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4 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings

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1980 s 7.38 CTW Diamond Tourmaline 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
surmounts are bead set with round brilliant cut diamond rows Weighing approximately 1.20 carats total G/H
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary 2.69 CTW Diamond Ruby Jade 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
brilliant cut diamonds with additional diamonds throughout Weighing 2.10 carats total and G color with VS2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1970 s Amethyst Diamond Drop Vintage Earrings 14 Karat Two Tone Gold Clip-On
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautifully crafted diamond and amethyst drop earrings fashioned in 14 karat white and yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.40 CTW Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Belcher Set Drop Earring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
European cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.40 carat total G color with SI1 clarity and belcher set
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary 1.99 CTW Fancy Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Drop Earring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
brilliant cut diamond halos and connecting bar links Weighing approximately 0.60 carat total - G color with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

SeidenGang 1990 s Lemon Quartz Diamond 18K Two-Tone Gold Vintage Drop Earrings
By SeidenGang
Located in Philadelphia, PA
bezel set round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.30 carat total - eye clean and bright
Category

1990s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Aaron Basha Diamond Orange Enamel 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Ladybug Drop Earrings
By Aaron Basha
Located in Philadelphia, PA
bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds as petals and centers Weighing in approximately 0.12 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

4.50 Carat Orange Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Convertible Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Earrings are designed as clustered diamond stud surmounts with an optional drop Drop is designed
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

0.28 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Om Style Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
carat total weight Dimensions: each earring drop is 1 1/4-inch and 1/4-inch wide Weight: 5.35 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1 Carat Colombian Emerald Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamond Drops
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
(other than customary heat) and absolutely beautiful. The wee full-cut diamonds are 0.06 carats each
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Y...

Victorian Black Enamel and Diamond Cluster Earrings 1.30 Total Carat
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous pair of diamond earrings from the Victorian (1880s) era! Crafted in 14kt yellow gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel

Bullet Shape Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A fabulous pair of diamond and ruby Art Deco style earrings. These drop earrings contain 0.47
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Illusion Lily Cut Diamond and Ruby Vintage Style Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Glamorous diamond and ruby drop earrings which shouts quality and elegance with its superlative
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary Diamond Platinum Starburst Earrings
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely breathtaking pair of diamond starburst earrings! Made to replicate a Georgian style
Category

2010s American Early Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Coral Pearl Platinum Antique Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
swirling Surmount centers a bezel set old European cut diamond With additional diamonds bezel set in
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Coral Onyx with Rose Cut Diamond Art Deco Style Drop Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
-cut diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle, and is finished with an elegant onyx drop. This timeless
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Coral, Onyx, White Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique European Cut Diamond Earrings
Located in Bethesda, MD
Antique European-cut diamonds drop earrings Set in silver over 18 karat yellow gold from the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Maison Birks 2.00 Carats Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Swag Chandelier Earrings
By Birks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Earrings are designed with a cluster of round brilliant cut diamonds as surmount Suspending a
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

GIA Certified 2.41 Carat Total Fancy Light Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Earring
Located in Chicago, IL
certified diamonds in secure 4-prong settings totaling 2.41 carats. Oval cut fine green emeralds are prong
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Star Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 14k, American. These earrings are contemporary Pop Art! Featuring .50 carats of fine
Category

Early 2000s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Hexagon Ruby-Zoisite, Round Ruby, and White Sapphire Drop Earrings
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
- Measuring 12.8 x 9.4 mm Stone Details: 4 Round Rubies at 0.32 Carats Stone Details: 54 Round White
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Ruby and Diamond Earrings
Located in Bethesda, MD
drop of rubies and diamonds. The drop measures 3/4 of an inch wide and an inch high. The overall
Category

1990s Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Mid-Century 2.80 Carats Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Cluster Vintage Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as surmounts suspending flower motif clusters comprised of round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Art Deco 4.98 CTW Sapphire Cabochon Platinum Vintage Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a row of old European cut diamonds suspending a fringed drop With additional diamonds
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Colombian Emerald Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
chunky old mine cut diamonds. Combined emerald weight is 3.63 carats. Estimated total diamond weight is
Category

Antique 1880s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond Gold Flower Earrings
Located in Dallas, TX
antique style flower motif with apx. 0.50 carats of diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. Earrings measure apx
Category

Early 20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Roberto Coin 18 Karat White Gold Perl L Amore Drop Earrings
By Roberto Coin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Earrings feature a white gold bead drop resembling a baroque pearl with a satin finish. Measuring
Category

Early 2000s Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Raymond Yard Colored Diamond Flower Basket Earrings
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New Orleans, LA
carats. Crafted of platinum and signed "Raymond C. Yard" 2 1/4" length
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Onyx, Tsavorite, Platinum

Diamond Set Gold Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 14k, American. This sleek pair of polished yellow gold earrings set with 1.44 carats
Category

Vintage 1980s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond Cluster Platinum Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1.36 carats. Surrounded by halos of perfectly matching old cut diamonds weighing approximately 4 carats
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Sapphire Platinum Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
deco recreation features old European cut diamond centers that weigh approximately 0.35 carats each and
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage apx 15.50ct Burmese Ruby Diamond Earrings Platinum
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
. Approximately 15.50 carats total diamond weight. 4 Burmese ruby cabochons, approximately 6 carats
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1970s Diamond Gold Pendant Earrings
Located in New York, NY
are studded with round brilliant cut diamonds. The earrings are about 2 1/4" long and sparkle with 54
Category

