Skip to main content

Pearl Diamond Drop

to
822
4,750
2,920
1,797
1,210
977
5,021
4,941
1,224
1,104
966
4
240
1,452
3,628
89
67
59
34
22
71
69
53
124
131
2
4,020
1,367
18
1676
751
283
272
132
to
281
223
137
84
66
1,234
661
301
269
185
179
141
134
25
15
15
14
2
2
2
1
5,365
40
3,473
1,410
Sort By
【Conchéa】Blooming Leaves Conch Pearl Diamond Earrings — 2.65ct
Located in New York, NY
pearls with luminous round forms and rich coloration. Each pearl is framed by sculpted diamond leaves
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Belle Epoque Diamond Pearl Necklet Circa 1910
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
shape, adorned with diamond flower blooms and foliage to a single pearl drop. Fitted and secured with a
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Pearl, Diamond, and Platinum Festoon Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An Edwardian diamond, pearl, and platinum necklace of knife edge festoon design comprised of collet
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Harry Winston Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in Weston, MA
substantial diamond flower clasp. 16” in length, with a 1-1/2” pendant drop One cultured pearl, with cream
Category

20th Century Romantic Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Platinum Diamond Vintage Earrings Pendant Style with Fine Diamonds Pearls
Located in Aspen, CO
included (VS1). The estimated diamond weight is 1.75 cts. The Akoya drop pearls measures approximately 9.8
Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
pearls. The necklace also features a beautiful natural pearl drop and is suspended on a platinum chain
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

【Conchéa】Empress Papillon Conch Pearl Diamond Earrings — 4.65ct
Located in New York, NY
meticulously set with fine diamonds. The elegant oval shape and well-matched tone of the pearls speak to their
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

SABBADINI Diamond and Pearl Bracelet Earring Suite
By Sabbadini
Located in New York, NY
This Italian suite features baroque pearls that stagger organically shaped baubles of diamond-pave
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

South Sea Pearl Coral Drop Earrings in 18K Gold Vermeil Sterling Silver
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Emanate elegance with these exquisite drop earrings, featuring the natural beauty of South Sea
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Tsavorite, Coral, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Silver, S...

11.5 mm Tahitian Pearls with Diamonds Earrings in Platinum - Detachable Pearls
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
. Thoughtfulness toward versatility are also apparent by making the pearl detachable allowing a Diamond only look
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Earrings Diamonds and Pearl Pink Gold 18 Carat
Located in Vannes, FR
Earrings Diamonds and Cultured Pearl Pink Gold 18 Carats Discover these magnificent earrings in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Baroque Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Art Deco Seed Pearl and Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Created in the late 1910s to 1920s, these diamond and seed pearl chandelier earrings are set in
Category

Early 20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Tahitian Pearl and 5.84 Carat Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with golden and grey Tahitian pearls, and Round Brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage 14k Gold Ruby Diamonds Pearl Earrings
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 14k Gold Ruby Diamonds Pearl Earrings Marked: 14K Approximate Dimensions: 3.2 cm (Length
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

18K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Earrings Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Platinum Collier with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Berlin, DE
diamond, pearl, and platinum makes the necklace a luxurious accessory for special occasions while
Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Yoko London Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
of scintillating diamonds. Set in 18K white to accentuate the bold colours of the pearls and diamonds
Category

2010s British Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Go...

【Crown Radiance】Leopard Diamond Aurora Tahitian Pearl Statement Pendant
Located in New York, NY
, and unforgettable. Product Information Origin Japan Material Tahitian Pearl, Natural Diamond, and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Platinum

Natural pearl and diamond earrings, circa 1880.
Located in London, GB
Natural pearl and diamond earrings. A matching pair of earrings, each suspending a drop shape
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold

1900s, Antique Pearl and Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique pearl and 0.13 carat diamond pendant in 14 karat white and yellow
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

1980s Impressive Pearl Diamond Gold Ear Pendants
Located in New York, NY
An impressive White Gold Ear Pendants with Multi-Color Cultured Pearls, Marquise-Cut Diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold

【Jādora】Whisperleaf Jade Diamond South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, Diamond, and 18k Gold Dimensions Earring Length Approx. 2.0cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 11mm Quality
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

18K Marquise Cut Diamond and Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with these stunning 18K Marquise Cut Diamond and Pearl Earrings. Crafted in 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

【Jādora】Twinleaf Jade Diamond South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, Diamond, and 18k Gold Dimensions Earring Length Approx. 2.0cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 11-12mm Quality
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Bvlgari White Gold Pearl Diamond Lucea Necklace
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A sophisticated 18k white gold pearl and diamond necklace by Bvlgari from the Lucea collection. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Pearl Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
pearls, 18K gold, and over 12 carats of diamonds. Each is designed as a Tahitian pearl with diamond
Category

20th Century French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

14K White Gold Natural Yellow Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in Westport, CT
An original pair of 14K white gold diamond and natural yellow Australian pearl drop/dangle earrings
Category

Late 20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

14K White Pearl and Diamond Swirl Earrings
Located in Hicksville, NY
Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct total weight Cut: Round brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Pearl Details: Size
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

18kt White Gold Pearl Diamond Set of Earrings
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
These Beautiful Estate Cultivate Natural South Sea Pearls Diamond Earrings Feature: South Sea Pearl
Category

20th Century French Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Marcus Natural Pearl, Diamond and Platinum Necklace, Circa 1920
By Marcus Co.
Located in London, GB
A Marcus natural pearl, diamond and platinum pendant necklace. The central pendant has a diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s American Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

【Jādora】Type A Golden Jadeite Akoya Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
expression of warmth and timeless refinement. Material: Type A Burmese Jadeite, Akoya Pearl, Natural Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Jade, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Jādora】Dewleaf Jade Diamond South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Jadeite, Diamond, and 18k Gold Dimensions Earring Length Approx. 2.5cm Pearl Shaped: Close Round Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Diamond and Pearl Necklace Set Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and pearl necklace set consists of two separate necklaces nestling into each other
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, W...

