Skip to main content

3 Carat Round Diamond Studs

to
465
1,582
890
680
709
469
1,662
157
314
75
107
8
206
1,506
2
1
6
8
4
10
10
16
18
25
1,212
498
12
1097
102
87
80
76
to
228
84
60
29
27
574
443
174
16
15
7
7
3
3
1
1
1
1,720
2
1,372
83
Sort By
AGS Certified 14k Yellow Gold 3/8 cttw Diamond Push Back Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
. Dazzling with 3/8 cttw of diamonds and a bright polished shine, these Push Back stud earrings secure
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

AGS Certified 14k Yellow Gold 3/8 cttw Diamond Push Back Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
this diamond stud pair is 3/8 cttw. • Metal: 14K Yellow Gold • Average Gram Weight: 0.45 • Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Round Black Diamond Bezel Set Silver Solitaire Stud Earrings with Screw Backs
Located in New York, NY
: Bezel, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight: 1.38, Treatment: Color treated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

GIA Certified 4.09 Carat Total Diamond Stud Earrings
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Simply stunning! A pair of stud earrings is composed of two round brilliant cut diamonds set into
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Round Black Diamond Bezel Set Silver Solitaire Stud Earrings with Screw Backs
Located in New York, NY
: Bezel, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight: 1.38, Treatment: Color treated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

3 Carat Diamond and White Gold Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
baguette cut diamonds weighing approximately 3 carats total, G color VS-SI clarity. These earrings feature
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14K Gold 1 3/8 Cttw Diamond Cluster and Double Halo Stud Earring
Located in New York, NY
: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight: 0.36, Treatment: None • Diamond 3 Clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold 1 1/2 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
-I3 Clarity. Make these classic diamond studs yours today. Comes as a pair. Each earring piece has a 3
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.02ct GIA Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Stud Earrings White Gold Martini Settings
Located in Tampa, FL
An fine pair of diamond stud earrings featuring a 2.00 carat I color SI1 clarity triple excellent
Category

2010s American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

2.18 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings in 14K Martini Setting, by The Diamond Oak
Located in New York, NY
2.18 Carat Diamond Stud earrings in 14K White Gold 3 Prong Martini setting allows the earrings to
Category

2010s American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Diamond Stud 3 Stone Earrings Mined .20ct Past Present Future 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Stud 3 Stone Earrings Mined .20ct Past Present Future 14K Classic Past Present & Future
Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

6.98 Carats Diamonds Platinum Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum handmade solitaire stud earrings featuring two round brilliant cut diamonds weighing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .12 Carat
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .12 ct. These sparkling earrings each feature
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Diamond Stud Earrings, Containing 2 Brilliant Cut Diamonds 2.03 Carats
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond stud earrings, containing 2 brilliant cut diamonds; color "F", clarity Clarity SI2-3 and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Stud Earrings, 14 Karat White Gold Pierced Stud Style Genuine .59 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
popular and versatile 14k white gold, this NEW set features round cut natural diamonds with .59 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

.925 Sterling Silver 1 1/2 Carat Treated Black Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
enjoy the glamour it provides. Each diamond weighs approximately 3/4 carat. "Video Available Upon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

.925 Sterling Silver 1 1/2 Carat Treated Black Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
enjoy the glamour it provides. Each diamond weighs approximately 3/4 carat. "Video Available Upon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

.925 Sterling Silver 1 1/2 Carat Treated Black Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
enjoy the glamour it provides. Each diamond weighs approximately 3/4 carat. "Video Available Upon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

18K White Gold 3/4 Cttw Diamond and Blue Aquamarine Gemstone Halo Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
sparkling halo of round, prong-set diamonds frames this centerpiece with a total 3/4 cttw and an approximate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold 3/4 Cttw Diamond and Blue Aquamarine Gemstone Halo Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
sparkling halo of round, prong-set diamonds frames this centerpiece with a total 3/4 cttw and an approximate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .29 Carat Twt
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .29 ct. twt. These sparkling stud earrings each
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

5.99 CTW Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Stud Earrings GIA Certified H / VS2-SI2
Located in Boca Raton, FL
beautifully matched GIA certified 3-carat diamonds both graded H color. The clarity ranges from VS-SI2. Please
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Black Diamond Studs in 10kt White Gold - 1/3ctw Round Black Diamonds, New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
. Featuring 1/3 carats of round black diamonds, these earrings combine timeless beauty with modern elegance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, Gold, White Gold

2+ Carat Diamond Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Lexington, KY
pair of eye-catching diamond studs, and these are just for you. This beautifully matched pair of round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 6.00 Cttw Round Brilliant-Cut Black Diamond Classic Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
jewelry to create a complete elegant ensemble. Each ear piece features a 3 carat round, treated black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. 2.18 Carat F VVS Diamond Platinum Stud Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Co., the earrings feature two round brilliant cut diamonds 1.09-carat each. One diamond is F
Category

2010s American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

New Platinum 2.05ctw Martini Prong Set GIA Round Brilliant Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Type: Natural Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.01 carat Dimensions: 6.40 - 6.43
Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

10K White Gold 3/4 Cttw Diamond Composite with Halo Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the sheer elegance of these 3/4 Cttw diamond earrings, expertly forged in 10K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

1.03 Ctw Diamond Stud Earrings GIA I/VS1-2 White Gold Martini 3 Prong Mounting
Located in Boca Raton, FL
GIA Certified diamond stud earrings set in 14 karat white gold martini style mountings. The two
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

