Skip to main content

Non Pierced

to
1,866
3,243
2,021
1,177
1,162
723
2,395
1,680
836
777
648
1
22
1,879
1,553
7
4
11
17
18
42
76
71
173
192
1
2,466
993
7
965
401
398
141
97
to
1,845
86
60
55
43
892
830
355
306
177
117
35
16
12
8
4
2
2
1
1
3,336
130
2,145
1,294
Sort By
Vintage Bulgari-Style Amethyst, Peridot Diamond 18K Gold Clip-On Earrings
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
pierced and non-pierced ears. Timeless Elegance These earrings encapsulate the essence of vintage
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Natural Pearl and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
clip on fastening, for non pierced ears. The reverse of the bunched grape setting is struck with the
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Natural Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Aquamarine Garnet and Citrine Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
-on fastening, for non pierced ears. The reverse of the clip is clearly hallmarked with the mark for
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 22.28 Carat Garnet and Diamond Earrings in Rose Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
. These antique Victorian earrings for non-pierced ears secure to the reverse with a hinged clip-on
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rose Gold

Garavelli Rinascimento 18K Yellow and White Gold Diamond Earrings
By Garavelli
Located in Aspen, CO
for a pierced ear, they can be converted to accomodate a non pierced ear lobe. GARAVELLI was founded
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mellerio Vintage Sapphire and Yellow Gold Earrings, circa 1980
By Mellerio
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
the layered setting. The stunning sapphire earrings for non-pierced ears secure to the reverse with a
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage French Diamond and Yellow Gold Earrings, circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
from the central diamond array. These vintage diamond earrings for non-pierced ears secure to the
Category

Vintage 1960s French Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Diamond and Cultured Pearl Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamonds. These earrings for non pierced ears secure to the reverse of the upper pearl with a 18k white
Category

Vintage 1960s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Mid-Century Ruby Diamond Trefoil Cluster Clip-On Earrings Platinum 1950s 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
omega clip fittings, making them perfect for both pierced and non-pierced ears. Rubies: approximately
Category

Vintage 1950s Portuguese Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Paolo Costagli Rubellite Pink Tourmaline Green Peridot Yellow Diamond Earrings
By Paolo Costagli
Located in Dallas, TX
wear on pierced or non-pierced ears - Earrings measure 0.8 inches in height/width (2cm) - In excellent
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Peridot, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fine Robin s Egg Blue Turquoise Diamond, 18K White Gold Earrings, c. 1990
Located in Aspen, CO
for a pierced ear, but can be converted to accomodate a non pierced ear. These earrings are not
Category

1990s American Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Report Certified Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
suspends from the lower border of a second 6.20mm natural pearl. These earrings for non-pierced ears
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Italian 6.63 Carat Diamond and Platinum Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
earrings for non-pierced ears secure to the reverse with a hallmarked hinged fastening. The earrings are
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rossella Ugolini 18K Yellow Gold 1.80c White Diamonds Modernist Style Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
chessboard. Designed for versatility, these earrings are available for both pierced and non-pierced ears upon
Category

2010s Italian Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Rose Quartz 18k Gold 0.22 Carats White Diamonds Handcrafted Stud Design Earring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
quartz. For added versatility, these earrings are available with clip-on backs for both pierced and non
Category

2010s Italian Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Large and Important Fine Turquoise Diamond, 18K White Gold Earrings, c. 1990
Located in Aspen, CO
for a pierced ear, but can be converted to accomodate a non pierced ear. These earrings are not
Category

1990s American Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960s Pearl and Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
for non-pierced ears earrings secure to the reverse with a clip hallmarked fastening. The earrings
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1.56 Carat Sapphire and 1.20 Carat Diamond 9k Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, encompassing an individually claw set diamond. These earrings for non-pierced ears secure to the reverse of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage 18k Gold Floral Earrings by Asprey Garrard Circa 1990
By Asprey Garrard Limited
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
benefits from the added security of a hinged pin, allowing the earrings to be worn in pierced and non
Category

