat 22 Karat Gold and Peridot Diamond Dot Earrings
By Stephanie Albertson
Located in New York, NY
22K gold & peridot cabochon earrings with diamond dot accent handcrafted by Stephanie Albertson
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Peridot, 22k Gold

Diamond Semi Bezel Pink Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings 0.76 Carats 10-11 MM 14KT
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 karat rose gold drop earrings featuring 10 round brilliant weighing 0.76 carrots and two pink
Category

2010s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Marquise Diamond Floral Drop Earrings 5 Carat 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Classic 14K White gold drop earrings featuring 10 marquise cut diamonds weighing 5 carats. Color G
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage Platinum and 10 Carat Diamond Bow Drop Chandelier Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Platinum And Diamond Bow Earrings c.1960s Composition: Platinum and 10cts Diamonds Closure
Category

Mid-20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.23 Carat Pave-Set Diamond Oval Drop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Fashioned in 18 karat white gold, these drop earrings feature 1.23 carat of pave-set diamond on
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold 1 1/10 Carat Diamond and Green Emerald Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with the rich sparkle that gleams from these gemstone and diamond drop earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 4.58 Carat Drop Diamond Earrings
Located in Cape May, NJ
Magical diamond edwardian platinum and 18k yellow gold earrings with unique chain design to protect
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18K White Gold 10 Carat Round and Pear-Shaped Floral Diamond Dangle Drop Earring
Located in New York, NY
Alive with the wonder and magic of diamonds inspired by nature, this pair of 18k white gold floral
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold 10 Carat Round and Pear-Shaped Floral Diamond Dangle Drop Earring
Located in New York, NY
Alive with the wonder and magic of diamonds inspired by nature, this pair of 18k white gold floral
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat white gold drop earrings featuring a total weight of 0.62 carat of diamond pave set (G/SI).
Category

2010s Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

10 Carat Sapphire Dangle Diamond Art Deco Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
10 carats of natural sapphires and 1.5 carats of natural diamonds. The blue color is gorgeous and
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Freshwater Pearl Earrings 0.48 Carats
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat White Gold drop earrings featuring two Freshwater pearls measuring 10-10.5 mm with 14
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.00 Carat Ruby Turquoise Diamond Pearl Drop Earring
Located in New York, NY
7 X 5 mm oval Mozambique Ruby 2.00 carat total weight Set in a 14k basket prong setting 10 x 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

10 Carat Antique Cut Cushion Diamond Earrings in Platinum, GIA
Located in New York, NY
Unusually Large White and Beautiful Antique-Cut Cushion Diamond Earrings in Platinum. Each diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 6.50 Carat Diamond Gold Drop Earrings, 1930s
Located in Napoli, NA
Stunning genuine Art Deco earrings, set with Sparkling Old Mine Cut Diamonds, weighing total 6.50
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.40 carat Diamond Gold Drop Earrings, 1930s
Located in Napoli, NA
These Authentic and full of charme Art Deco diamond 18k white gold earrings feature 2 large and
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Lemon Quartz and Champagne Diamond Stud Drop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Sumptuous lemon quartz mingles with 0.40 carat of champagne diamonds in an organic and subtle
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 10 Karat Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond Drop Earrings, circa 1890
Located in Cape May, NJ
Victorian 10K Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond Drop Earrings c.1890 A teardrop halo of small rose cut
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian 2.04 Carat Old European Diamond Gold Articulated Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drop style earrings designed as a towering belcher setting comprised of polished gold segments
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

10 Ctw White Champagne Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning and shimmering diamond drop earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The white and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 1930s 2.22 Carat Diamond and White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
. These impressive 1930s diamond drop earrings secure to the reverse via an integrated 18k white gold
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.27 Carat Opal and Diamond Flower Drop and Dangle Earring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Details: 2 Oval Opals at 3.27 Carat Total Weight - 8 x 10 mm
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Pearl Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
have a total weight of 3.55 ct, and the other 10 diamonds weights approx. 2.80 carats Height: 4.70 cm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

Cartier Trinity Diamond Drop Earrings 18kt Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Trinity 18 karat yellow gold diamond drop earrings. Top is Two Round Diamonds of D-E Color
Category

2010s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Hand Engraved Diamond Drop Earrings in Yellow Gold, 1.00 Carat Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These beautiful lever back drop earrings feature round brilliant cut diamonds, bezel set in 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Amethyst Peridot Garnet Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
By Alex Soldier
Located in New York, NY
: 10 stones, total carat weight: 1 ct. Diamond: 8 stones, total carat weight: 0.35 ct. Please note that
Category

2010s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...

David Webb 2.40 Carat Diamond Cultured Pearl Drop Ear-Clip Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
rosé overtones and excellent luster With articulated drop featuring foliate motif and scalloped pearl
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Vintage 14 Karat Gold 7.50 Carat Pear Cut Topaz 0.31 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of vintage stud drop earrings crafted in 14K gold. Circa 1970. The piece features
Category

Mid-20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Diamond Pearl Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique diamond pearl gold and silver drop earrings, circa 1900. SPECIFICATIONS: DIAMONDS: 10
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

2.82 Carat Tanzanite and Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Dangle Lever-Back Earrings
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round brilliant cut diamonds, .10 carats total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Drop Earrings

Materials

Tanzanite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

White and Yellow Diamond Drop Earrings in White Gold
By Manfredi
Located in Greenwich, CT
natural shapes. This pair of earrings is created with 10 precious fancy intense yellow diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

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10 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of 10 carat diamond drop earrings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold. Our selection of items includes 61 vintage examples as well as 118 contemporary versions. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. Pieces in our collection of 10 carat diamond drop earrings made by Contemporary jewelers — as well as those associated with Modern — are very popular. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Harbor Diamonds, Luigi Ferrara and Meghna Jewels are often thought to be among the most beautiful. There are many round cut, pear cut and oval cut 10 carat diamond drop earrings for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of 10 carat diamond drop earrings for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are 10 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings?

Prices for 10 carat diamond drop earrings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $325 and can go as high as $2,788,000, while 10 carat diamond drop earrings, on average, fetch $7,498.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Earrings for You

In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.

Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.

Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.

While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.