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5 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings

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Vivid Diamonds Emerald and Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Vivid Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular Emerald and Diamond dangle earrings crafted in Platinum and 18 karat yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Diamond Drop White Gold Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
drop earrings are charmingly elegant. Finely fashioned in 18k white gold, they effortlessly go from
Category

2010s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pink Opal Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
finials and a section of diamonds hugging the ear lobe. These earrings swing playfully on the ear, while
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

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

Estate Emerald Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
. Each earring features a large vivid Trillion cabochon Natural Emerald, 1 carat each, and set with 1.40
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Peridot Diamond Citrine Amethyst Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
By Alex Soldier
Located in New York, NY
stones, total carat weight: 5 ct. Peridots: 2 stones, total carat weight: 2.12 ct. Citrines: 2 stones
Category

2010s American Byzantine Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...

Peridot Diamond Citrine Amethyst Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
By Alex Soldier
Located in New York, NY
stones, total carat weight: 5 ct. Peridots: 2 stones, total carat weight: 2.12 ct. Citrines: 2 stones
Category

2010s American Byzantine Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...

5 ct. t.w. Blue Zircon, Diamond 18k Bezel, Lever Back Engraved Drop Earrings
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brilliant and bright, these "Windex" blue zircon and diamond earrings are timeless! Two oval blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Contemporary 7.70 Carats Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
drop centering a pear cut sapphire Weighing in total approximately 6.10 carats - very slightly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Diamond Drop Earrings, 18 Karat White Gold Pierced Briolette 1.34 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
! Fashioned in high purity 18k white gold, the earrings feature a trefoil design outlined in diamond accents
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

White and Fancy-Colored Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
decorated with rows of fancy colored diamonds, 5.25 carats in total, and separated by stripes of brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Gold

4.35 Carat Emerald and Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
weight Diamonds: 244 round brilliant cut = 2.46 carat weight Color: G-H Clarity: SI1-SI2 Fastenings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Black Rhodium Fancy Color Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
earrings. Specs: 18 KT Gold with black rhodium Diamonds: Fancy, round 7.50 carats 2.25" Length x 5/8
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium

Victorian Diamond Gold Silver Drop Earrings
Located in Greenwich, CT
You will love going around in circles when wearing these dazzling diamond drop earrings! With a
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond

Early Victorian 1840s 5.30 Carat Sapphire Diamond Silver Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Each featuring a drop with claw set pear cut yellow sapphire weighing approximately 4.00 carats
Category

Antique 1840s Early Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

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

Antique Diamond gold Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1910s, platinum and 18k. Elegant beyond measure, these antique drop earrings feature
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.60 Carats Diamond Silver-Topped 14 Karat Gold Cluster Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drop earrings are designed as circular clusters centering bezel set with old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Graff Diamond and Sapphire Drop Earrings
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
that there is 4.85 carats of natural sapphires and approximately 5 carats. of diamonds. Graff, known
Category

Early 2000s British Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Emerald Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
These 18 karat white gold vintage earrings feature approximately .5 carats of diamonds, and 1 carat
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Estate Heliodor Beryl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
. Each earring features a large vivid drop shaped Natural Heliodor Beryl, 3.50 carat each, and set with
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Beryl, Gold, 18k Gold

Chrysoprase Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chrysoprase and diamond gold drop earrings circa 1990. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #E-DJ629i. Scroll down
Category

1990s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond Pearl Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
: Diamond 3.50 total carats MEASURES: height 1.96 in (5 cm) long WEIGHT: 16 grams * every jewel is
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Silver

Tiffany Co. Platinum and Diamond Drop Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
These beautiful Tiffany & Co. diamond drop earrings are set in platinum and feature .90 carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

5 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Hanging Earrings GIA Certified LP FP VS1 - SI1
Located in New York, NY
Clarity: SI1 Style: Pear Shape Measurements: 8.85 x 5.18 x 3.09 mm Upper Pair Diamonds: Carat Weight
Category