1990s Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Gold, Yellow Gold

Rossella Ugolini Artist 1.80 Ct White Diamonds Citrine 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
pierced and non-pierced ears upon request and come with clip-on options. Suspending from the white
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Antique 1.00 Carat Diamond Rose Gold Clip on Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
for non-pierced ears secure to the reverse with a rose gold hinged clip-on fastening. The stunning
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 3.25 Carat Diamond and White Gold Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
with a 9k white gold hinged clip on fastening for non pierced ears. These stunning Art Deco diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold

1990s Enamel 0.88 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Earrings by De Vroomen
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
blue hot enamel panel, accented with plain paralleling gold borders. These diamond earrings for non
Category

1990s English Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Deco 1.24 Carat Emerald 1.66 Carat Diamond and Platinum Earrings Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, for non-pierced ears, secure to the reverse with a hallmarked 14k white gold hinged latch fastenings
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum

18K Gold Unusual Angela Cummings Vintage Earrings, circa 1989.
By Angela Cummings
Located in Aspen, CO
are in fine condition, for a non-pierced ear, and can be changed for a pierced ear. All items sold
Category

Vintage 1980s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

De Grisogono French Made Convertible Drop Earrings In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By de GRISOGONO
Located in Miami, FL
pierced or non pierced and very comfortable hinged French omega backs for fastening clips. Weight: 48.85
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Art Deco 4.39 Carat Diamond and Platinum Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
secure to the reverse with a 9k white gold hinged clip-on fastening for non-pierced ears; this clip is
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 1.00 Carat Sapphire and 1.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Earrings Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
with a four-claw set square cut diamond, completing the design. These Art Deco earrings, for non
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage Old European Diamond Clip-On Earrings (Approx. 2.4-Carats), Platinum
Located in New York, NY
and non-pierced ears. The attention to detail in the diamond arrangement reveals the artisan’s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18K Gold Vintage Earrings by Angela Cummings, circa 1989.
By Angela Cummings
Located in Aspen, CO
are in fine condition, for a non-pierced ear, and can be changed for a pierced ear. All items sold
Category

Vintage 1980s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fine 18K White Yellow Gold Earrings pave set with 2.15 cts., of fine Diamonds
Located in Aspen, CO
them; they are for a pierced ear and can be converted to accommodate a non pierced lobe. The earring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Sterling Cut Crystal Hoop Earrings 1910s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
screw fitting suitable for non pierced ears Approximate Dimensions: 6.7cm drop Established in 2016
Category

Vintage 1910s Hoop Earrings

Harold O Connor 18K Gold and Oxidized Sterling Silver Modernist Earrings, c 2000
Located in Aspen, CO
non pierced ear. It is the extent of stylistic dexterity in granulation and fused metals that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique 2.42 Carat Diamond and Platinum Drop Earrings, circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, completing the drop design. These diamond earrings for non-pierced ears secure to the reverse with an 18ct
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Large Size 18K Gold Heart Cupid s Arrow Motif Vintage Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Aspen, CO
now for a pierced ear and can be converted to accommodate a non pierced ear. The earrings weigh 16.7
Category

1990s Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Fine Bright Purple Natural Amethyst 18K Yellow White Gold Modern Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
, with a maker's mark. Now for a non pierced ear, they can be converted to accommodate a pierced ear
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Large Size 18K Gold Heart Cupid s Arrow Motif Vintage Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Aspen, CO
condition and are now for a pierced ear and can be converted to accommodate a non pierced ear. The earrings
Category

1990s Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Victorian 1.54 Carat Diamond Floral Cluster Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamonds, pavé set within incurved petal motifs. These earrings, for non-pierced ears, secure to the
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Very White Diamond Finely Pave Set Contemporary 18K White Gold Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
non pierced earring back. These earrings are suitable for both daytime and evening wear. All items
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 5.20ct Sapphire and 0.90ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
added benefit of a hinged pin, allowing the earrings to be worn by pierced and non-pierced ears; this
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Large Size 18K Gold Heart Cupid s Arrow Motif Vintage Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Aspen, CO
pierced ear and can be converted to accommodate a non pierced ear. The earrings weigh 16.7 grams, and
Category

