Skip to main content

Half Carat Diamond Stud Earrings

to
33
135
71
222
112
46
22
14
8
8
7
5
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
42
15
5
5
4
Sort By
Theo Fennell Diamond Stud Earrings 0.50 Carat
By Theo Fennell
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful pair of 18k white gold diamond stud earrings by Theo Fennell. The earrings comprise of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.50 Carat Half Ball Bead Set Brilliant Natural Diamonds Earrings 18 Karat Omega
Located in New York, NY
Bead set / Raised Domed / Circular clip earrings 3.50ct. Full cut Rounds, brilliant natural
Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate Sapphire Diamond Halo Stud Earrings
Located in San Francisco, CA
surrounded by a halo of over half a carat of fine white diamonds in these eye-catching stud earrings. The
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 23.5 Ct Marquise, Round Baguette Shape Diamond Half Moon Clip Earring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 23.5 Ct Marquise, Round & Baguette Shape Diamond Half Moon Clip Earrings weight of
Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond

Bulgari Sapphire Diamond Gold Flower Stud Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Bulgari "Flower Collection" 18K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings, set with Pear shape Natural Color
Category

2010s Italian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Rose Gold Art Deco Style Swirl Stud Earrings
Located in London, GB
These gorgeous Art Deco inspired stud earrings are masterfully designed as a swirl which
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Bvlgari Italy Diamond 18k White Gold Invisible Set Heart Stud Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Pair of Bvlgari Italy Diamond 18k White Gold Invisible Set Heart Stud Earrings. Featuring two
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Diamond Shaped Stud Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
impeccably cut diamonds that totals over half a carat in weight. The diamonds are arranged in a free-flowing
Category

2010s Asian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pearl Diamond Posy Stud Earrings in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
been on shepherds hooks. The studs present beautifully and with over two and a half carats of G colour
Category

20th Century Edwardian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Braided Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
opinion : These diamond earrings feature a precious design reminiscent of a half-creole, illuminated on
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

22 Ct Natural Zambian Emerald 3.60 Ct Pear shape Diamond Stud Earrings, 14KWG
Located in New York, NY
22 Ct Natural Zambian Emerald & 3.60 Ct Pear shape Diamond Stud Earrings,14KWG This magnificent
Category

2010s North American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

.925 Silver 1/6 Cttw Yellow Diamond and Mirror Polish Pear Shape Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Delicately poised between contemporary design and classic sophistication, these stud earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian 14k TT Gold 0.55ctw Old Diamond Flower Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
These gorgeous antique stud earrings were crafted during the early Victorian era from solid 14k
Category

Antique 1860s Early Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Cluster Diamond Earrings with Rounds and Baguettes 2.65 Carat
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds themselves are lusciously chunky. Each earring measures half an inch in diameter and the settings
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Yellow 20mm Gold and Diamonds Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Magic Alhambra earrings, yellow 18K gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

19th Century Crescent Moon and Star Gold and Diamond Earrings
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Sensational earrings truly befitting of royalty! The Crescent Moon was immensely popular during
Category

Antique 19th Century European Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Schlumberger, Gold and Enamel Taj Mahal Stud Earrings
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in Kingston, NY
Tiffany and Co "Taj Mahal" half-domed stud earrings, designed in a slightly off-round shape in
Category

Late 20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Flowerlike Art Deco Style Diamond and Sapphire Earrings
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rendered in platinum and handmade in classic art deco tradition, these lovely stud earrings offer a
Category

Late 20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Blue Zircon and Diamond Earrings
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
white gold, the round zircons weigh 6.12 carats in total, while the six diamonds weigh 1.00 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Zircon, 14k Gold, White Gold

Italian 18k Gold Emerald and Diamond Earring
Located in Macau, MO
diamonds weighing 0.36 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold. It is simply nice and elegant. The company
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bulgari Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Parentesi Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Earrings designed as rounded rectangular shapes featuring half circle and bar Parentesi motif
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chanel Ultra Diamonds White Ceramic White Gold Hoop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Poitiers, FR
earrings, they are from the "Ultra" collection. These half hoop earrings are in white ceramic openwork and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

14k White Gold Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Located in Towson, MD
These stunning contemporary half hoop earrings are crafted from 14 karat white gold and are
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Emerald and Diamond Hoop Drop Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
By Michael Rose
Located in London, GB
half diamond set hoop, finished with lever back fittings. The design and size of these earrings means
Category

2010s European Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Diamond White Gold Cluster Earstuds
Located in Lucerne, CH
each carefully set in five prongs. Individual diamond weights just slightly under half a carat totaling
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Stud Half Hoop Earrings Mined .25ct Platinum 14K White Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Stud Half Hoop Earrings Mined .25ct Platinum 14K White Gold Backs Featuring 12 Genuine
Category

2010s Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Half Hoop 18k Multi-Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vibrant blue sapphire and diamond half-hoop / C Shape circle stud earrings in 18 karat white gold
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

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

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamonds Half Hoop Buckle Earrings
Located in Zurich, CH
Elegant and sparkling pair of 18 karat yellow gold and diamonds half hoop buckle earrings, circa
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

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

GIA Certified 14.11 Carat VS/VVS Quality Fancy Yellow Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Make a statement with this stunning pair of Yellow Diamond dangle earrings, one weighing 7.01 Carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Impressive Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
near colourless diamonds. The stud earrings with an omega style clip fitting comprise of a cluster of
Category