【Conchéa】Flamingo Pink Conch Pearl Diamond Cluster Earrings — 6.36ct
Located in New York, NY
Japan Material Conch Pearl, 18k Gold, and Natural Diamond Dimensions 1.56 x 1.84cm Conch Pearl Shaped
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Chanel Pearl Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Feasterville, PA
harmonious mix of glowing pearls, vibrant gemstones, and sparkling diamonds creates a mesmerizing play of
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold

1900s Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.02 carat diamond and seed pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white
Category

Antique Early 1900s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Harry Winston Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in Weston, MA
substantial diamond flower clasp. 16” in length, with a 1-1/2” pendant drop One cultured pearl, with cream
Category

20th Century Romantic Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

18K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
These 18K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings are a beautiful mix of elegance and sparkle. Made from
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hanging earrings with citrines, diamonds and pearls.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Earrings with two faceted citrines, diamonds and pearls. Hanging earrings with citrines, diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Silver

【Jādora】Convertible Emerald South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Information Origin Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Natural Diamonds, and Emerald Dimensions Earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold

Baroque Pearls and Diamonds Earrings, by Michelle Massoura
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
These stunning earrings feature baroque freshwater pearls and glimmering bezel set natural diamonds
Category

2010s European Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
These 18K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings are the perfect mix of elegance and sparkle. Made from
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in London, GB
single natural pearl at the centre with a vast array of encompassing rose cut diamonds set around. The
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

18K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
Elevate your elegance with these stunning 18K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings, a perfect blend of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Baguette Diamond and Detachable Pearl Day Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Baguette Diamond and Detachable Pearl Day Earrings Description: A versatile and luminous pair of
Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

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

18K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
These 18K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings are a perfect mix of elegance and sparkle. Made from 4
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
These 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Drop Earrings are a stunning combination of elegance and brilliance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Tahitian Pearl and diamonds earrings ART DECO 23.26gr 1.90ct
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Natural Tahitian Pearl earrings in 18KT gold, made in France. Top are fancy yellow diamonds and
Category

Early 20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

【Lustre Arc】Aurora Eclipse Convertible Tahitian Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, 18k Gold, and Natural Diamond Dimensions Earrings Length Approx. 2.8 mm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 13
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

Yellow Gold Tahitian Black Pearls Contemporary Earrings with Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
pearls and two diamonds. They were designed by artist Polya Medvedeva and featured in a review in Vogue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Black...

White Gold Platinum Lovelier Pearl Diamond Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
White Gold and Platinum Lovelier Pearl Diamond Necklace 2.75C Diamonds and 18 inches long 11 mm
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, Platinum

Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Interlocking Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
MM Total Weight-14.49 Gold Weight(Gms)-13.454 Diamond Wt(Cts)-0.58 Pearl Wt(Cts)-4.6
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Cultured Pearl Diamond White Gold Ear Pendants
Located in New York, NY
These chic and flexible ear pendants feature 2 perfectly matched cultured pearls measuring
Category

2010s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
These 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Drop Earrings are a stunning blend of elegance and sparkle. Made from
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

South Sea pearl diamond earrings 18KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautiful south sea peals with diamonds in 18KT gold. Stunning and elegant for any white or classy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】South Sea Pearl Diamond Convertible Earrings Pendant
Located in New York, NY
their luminous glow and perfectly round silhouette. Each pearl is suspended from an elegant pavé diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Hand Holding Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
with lustrous pearls and sparkling 0.1ctw diamonds. Weighing a delicate 5.7g, these earrings are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

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

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

Pearl Diamond Drop For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact pearl diamond drop you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and white gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 2304 antique edition and 3420 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a pearl diamond drop from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 carat and 1 carat versions are of considerable interest. A pearl diamond drop from Harbor Diamonds, Luigi Ferrara and Ella Gafter — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and uncut alternatives. Finding a pearl diamond drop for sale for women should be easy, but there are 1321 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Pearl Diamond Drop?

Prices for a pearl diamond drop can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $675,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,004.

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.  

Questions About Pearl Diamond Drop
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While pearls are valuable because they are only produced from oysters, they are generally less expensive than diamonds.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023
    Yes, you can wear pearl earrings with diamond earrings if you wish. One way to tie the look together is to choose pearl and diamond earrings with matching settings. For example, you can pair platinum diamond and pearl earrings or yellow gold diamond and pearl earrings. Shop a large assortment of earrings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    Yes, you can wear diamond stud earrings with a pearl necklace. The elegant combination is fashionable for everything from a day at the office to Sunday brunch to a night on the town. To create a bold look, try pairing large diamond studs with a single strand of pearls or a dramatic multi-strand pearl necklace with smaller stud earrings. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of diamond stud earrings and pearl necklaces.