Vintage 1970s Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Victor Velyan Diamond "Icicle" Earrings
By Victor Velyan
Located in Carmel, CA
Rosecut Diamonds weighing a total of 0.51 carats. They are made of a base of pure Silver with all accent
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 24k Gold, Silver

Sapphire and Diamond Huggie Earrings
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Total Approximately 1.00 Carat. 48 Prong Set Round Diamonds Total Approximately 0.25 Carat. 4 Bezel Set
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pomellato Diamond-Set Gold Earrings
By Pomellato
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s,18k, by Pomellato, Italy. These chic yellow gold earrings are set with 2.0 carats of
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

1940s Diamond and Platinum Pendant Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
ornate platinum frames set with 4 round diamonds weighing approximately 2.80 carats, gross weight 5.2
Category

Vintage 1940s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Vintage Platinum Leaf Motif Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
approximately 3 1/4 carat total weight. The posts have an omega clasp, and the earrings measure 1.0 inch in
Category

Late 20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Diamond Gold Ring, Earrings Interchangeable
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
three-stone drop earrings. The diamond total weight is approximately 2.38 carats. The ring is size 7-3/4
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Diamond Yellow Gold Contoured Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brilliant Cut Diamonds (Approximate carat weight) 4- 0.08 Baguette Cut Diamonds (Approximate carat weight
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modernist Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Chic Jade Onyx Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat white gold, jade, diamond and onyx earrings. Each suspending a carved drop
Category

2010s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Boucheron 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Day and Night Earrings
By Boucheron
Located in Weston, MA
Version: 1 5/8 in. x 3/4 inches at widest point Approximately 7.00 carats of diamonds 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Earrings #15808
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Earrings- These elegant earrings each feature one oval
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Extra Fine Diamond "Disco Ball" Platinum Earrings
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
with 17.50 carats of diamonds. The larger ball measures approximately 3/4 of an inch in diameter with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Ruby and Diamond Earrings 24k/18k
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 24k/18k. These chic drop earrings are set with rich rubies and sparkly white diamonds
Category

Early 2000s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blue Topaz Diamond Platinum Versatile Pendant Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
diamonds approx. 2.20 carats in total, 10 marquise 1.85 carats, 8 graduated round-faceted approx. 2.00
Category

Vintage 1960s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, White Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century Diamond Platinum Ribbon Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
weight of 1.80 carats, these earrings sparkle with 6 baguette cut diamonds, 4 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Diamond Pave 18K White Gold Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, encrusted with sixty round brilliant and princess-cut diamonds totaling 4 carats, with H-I color and SI-2
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Goshwara Prasiolite Drops and Diamond Earrings
By Goshwara
Located in New York, NY
The Prasiolite Drops Earrings with Diamonds in 18K White Gold are a stunning piece from the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Diamond and Platinum Earrings, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of Edwardian diamond and platinum earrings, c.1910, each designed as a floral and
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Sapphire Diamond Gold Cluster Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous Victorian cluster earrings featuring finest quality sapphires and diamonds. Classic and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver

Carved Aquamarine, Tourmaline, and Diamond Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
earrings." SIZE: 2 1/4 inches high by 3/4 inches wide WEIGHT: 41.7 grams total STONES
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Carved Aquamarine, Tourmaline, and Diamond Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
earrings." SIZE: 2 1/4 inches high by 3/4 inches wide WEIGHT: 41.7 grams total STONES
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victor Velyan Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Victor Velyan
Located in Carmel, CA
These earrings were designed and made by well known designer Victor Velyan. They feature 4 pear
Category

2010s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 24k Gold, Sterling Silver

Verdura 18K, Diamond and Rock Crystal Long Earrings, Italy.
By Verdura
Located in Aspen, CO
Verdura long and dramatic earrings in 18K yellow gold, diamond and rock crystal. The 4 fancy cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

David Webb 1950 New York Chinoiserie Drop Earrings in 18Kt Gold with Gemstones
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Rare pair of drop earrings designed by David Webb (1925-1975). Beautiful early chinoiserie pieces
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, Jade, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hammerman Brothers 18K Yellow Diamond Ruby Emerald Gold Lion Earrings
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 0.08 TW Approx. Number of Emeralds: 4 Emerald Carat Weight: 0.05 TW Approx. Number of
Category

20th Century American Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...

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4 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of 4 carat diamond drop earrings. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Find a collection of 904 vintage versions or 2638 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. 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. There are many different pieces in our collection of 4 carat diamond drop earrings to choose from, but Contemporary and Modern 4 carat diamond drop earrings are of considerable interest. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Harbor Diamonds, Meghna Jewels and Luigi Ferrara are consistently popular. There are many round cut, pear cut and oval cut 4 carat diamond drop earrings for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of 4 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 4 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings?

On average, 4 carat diamond drop earrings at 1stDibs sell for $5,957, while they’re typically $150 on the low end and $56,490,512 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.