White Gold Pavé Diamond Dimple Cluster Stud Earrings, 14k Round 1.00ctw Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: 1.00ctw Cut
Category

20th Century Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified Handmade 10.08 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings
By H H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
Adorn your ears with these amazing 10.08 carat Total Weight Diamond Stud Earrings. The color is I
Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Palladium

18 Karat Gold 2.5 Carat Blue Sapphire and .22 Carat Diamond Flower Stud Earrings
Located in McLeansville, NC
feature prong set, full cut round diamonds weighing approximately .22 total carats in a flower motif
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Earrings 1.07 Carat
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A pair of 18k white gold diamond stud earrings. The earrings feature round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Over Silver 1/3 Ct White and Black Treated Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, making them perfect for any fashion-forward man. The diamonds boast a total weight of 1/3 carat and are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate, 14k ...

Two Carat Each Diamond Ear Studs Triple Excellent GIA in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
) Diamond Ear Studs are a staple in your luxury portfolio. Our best offering of Round Brilliant Cut
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Solid 18k White Gold 0.80ctw Round Brilliant Prong Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
when worn! Guaranteed to please! --Stone(s):-- (14) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold 3/4 Cttw Black and White Diamond Dome and Halo Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
and Color treated Black Diamonds Diamond Count: Total 68 Diamonds Includes 34 Round White Diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Men s 10K Yellow Gold 1/3 Carat White and Black Treated Diamond Earring
Located in New York, NY
diamond weight of 1/3 carat, these earrings are sure to make a statement. The diamonds have a color range
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

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

3-Stone Diamond Stud Earrings Estate 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant pair of estate 3 stone diamond earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold. 6 round brilliant cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14Y Diamond Bezel Studs
Located in McLeansville, NC
. Stones: - diamonds, 2 stones - full cut round - 3 - 3.2 mm - approximately .25 total carats - F-G
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14W Teeny Diamond Studs
Located in McLeansville, NC
A pair of 14 karat white gold diamond stud earrings. These earrings feature full cut round diamonds
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14Y Teeny Diamond Studs
Located in McLeansville, NC
A pair of 14 karat yellow gold diamond stud earrings. These earrings feature full cut round
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .30 Carat
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .30 ct. twt.- These sparkling stud earrings each
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Yellow Gold Black Oxidized Reverse Set 1 1/4 Carat Diamond Trio Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Oxidized Reverse Set Diamond Trio Stud Earrings. Featuring a total diamond weight of 1 1/4 cttw and 6
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0, 27 Carat White Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold, Stud Earrings
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
0.27 ct of two amazing sparkling white diamonds (diameter: 3 mm). Diamonds: 0.27 ct / 3 mm Total Weight
Category

2010s Italian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 3 Carat Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
. Together weighing 3 carats with a rich, glossy tone and surrounded with sparkling, crisp colorless diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 3 Carat Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
. Together weighing 3 carats with a rich, glossy tone and surrounded with sparkling, crisp colorless diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0, 25 Carat White Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold, Stud Earrings
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
with 0.25 ct of two amazing sparkling white diamonds (diameter: 3 mm). Diamonds: 0.25 ct / 3 mm Total
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.00 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Fancy Cluster Drop 18 Karat Gold Earrings
Located in London, GB
laced in 1.00ct round brilliant H-SI white diamonds. These earrings can be used as studs or as drop
Category

2010s British Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Pink Sapphire 1/10 Cttw Round Diamond Halo Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
central stone surrounded by prong-set round white diamonds. The 4x3mm round pink sapphire is a September
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold

Ruby Diamonds White Gold Stud Earrings Unheated Round Cut Gems Fiery Red Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
measurements - 0.079 x 0.12 x 0.12 in / 2 x 3 x 3 mm ruby weight - 0.26 carats diamonds weight - 0.216 carats
Category

2010s French Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Peter Suchy GIA Certified 2.14 Carat Ruby Diamond Halo Gold Stud Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
2.14 Carats of red oval rubies and diamond halo 18k yellow gold stud earrings. GIA Certified
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Spark 2.25 Carats Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat White Stud Earrings
By Spark Creations
Located in Philadelphia, PA
approximately 1.45 carats with saturated and well matched greenish blue color Surrounded by a halo of round
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deo Style Round Diamond and Ruby Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Type: Diamond Shape: Round Cut Average Color: G Average Clarity: VS Size: 3 mm. Number: 2 Weight: 0.20
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Captivating 1.8 Carat D Color VVS1 Diamond Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Unleash the brilliance with these mesmerizing 1.8 carat diamond stud earrings, crafted in gleaming
Category

2010s Israeli Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and 10 Carat VS Diamonds Stud/ Clip Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Ruby And 10 Carat VS Diamonds Stud Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Estate These are clip
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .20 Carat Twt
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .20 ct. twt These sparkling earrings each
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "3 Carat Round Diamond Studs", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

3 Carat Round Diamond Studs For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of 3 carat round diamond studs available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, White Gold and 14k Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 329 vintage editions and 2295 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of 3 carat round diamond studs made by Contemporary jewelers — as well as those associated with Modern — are very popular. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Harbor Diamonds, Antinori Fine Jewels and TJD are consistently popular. A selection of round cut, baguette cut and rose cut can be found today on these pages. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of 3 carat round diamond studs, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are 3 Carat Round Diamond Studs?

On average, 3 carat round diamond studs at 1stDibs sell for $3,391, while they’re typically $63 on the low end and $937,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.