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5 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings

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25.47 Carat Natural Carved Emerald and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
diamonds. The emerald is natural and weight is 25.47 carats and diamond weight is 1.17 carats. The earring
Category

2010s Indian Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

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

Retro 0.76 Carat Diamond Cultured South Sea Pearl 18 Karat Gold Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.76 carat total, G/H color and VVS clarity Completed by post and
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Contemporary 2.20 CTW 18 Karat White Gold Chandelier Drop Fringe Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
articulated navette shaped drop - with milgrain detailing. Featuring round brilliant cut diamonds bead and
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rose Pink Tourmaline Diamond Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These 14K Yellow Gold Rose Pink Tourmaline Diamond Earrings are a sophisticated addition to any
Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Important Large Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A modern day masterpiece. The earrings exhibit very little metal and the diamonds are on full
Category

Vintage 1980s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Emilio Jewelry Oval Diamond Earrings
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
. Measures: 26x13mm Approx total weight: 1.29 Carats Metal: 14k Diamond Color: E-F Diamond Clarity: vs Our
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Diamond and Sapphire Earrings
Located in San Francisco, CA
These elegant silver-topped 18k gold drop earrings bring the past to the present. With 2.20 carats
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Sixties Diamond-Set Platinum Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
earrings. Set with 4.0 carats of sparkly diamonds, day or night, these charismatic earrings have a
Category

Vintage 1960s Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
Metal: 18 karat ♦ 28 Diamonds =.80 carats F-G -VSS ♦ Circa 2000 ♦ Size 3/16th wide 5/8 high ♦ Packaging
Category

Early 2000s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Modern Diamond and Tanzanite Pendant Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
design of each earring. Total diamond weight: about 0.56 carat Total weight of Tanzanite: about
Category

20th Century French Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Faye Kim 18k Gold Triple Raw Diamond Gold Hinged Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
A perennial favorite! Faye Kim's 18k gold triple raw diamond drop earrings are one of our best
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k 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

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

Heart Shaped Amethyst Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart shaped amethyst and diamond platinum and white gold earrings. The swinging designs showcase a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

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

Vintage Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Earrings
Located in Montgomery, AL
piece. Earring Details Material: 20K Yellow Gold; 14K Yellow Gold Posts & Backs Length: 5/8 Inch Width
Category

20th Century Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Earrings #15117
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Earrings- These elegant earrings each feature one oval
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Earrings Yellow Gold Antique Jewelry
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, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
carats of sapphires and .35 carats of brilliant diamonds, (I color, SI1 clarity). Day or night, their
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Platinum and Diamond Earrings, circa 1945
Located in Aspen, CO
Platinum dangling diamond earrings from the mid 20th century. These earrings have fancy cut "fan
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Pair of Late Victorian Emerald Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Pair of Late Victorian Emerald Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Earrings. Featuring two oval
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Diamond Gold Snake Dangling Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Nouveau diamond and gold snake drop earrings. The articulated designs feature a pair of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Garavelli Italy Diamond and Sapphire Dangle Earrings
By Garavelli
Located in Miami, FL
and 126 round pink sapphires weighing approximately 5 carats total. The diamonds and pink sapphires
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Faye Kim 18k Gold Cushion Mabe Pearl and Diamond Lever Back Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
the very desirable rose overtones. Length x Width: 0.875" x .5" Diamonds: .12 Carats twt
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

1930s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
earrings are threaded by a swan neck secured by a hook. Total weight of the 2 top diamonds : 0.20 carat
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

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

South Sea Cultured Pearl and Diamond Pendant Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
round diamonds weighing approximately 0.50 carat, gross weight 12.8 grams, measuring 1 by 5/8 inch. A
Category

Late 20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Large Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
, AAA grade. These convertible drop earrings are a masterpiece of design. The top teardrop is composed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Oceanic Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Antique Turquoise Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
7.5 mm) twenty four old brilliant cut diamonds, estimated total weight 3 carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Drop Earrings

Pendant Style Platinum and Diamond Earrings, circa 1935
Located in Aspen, CO
Four and one half carats of fine white diamonds including a pair of well cut graceful pear (3.5 cts
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond and South Sea Pearl Day Night Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
shape and Marquis Shape Diamonds total 3.25 Carats and Grade as G-H in Color and VS to SI in Clarity
Category

2010s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Chrome Diopside Earrings w Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14K Gold Marquise 10x5
Located in Columbus, OH
These earrings are made with solid 14k Gold and natural earth mined SI / G-H Diamonds. As listed, these
Category

