14k Platinum Art Deco Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
14k Platinum Weight 2.3g Art Deco Single Cut Diamond Approx. 0.26ct Dangle Earrings Measurements
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
14k Platinum Art Deco Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
14k Platinum Weight 2.3g Art Deco Single Cut Diamond Approx. 0.26ct Dangle Earrings Measurements
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 14k Diamond Stud Earrings 1.47ctw
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous pair of diamond earrings from the Art Deco (ca1930s) era! Crafted in 14k white gold
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 14K/Platinum Diamond & Sapphire Dangle Earrings
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful pair of earrings from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in 14k white gold and
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
14K Gold Dubai Filigree Jhumka Dangle Earrings, Art Deco, 1950s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
These stunning 14K gold Dubai-style dangle earrings feature a traditional filigree Jhumka design
14k Gold
Art Deco 14k Sapphire, Diamond, and Enamel Drop Earrings
Located in Narberth, PA
A breathtaking pair of sapphire and diamond earrings from the Art Deco (ca1930s) era! These
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14K Yellow Gold Art Deco Aquamarine Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.25 Carats, 3 Genuine Round Aquamarine, 0.50 Carats. Art Deco Inspired Handmade Elegant 14K Yellow
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Art Deco Style Dangle Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
unforgettable moments. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width: 6 mm. Length: 61 mm
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold Art Deco Style
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Lever back earrings in 14k Yellow Gold ART DECO STYLE Milgrain design Total Carat Weight: 0.87ct F
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,800
Art Deco Diamond Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920-30s, 14k. These stunning Art Deco diamond earrings each feature a brilliant 1.20-carat
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Opal & Diamond Art Deco Style Stud 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
These dainty Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Earrings feature beautiful flashes of playful colors that
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond & Emerald Art Deco Style Dangle 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
diamonds. 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Width: 12 mm. Length: 45 mm. Weight: 5.40 g. (approx. in
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Rose Gold Art Deco 1.60 Pave Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Earrings 1.60 Carats. Art Deco Inspired Handmade Elegant 14K Rose Gold Diamond Drop/Dangling Earrings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Peridot Flower Earrings with Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
natural beauty and timeless elegance. Crafted in warm 14K yellow gold, each earring showcases a radiant
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco style diamond ruby 14k white gold target earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These vintage 14k white gold target earrings, designed in the Art Deco style, feature two old
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 14k Gold Drop Earrings with Onyx, Tourmaline & Diamonds
Located in Marcianise, IT
earrings are a stunning tribute to the Art Deco revival aesthetic. Forged in a refined combination of 14k
Diamond, Onyx, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$4,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Emerald Diamond Chandelier Earrings, 14K White Gold, Art Deco Style
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These gorgeous Chandelier Earrings are just beautiful. They are made in 14K white Gold and set
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Diamond Art Deco Style Chandelier 14K White Gold Drop Dangle Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
, loose wave. 14K White Gold. Information Style: Art Deco Width: 19 mm. Length: 64 mm. Weight: 14.60 g
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Art Deco Style Fan Dangle Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
for any special occasion. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width: 30 mm
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond & Rainbow Sapphire Art Deco Style Stud 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
bezel with mil-grain detail. 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Width: 9 mm. Length
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Ruby Art Deco Style Drop Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
sophistication. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width: 12 mm. Length: 55 mm. Weight
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blue Topaz Art Deco Style Dangle Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Create elegance look with these Blue Topaz Art Deco Style Dangle Earrings, where crisp geometry
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 14K White Gold Diamond & Pearl Flower Earrings, 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING PAIR OF ART DECO - HOLLYWOOD REGENCY DIAMOND AND PEARL EARRINGS IIN THE FORM OF
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald & Diamond Art Deco Style Ribbon Drop 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
These Art Deco style drop earrings are absolutely stunning, extraordinary. Over 5 carats of vivid
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blue & White Topaz Art Deco Style Drop 14K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
An absolutely fabulous pair of dainty and discreet Art Deco style drop earrings, made from oxidized
Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby & Diamond Art Deco Style Square 14K Rose Gold Stud Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A beautiful pair of Art Deco style millgrain and open work square shape stud earrings featuring 2
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$3,080Sale Price|38% Off
Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Emerald Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
glamour, crafted to captivate. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width: 10 mm
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond & Emerald Drop 14K White Gold Dangle Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
These eye-catching Art Deco style earrings are hand crafted with an intricately detailed geometric
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond & Emerald Art Deco Style Filigree Drop 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
An Art Deco inspired diamond and emerald white gold filigree drop earrings. Featuring one round
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pink Tourmaline Emerald Diamond Art Deco Style Drop 14K Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This is an exquisite pair of opal drop earrings with Art Deco ear design. The earrings feature a
