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5 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings

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Victorian 2.00 Total Carat Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Located in Narberth, PA
A breathtaking pair of sapphire and diamond earrings from the Victorian (ca1880) era! These
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Suarez Aquamarine Diamond Drop Earrings Estate 18 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish pair of Suarez aquamarine & diamond drop earrings crafted in 18k white gold. Aquamarines
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k Gold Oval White Pearl Marquise Diamond Floral Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
earrings feature a wonderful drop dangle style that carries fine marquise and old single cut diamonds with
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Estate Long Drop Earrings Morganite Amethyst Diamond 18 Karat Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant pair of estate amethyst, morganite & diamond earrings, crafted in 18k white & rose gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold with Lever Backs
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These beautiful diamond cluster earrings are perfect for everyday and special occasions! Sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

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

Diamond and 18k White Gold Teardrop Dangle Earrings, 3.15 Carats Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamond dangle earrings are timelessly beautiful. Earrings measure 1-5/8" in total length. 142 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Ornate 10.83 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Necklace and Earrings Set
Located in Miami, FL
motif, culminating in a dangling diamond encrusted drop. The necklace measures 17 inches in length and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Baroque Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

45 Ct Pear Cut Ruby 22 Ct Rose cut Diamond Necklace Suite 18 Kt Gold, Bridal
Located in New York, NY
-shaped natural Rubies, totaling 45 carats, along with 22 carats of Rose-cut Diamonds and round brilliant
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings, 14K Round Brilliant Cut .68 Carat Pierced Drops
Located in Greensboro, NC
- SI2 Color: F Cut: Round Brilliant Total Carats: 0.68ctw Measurements: Tall: 5/8" (15.4mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Pink Tourmaline Platinum Engraved Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
tear drop bottom with beautiful full cut diamonds. Old fashion plain wire tops. 4 fancy pink
Category

Vintage 1950s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

Vintage pearl and diamond set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
suite perfectly combines beauty with strength. The necklace is adorned with approximately 5 carats of
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Pair of Art Deco Diamond Platinum Dangle Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Item: These spectacular earrings shimmer with over two carats of diamonds nestled in platinum settings
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Marina Bvlgari 1983 Troc Dangle Drop Earrings 18kt Gold with 30.87 Ctw in Gems
Located in Miami, FL
: Mounted in channel settings, with 40 caliber baguettes stepped cut of natural diamonds, 2.80 carats, white
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modernist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Onyx, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold,...

Mid-Century 21.90 Carats Mughal Carved Emerald Diamond Pearl Platinum Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
natural inclusions Diamond weight for ear-clips is approximately 1.00 carat with H to J color and overall
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Plat...

Petit Ethereal Ice Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Jaipur Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
weight approx .50 Carats. - Set in 18 Karat Gold. - Drop approx 5 mm. - For pierced ears on 18 Karat Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Colombian Emerald Diamond Dangle Earrings GIA
Located in Montgomery, AL
Earring Width: 5/8 Inch Drop Length: 7/8 Inch Weight: 8.4 Grams Back Type: Push Back Can Be Converted To
Category

20th Century Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Le Vian 4 1/2 Carat Emerald Yellow Gold Earrings
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
/4 carats accented with Vanilla Diamonds (5/8 ct. t.w. diamonds).
Category

2010s More Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Amethyst and Diamond Belle Époque Earrings
Located in Bethesda, MD
From the Belle Époque era, these wonderful Amethyst and diamond drop earrings. The earrings feature
Category

Antique 1890s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Extraordinary Pear-Shaped Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings
By Hamilton
Located in Princeton, NJ
, highlight the beauty of 24 pear-shaped rubies and almost 5 carats of diamonds. Four jeweled flowers feature
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1.50 CTW Diamond 18 Karat Gold Vintage Drop Ear-Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
feature pavè set round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing in total approximately 1.50 carats with G color
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blue Zircon Emerald Diamond Platinum Dangling Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
appeal and undeniable allure, the Blue Zircon Emerald Diamond Platinum Drop Earrings are truly a treasure
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Zircon, Blue Zircon, 18k Gold, Platinum

BULGARI Lucea Diamond White Gold Necklace Earrings Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
diamonds in the necklace and 1.80 carats in the bracelet. Circa 2004. Dimensions are 16mm (5/8") Chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond Onyx Chrysophrase Dangle Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
cabochon of chrysophrase that holds a line of 5 modern brilliant- cut diamonds and a long drop of onyx. The
Category

2010s French Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Chrysophrase, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Earrings Platinum Diamond Dangle Antique Cut
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Old European cut diamonds (H-I color, SI1-SI2 clarity). The antique drop earrings measure 5/8" x 5/16
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Diamond Emerald and Natural Pearl Long Dangle Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Platinum Dangle Earrings, measuring 1 5/8 inches in length, hand fabricated in sections
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Art Deco Style Purple Jade Lapis Lazuli Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
of 5 modern brilliant- cut diamonds which holds an oval shape cabochon of lapis lazuli and an
Category

2010s French Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Orange Fruite Carved Jade Diamond Onyx Vintage Style Earrings in 9K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
: Onyx Shape: Round Cabochon Size: 5 mm. Number: 2 Weight: 1.25 Carat (approx. in total) These earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, 9k Gold, White Gold