1990s Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

18k Yellow Gold Fine Retro Vivid Ruby and White Diamond Vintage Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
clarity. They are easy to wear and would look right for daytime, afternoon or early evening. Now for a non
Category

1990s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

18K Gold and Diamond Unusual Comedy Mask Motif Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
be converted for non pierced ear. All items sold are accompanied by a detailed Statement of Value
Category

Late 20th Century Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum, Diamond and Briolette cut Amethyst Earrings, Pierre/Famille.
Located in Aspen, CO
earrings are 2.75 inches long. They are now for a pierce ear and can be converted to accomodate a non
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Tiffany and Co 14K Yellow Gold Ribbon Clip-On Earrings 1 Inch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
for both pierced and non-pierced ears, each earring rests securely on the earlobe without needing a
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Fine Sapphires, 16.77cts., GIA Graded with White Diamonds in 18K Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
are now for either a pierced or non pierced ear as the posts are hinged. All items sold are
Category

Late 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

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

18K Persian Turquoise Large Vintage Dome Styled Earrings, c. 1960
Located in Aspen, CO
gold. These earrings have white gold, approximately 15k, racket style backs and are now for a non
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

18K Persian Turquoise Large Vintage Dome Styled Earrings, c. 1960
Located in Aspen, CO
gold. These earrings have white gold, approximately 15k, racket style backs and are now for a non
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Garavelli Rinascimento 18K Yellow and White Gold Diamond Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
a pierced ear, they can be converted to accomodate a non pierced ear lobe. GARAVELLI was founded in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Angela Cummings 18K Earrings with Heart Shaped Amethysts Chalcedony
Located in Aspen, CO
inch in length and .75 inches in their width. They are now for a non pierced ear and we can easily add
Category

1990s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fine GIA graded Sapphires, 16.77cts., with White Diamonds in 18K Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
are now for either a pierced or non pierced ear as the posts are hinged. All items sold are
Category

Late 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

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

Gem Quality Fine Tourmalines, 10 cts., in well made Contemporary Gold Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
, very bright and lively due to their fine clarity and cutting. The earrings are designed for non
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

MARINA BVLGARI 1989 Pyramide Dangle Earrings In 18Kt Gold 47.5 Ctw Gemstones
By Marina Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
reverse with retractable posts for pierced and non-pierced and comfortable hinged French omega backs for
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modernist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Important Fine Turquoise 5.19 cts of Diamonds 18K White Gold Vintage Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
a pierced ear, but can be converted to accomodate a non pierced ear. These earrings are not marked
Category

1990s Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Platinum Diamond Vintage Earrings Pendant Style with Fine Diamonds Pearls
Located in Aspen, CO
could be converted for a non pierced ear. All items sold are accompanied by a detailed Statement of
Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage McTeigue for Tiffany and Co 14K Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Clip backs ensure comfortable wear for both pierced and non-pierced ears, reflecting thoughtful
Category

20th Century American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hunt Roskell Late Storr Mortimer Diamond and Turquoise 18k Gold Jewelry Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
ornamented with a turquoise and diamond fitment. These versatile 0.52 Ct diamond earrings may be worn on non
Category

Antique 1860s British Early Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Non Pierced", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Non Pierced For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact non pierced you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 24 vintage editions and 8 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect non pierced among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, are consistently popular carat weights. Creating a non pierced has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Cartier, Tiffany Co. and Yoko London are consistently popular. A non pierced can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 9, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also emerald cut and old european cut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a non pierced, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Non Pierced?

The price for a non pierced starts at $159 and tops out at $9,000 with these earrings, on average, selling for $2,650.

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.

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.