2010s American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Contemporary Estate 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Montgomery, AL
: Estimated 1.2 Carats Total Diamond Details: 0.2 Carats Total; G-H Color; Vs Clarity Measuring 5/8” From top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Silver 14K Gold Antique Collete Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as silver-topped collete style settings centering rose cut diamond drops Weighing
Category

Antique 1860s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Natural Emerald Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
diamonds. The natural emerald weight is 20.07 carats and Diamond weight is .38 carats. The net gold weight
Category

2010s Indian Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Aquamarine and Morganite Earrings in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful and Classic earrings set in 18k gold with aquamarine, morganite and diamonds. The
Category

2010s Indian Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Morganite, Gold

Wallace Chan Cabochon Amethyst Diamond Titanium Ring and Earrings Set
Located in New York, NY
Amethysts, 5 Round Brilliant-cut Diamonds, weighing approximately 4.35 carats and Diamond Pave. Mounted in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Titanium

Gemistry 1.24 Ct. T.W. Emerald and Diamond Half-Moon Dangle Earrings in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
. Earrings with hugger clasps that lock into place are for pierced ears. The diamonds have a color grade of
Category

2010s Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Pendent Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Pendent Earrings Van Cleef and Arpels South Sea
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Old Mine Diamond Sapphire Cluster Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique old mine diamond and sapphire cluster earring circa 1890. This is a wonderful and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Natural Emerald Long Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful set of natural emerald earrings with diamond set in 18k white gold . The emeralds are
Category

2010s Indian Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Cartier Amulette Lapis Lazuli Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Poitiers, FR
. Weight of the 2 main diamonds : 0.14 carat approximately. Height : 3,2 cm, width : 17 mm, thickness : 5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Amulette Lapis Lazuli Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Poitiers, FR
. Weight of the 2 main diamonds : 0.14 carat approximately. Height : 3,2 cm, width : 17 mm, thickness : 5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vhernier Pink Quartz Diamond Gold Balloon Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
quartz shaped to resemble a balloon tied to a string of gold, the knot set with small round diamonds
Category

20th Century Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Gilbert Albert Abstract Swiss Modern Ruby and Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Litchfield, CT
are stunning. Set with 100 carats of rubies and 1.20 carats of superb diamonds, they consist of 3
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian GIA Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14K Yellow Gold Cluster Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Pair of Edwardian GIA Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14K Yellow Gold Cluster Earrings. Featuring two
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Natural Un-Heat Ruby Earring Set in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful and elegant ruby earrings set in 18k white gold with diamonds. The ruby originate from
Category

2010s Indian Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Contemporary Pearl Party Sapphire Diamond 18K White Gold Vintage Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
18.37 carats total - prong set Accented by prong set round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Vintage Diamond Tourmaline 14 Karat Yellow Gold Caged Bird Screwback Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
brilliant cut diamond weighing collectively 0.08 carat - eye clean and bright Bodies are heart cut
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Yellow Jade, Diamond and Emerald Sterling Silver and 14 Karat Gold Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k yellow gold & sterling silver Diamonds: 256 round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Convertible Long Earrings in 18Kt Yellow Gold with 76.26 Ctw Diamonds Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
diamonds, 1.01 carats, F color, VS-2 clarity. Bezel set, with 2 pear faceted cut (5 x 7 mm) of citrines
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Chrysophrase, Citrine, Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, Gold, 18k...

1990 s Opal Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Turtle Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
head and shell Measuring from 4.5 x 3.5 mm to 9 x 7 mm Accented by flush set single cut diamond eyes
Category

1990s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Natural Aquamarine and Blue Sapphire Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
diamond weight is 1.455 carats. The earrings dimension in cm 5 x .6 x .3 (LXWXD).
Category

2010s Indian Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold

Natural Emerald Earrings and Rose Cut Diamond Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
.13 carats. the net gold weight is 8.828 grams and earrings dimensions is 3.6 x 1 x .5 (LXWXD).
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Victorian Revival 18k Gold Old European Cut Diamond Earrings Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Victorian revival earrings feature Old European cut diamonds, approximately 1.30-carat each, K-L color, VS2
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

21st Century Diamonds Moon Stars Black Rhodium Silver White Gold Earrings Omega
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
21st Century Diamonds Moon Stars Black Rhodium Silver White Gold Earrings Omega 1.88 Carat of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Silver, Rhodium

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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.