2010s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Gold Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco diamond drop earrings. DETAILS: Art Deco diamond gold and platinum drop earrings circa
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Diamond Gold Silver Leaf Drop Earrings
Located in Greenwich, CT
These Victorian handmade diamond, gold, and silver drop earrings will always keep you outdoor fresh
Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian 4.12 Carats Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bow Fringe Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
rose cut diamonds bead and bezel set throughout ribbon, fringe, and drop. Weighing approximately 0.42
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Tahitian Pearl Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tahitian pearls diamonds and white gold drop earrings. * SPECIFICATIONS: PEARLS: two cultured
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Large Emerald and Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
of oval brilliant emeralds that weigh 5 carats in total (but appear much larger!). The major stones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Pearl Diamond Platinum Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
5 carats ( H-I & Vs2) of sparkle are set in platinum and hang 24mm from dainty yellow gold ear hooks
Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Aquamarine Briolette Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Each earring designed with four geometric platinum links, bead set with old European cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Pear Shape Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18k Gold, 29.03 Carats Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These monumental aquamarine and diamond earrings feature a beautifully matched pair of giant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Victorian 14k Diamond and Enamel Star Motif Drop Earrings
Located in Narberth, PA
have an approximate total carat weight of 1ctw and displays G/H color and VS1-SI1 clarity. The earrings
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Boulder Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Boulder opal and diamond yellow gold drop earrings circa 2000. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #E-DJ612G
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
royal design diamond and 18K white gold basket drop. A total of 1.00 carat of VS quality diamonds are
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drop earrings are designed as a stylized clover surmount with a circular drop Drops center
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Goshwara Golden Rutilated Cabochon Drop And Diamond Earrings
By Goshwara
Located in New York, NY
Golden Rutilated Cabochon Drop Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold, from 'Naughty' Collection. Please allow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Goshwara Blue Chalcedony Cabochon- Drop And Diamond Earrings
By Goshwara
Located in New York, NY
Blue Chalcedony Cabochon Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold with Diamonds, from 'Naughty' Collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings Two-Stone
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lovely Victorian diamond and 14 karat (tested) yellow gold two-stone drop earrings. The diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian Diamond Silver Gold Drop Stud Earrings, Antique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous Victorian diamond drop stud earrings. Classy, timeless, feminine and wearable, they are a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Pair of Gold, Diamond and Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
set diamond cap. Forty (40 ) diamonds weigh approximately 2.25 carats. Length is approximately 1 5/8
Category

Vintage 1980s American Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Art Deco Style Diamond Drop Earrings, Total Est .58 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Canterbury, England
hallmarked London 2019. Specification: drop 4.5cm, width at base 1cm, .5 cm deep. A unique piece within our
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Faye Kim Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Gold Bezel Drop Earring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
to the sapphire drop earrings. Understated and easy to wear, these will be your new go-to earrings
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Faye Kim Blue Sapphire Gold Bezel Drop Earrings with Diamond
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
. The diamonds contrast and add a sparkle to the sapphire drop earrings. Stone Info: Blue Sapphires
Category

2010s American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald Diamond White Gold Drop Clip on Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald diamond and white gold drop clip on earrings circa 1960. The facts you want to know are
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Onyx Pendant Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
features a large vivid, drop Emerald Green composite stone, set with 1.50 carats of old mine cut cut
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Black Enamel Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique diamond black enamel and yellow gold drop earrings circa 1910. Clear and concise
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

14KT White Gold 3/4ctw Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in McLeansville, NC
A pair of 14 karat white gold diamond drop earrings. These everyday earrings features bezel set
Category

1990s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.04 Carat Emerald Diamond White Gold Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
. Total diamond weight is 0.34 ct. Length with ear wire is 15 mm (5/8 in.) Weight – 1.71 and 1.70 grams.
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Diamond Silver Gold Drop Stud Earrings, Antique, 1900s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous Victorian diamond drop stud earrings. Made of 14 karat (stamped) yellow gold and silver
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold

Jade Cabochon Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Earrings surmount is basket set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing in total approximately
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Mikimoto Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Earrings feature a round pearl surmount with an articulated pearl drop Very well matched in white
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Mikimoto Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Gold Floral Drop Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Earrings feature a round pearl surmount with an articulated pearl drop Very well matched in white
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

0.06ctw Diamond Tahitian Pearl Drop Earrings, 18kt White Gold
Located in McLeansville, NC
A pair of 18 karat white gold Tahitian pearl and diamond drop earrings. These earrings feature
Category

Vintage 1970s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Edwardian Style Diamond 18K Rose White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Edwardian Size: 5/8 inches in length Gram weight: 2.36 These elegant Edwardian-inspired drop earrings
Category

20th Century Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Diamond and Coral Gold Teardrop Drop Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
, the earrings are embellished with sublime corals and 0.06 carats of diamonds. Dimension: 1.5" x .5"
Category

Late 20th Century American Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold

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5 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of 5 carat diamond drop earrings available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 851 vintage editions and 2549 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 18th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of 5 carat diamond drop earrings includes designs that are universally popular, but Contemporary and Modern styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Harbor Diamonds, Meghna Jewels and Luigi Ferrara are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A selection of round cut, pear cut and oval cut can be found today on these pages. Most of our 5 carat diamond drop earrings for sale are for women, but there are 689 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are 5 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings?

Prices for 5 carat diamond drop earrings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $203 and can go as high as $2,895,000, while 5 carat diamond drop earrings, on average, fetch $5,999.

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.