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Black Onyx 14K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings, 1930
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Art Deco Black Onyx 14K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings, 1930 Overview A refined pair of Art Deco
Onyx, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Style Drop 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A fabulous pair of Art Deco inspired blue sapphire and diamond earrings. These wonderful earrings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Style Omega 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
elegance. 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Width: 13 mm. Length: 17 mm. Weight: 7.57 g
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Art Deco Style Drop 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
perfectly worn with the same design halo ring. 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Width
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 14K Gold Leaf Dangle Earrings with Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Bangkok, TH
charm. Earrings Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Width: 18 mm. Length: 70 mm. Weight
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Marina J. Black Onyx, Pearl & Solid 14k Art Deco Dangle Earrings
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautiful Art Deco inspired pair great for any formal evening events. More photos and videos available on
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Sapphire Art Deco Style Drop Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
vintage charm. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width: 12 mm. Length: 28 mm
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Pave Art Deco Style Chandelier Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
for unforgettable occasions. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width: 14 mm
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Onyx Diamond Art Deco Style Drop 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
occasion. 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Width: 14 mm. Length: 57 mm. Weight: 11.70
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marina J. Black Onyx, Pearl & Solid 14k 'Art Deco' Dangle Earrings
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
shine studs. A beautiful Art Deco inspired pair great for any formal evening events. More photos and
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Inspired Sapphire Blue Teardrop Dangle Earrings - 14k Gold Accents
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
sapphire blue pavé drop earrings. Measuring a striking 60mm in length, these earrings feature a triple-tier
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Pair of Art Deco 14K White Gold & Natural Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage white gold & diamond drop earrings. In 14 karat white gold. Set with 4
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Art Deco Style Drop 14K Two Tone Gold Dangle Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
These lovely vintage style Art Deco diamond and sapphire earrings are hand crafted in 14k two tone
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Floral 19.75Ct Turquoise Diamond Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These exquisite 14K gold flower earrings exude a vibrant elegance. Each earring is adorned with
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Chrysophrase Dome Earrings 14K Yellow Gold Art Deco Mid-Century Modern
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING PAIR OF GORGEOUS RETRO - ART DECO HOLLYWOOD REGENCY EARRINGS WITH NATURAL MINED
Chrysophrase, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2.93 Carat Art Deco Style Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings (14K Gold)
Located in Bangkok, TH
These dainty, diamond stud earrings showcase a rare and precious combination of beauty and
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Mozambique Garnet Hoop Earrings, 1920s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
These exquisite hoop earrings feature a pair of Mozambique garnets, set in warm 14K yellow gold for
Garnet, Yellow Gold
Diamond & Rainbow Sapphire Art Deco Style Floral Spiral Stud 14K White Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
finished look. 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Width: 8.5 mm. Length: 9 mm. Weight
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Onyx Diamond Art Deco Style Dangle Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
sophistication. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width: 12 mm. Length: 55 mm. Weight
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Green Emerald & Diamond Art Deco Style Square 14K White Gold Stud Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A beautiful pair of Art Deco style 14k gold millgrain and open work square shape stud earrings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rhombus Shape Diamond & Onyx Art Deco Style Drop 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Breathtaking diamond and onyx drop earrings which are a stunning example of Art Deco design jewelry
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Emerald Cut Diamond & Ruby 14K White Gold Stud Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
. 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Width: 9 mm. Length: 10 mm. Weight: 3.70 g
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond & Blue Sapphire Drop 14K White Gold Drop Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
These eye-catching Art Deco style earrings are hand crafted with an intricately detailed geometric
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Green Emerald & Diamond Square Shape Art Deco Inspired Cluster 14K Gold Earrings
Located in Tysons, VA
Art Deco style emerald and diamond square cluster earrings in 14k gold. Centrally set with round
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Chili Black Onyx & Diamond Art Deco Style Drop 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
stopper addition to your jewelry collection! 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Width
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,820Sale Price|30% Off
Peridot and Diamond Art Deco Style Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
. A refined accessory for any jewelry collection. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Coral Art Deco Chandelier Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 14k, possibly Swiss or Italian. Delightfully bright, these graceful Art Deco
Coral, 14k Gold
Bullet Diamond & Green Emerald Art Deco Style Drop 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
jewelry collection! 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Width: 8 mm. Length: 36 mm
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.
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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.