A Pair of Opal and Diamond Pear Shaped Stud Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Michael Rose
Located in London, GB
A pair of opal and diamond pear shaped drop stud earrings in 18 karat yellow gold. Each of these
Category

2010s British Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Opal, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980 Retro Certified Diamonds D-F 19.0ct Clip-On Big Statement Earrings/Pendant
Located in London, GB
, weight 1.09 carats, F Colour, VVS2 Clarity 5. 1 x Pear Shape Diamond, weight 0.84 carats, E Colour, SI1
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Hoops with Marquise Diamond Drops
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
to evening seamlessly. Earrings as shown Diamond Marquise Drops: .71 carats total weight Drop
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Hoops with Marquise Diamond Drops
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
to evening seamlessly. Earrings as shown Diamond Marquise Drops: .61 carats total weight Drop
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Hoops with Marquise Diamond Drops
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
to evening seamlessly. Diamond Marquise Drops: .23 carats total weight Drop Length**: .25" Hoops
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 125 Carat Russian Emeralds and Diamonds Necklace and Earring Circa 1960
Located in Miami, FL
natural earth mined round and marquise shape diamonds weighing approximately 20 carats total, averaging G
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Choker Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Mid Century 0.50 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Navette Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Pair this ring with a pair of radiant diamond drop earrings and your favorite outfit for an eye
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

.25ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Earrings Pendant Set, 10k White Gold Journey
Located in Greensboro, NC
- I3 Color: H - I Cut: Round Brilliant Total Carats: 0.25ctw Earrings Style: Drop Fastening Type
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown More Jewelry

Materials

White Gold

Emerald 14.73 Carat, White Gold Necklace Set
By Mehnaz Durrani
Located in Richmond, BC
Majestic emerald and diamond necklace earring set. Lively,14.73 carats, high luster, intense bluish
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Contemporary Black Pearl and Diamond Gold Jewelry Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
modern brilliant round cut diamonds, and the earrings are channel set with a total of sixteen modern
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage GIA Ceylon Oval Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
it with your favorite diamond drop earrings. Flawless Protection Plan: -7-day return policy for a
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Navette Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
show without distraction. Pair this ring with a pair of radiant diamond drop earrings and your favorite
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Blue Topaz Sapphire Diamond Pendant and Ring Jewelry Set in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
and drop earrings for a complete look. Perfect for formal events, special occasions, or evening wear
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Topaz, Topaz, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold

Vintage David Webb Ring 18k Gold Gemstone Estate Jewelry
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
round brilliant cut diamonds (G-H color, VS clarity, approximately 0.30 carat total weight). The
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Day Night South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 5 Carats 18KT 14.5 MM 1950s
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Baguette diamonds weighing 5 carats and two South Sea Pearls measuring 14-15 MM. Bottoms Pearls can be
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

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

GRS Certified 18K Gold Green Zambian Emerald 5/8 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Stunning in their simplicity, these sleek drop earrings are masterfully handmade from 18-karat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

14K Gold Natural Blue Sapphire Gemstone and 1/5 Carat Diamond Drop Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These unique earrings are sure to turn heads. Each earring features two ribbons of diamond accented
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

3.41 Carat Diamond Palm Leaf Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18 karat gold & sterling silver, these beautiful earrings are hand set with 3.41 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Sapphires and Diamonds Hoop Drop Earrings Weighing 5.75 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Fourteen karats white gold hoop drop earrings two and half-inch long Diamonds weighing 0.75 carat
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Great pair of Diamond capped South Sea Pearl & Floral Diamond Earrings. Very chic & ultra sexy
Category

Vintage 1980s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Aquamarine Diamond Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Aquamarine and 2.14 carats of shimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian 21.7 Carat T.W. Pink Tourmaline Diamond Pear Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Introducing Gemistry, Victorian 21. 7 Ct. t.w. Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Pear Drop Earrings
Category

2010s Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium, Silver

Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Webster, NY
Pear shaped ruby drop earrings with Round Brilliant cut diamond accents. Gemstone: Ruby & Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Ruby and Baguette Diamond Drop Gold Earrings Weighing 2.30 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Fourteen karat yellow gold drop earrings 1" long Baguette diamonds weighing 0.40 carats Four round
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

18 Karat White Gold 1.71 Carat Diamond Flower Drop Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 1.71 Carat Diamond Flower Drop Earrings This glorious invisible set petal
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950s Diamond Pendent Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Pendent Drop Earrings 1950s diamond and white gold drop earrings. The sparkling, swinging
Category

Vintage 1950s Modernist Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage diamond and gold drop earrings circa 1940. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #E-DJ727D. Scroll down for
Category

Vintage 1940s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

1.62 Carat Diamond South Sea Pearl White Gold Drop Clip Post Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Exceptionally crafted 1.62 carat diamond drop clip post earrings with a South Sea pearl drop, made
Category

Mid-20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Gemistry 2.46 Carat T.W. Diamond Tear Drop Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These spectacular 2.46 ct. t.w. Diamond Tear Drop Earrings by Gemistry are meant to be shown off
Category

2010s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Pear Shape Emerald Diamond White Gold Earrings
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 K White Gold Pear Shape Emerald 0.68 Carats total weight each measuring 5 x 3 mm 1.5 x 8 mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k 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.