20th Century American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Peridot Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Day Night Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
remove the bottom half to turn these earrings into the perfect daytime studs. Pair these earrings with
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Cartier Maillon Panthère 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Earrings, 1999
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, CH
Classy pair of 18 karat yellow gold and diamond Maillon Panthère half-hoop earrings by Cartier
Category

1990s French Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elizabeth Gage Pearl Diamond Gold Clip on Earrings
By Elizabeth Gage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
studded with diamonds, half pearls, and all manner of hand-applied granulation along with scrolling gold
Category

1990s English Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings and Ring Suite
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
2 carats of diamonds. The pierced stud-style earrings contain 1.20 carats of rubies and 1 carat of
Category

20th Century Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. 1.45 Carat Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring with Wedding
By Tiffany Co.
Located in GB
large 1.96 tcw diamond heart pendant in platinum, 0.96 tcw stud earrings, 0.69 tcw Victoria earrings the
Category

20th Century British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14 Karat White Gold, Half Carat Diamond Mini Stud Earrings
Located in McLeansville, NC
A pair of 14 karat white gold and diamond stud earrings. These earrings feature a three prong
Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Half Hoop Stud Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
there also diamond points. The emeralds total 20pts per hoop and are set flush within the gold half hoop
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Gold

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Half Hoop Stud Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
there also diamond points. The sapphire total 20pts per hoop and are set flush within the gold half hoop
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Half Hoop Screw Back Stud Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
measure 25pts total per hoop and are set flush within the gold half hoop. The studs are screw back so are
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

10k Yellow Gold 1.0 Carat Diamond Half Hoop Earrings Omega Backs
Located in Eagan, MN
each earring. There are 32 diamonds altogether measuring 2 mm each totaling 1.0 carats. The earrings
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

14K Yellow Gold .15 Carat Diamond Freshwater Pearl Half Hoop Dangle Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
This is a classic pair of pearl earrings. They each have 5 1.5 mm brilliant cut diamonds on the
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum GIA Certified 10.54 Carats Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Stud Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Platinum GIA Certified 10.54 Carats Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Stud Earrings This glorious
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

4.00 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Drop Platinum Earrings
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Magnificent 4.00 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings Platinum Primary
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1.33 carats Round Brilliant Diamond Frame Studs
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
From J. Birnbach, these half carat diamonds (1.03 cts total) are surrounded by a frame of pave
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

10k Yellow Gold 1.36 Carat ZEI 4 Row Half Hoop Diamond Omega Clip Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
diamond measuring 1.5 mm and the bottom 4 and top 4 diamonds are 1.25 mm totaling .68 carats on each
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 10k Gold

Vintage 7.00 Carat Diamond Platinum and Gold Cluster Dome Earrings
Located in Addison, TX
These incredible dome shaped vintage diamond earrings are illuminating with 7.00CTW carats of old
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum

Diamond Floral Earrings, Triple Halos in White Gold, 1.13 Carat Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
carat total and measuring just under half an inch in diameter, these earrings have endless sparkle. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Yellow Gold and Diamonds Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Magic Alhambra earrings, 3 motifs, 18K yellow gold, malachite, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Yellow 20mm Gold and Diamonds Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Magic Alhambra earrings, yellow 18K gold, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamond Ribbon Earrings
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
With over fifty round white diamonds, these earrings of eighteen carat white gold are exquisite
Category

Vintage 1980s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Sapphire Diamond Gold Pavé Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Cartier, half spheres of pavé set sapphires and shimmering diamonds. Set in 18 karat with .70
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond Set Circle Hoop Earrings Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A lovely vintage pair of diamond set half hoop earrings set in 18k yellow gold. These earrings are
Category

1990s Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Sunburst Gold and Diamond Post Earrings Converted from Larter Sons Cufflinks
By Larter Sons
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
of the backs). The center diamonds are about 0.06 carats each -- small but bright and clean
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Boucheron Diamond Clip Stud Half Hoop Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Boucheron
Located in London, England
A beautifully crafted pair of Boucheron diamond clip on earrings set in 18k yellow gold. Each
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Drop Earrings 4.45 Carat
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elegant pair of 18k white gold diamond drop earrings. The earrings each comprise of a half hoop
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

11.54 Carat Diamond and Coral Drop Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
11.54 Carat Diamond and Coral Drop Earrings A beautiful blend of quirky and elegance is what these
Category

2010s Asian Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

11.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
11.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Earrings Nothing glams a party better than some
Category

2010s Asian Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

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

Half Carat Diamond Stud Earrings For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of half carat diamond stud earrings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 67 vintage editions and 155 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 19th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of half carat diamond stud earrings includes designs that are universally popular, but contemporary and modern styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Gems Paradise, RAREVER and Hi June Parker produced popular versions that are worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for round cut half carat diamond stud earrings and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes rose cut and brilliant cut alternatives. Most of our half carat diamond stud earrings for sale are for women, but there are 57 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Half Carat Diamond Stud Earrings?

Prices for half carat diamond stud earrings start at $277 and top out at $313,001 with these earrings, on average, selling for $3,998.

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.

Questions About Half Carat Diamond Stud Earrings
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
    Whether half-carat diamond studs are too small is a matter of personal opinion. A pair of diamond studs with a total carat weight of 0.5 usually consists of two 0.25-carat earrings. Many jewelry makers offer studs as small as 0.13 carats, so many people consider half-carat diamond studs to be medium-sized. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique and vintage diamond stud earrings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A good carat size for diamond stud earrings is usually between .25 carat and 1 carat for everyday wear. For nicer occasions it is worth going larger to over 1 carat in size.