$959Sale Price / item|44% Off
Elephant Opal 14k gold earrings Studs
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Cabochon opal earrings. October birthstone earrings.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Chrysocolla Cabochon Earrings of 14k Gold, Circa 1960s
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking pair of vintage earrings dating to the 1960s, each centered with a richly colored chrysocolla set within elegant 14k gold frames. The stones display beautiful natural vari...
Chrysocolla, 14k Gold
$465Sale Price / item|60% Off
Moonface earrings studs with multicolor gemstones
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ascending Opal Moonface earrings. 925 silver ring multicolor lab gemstones earrings studs.
Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,450 / item
Sun Emerald Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these studs earrings are hand set with 1.78 carats emerald and .44 carats of shimmering diamonds with blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA J...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Eostre Emerald Cabochon and Diamond White Gold Earring
Located in Melbourne, AU
This is a Pair of Dangle Earring consists of 16.79 ct of Emerald Cabochon. Around each Emerald there is circle of diamond pave, those diamonds are very important in reflecting fire ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.34 Carat Ruby Cabochon and White Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
3.34 Carat Ruby Cabochon And White Diamond Gold Earrings: A beautiful pair of earrings, it features two intense red ruby cabochons weighing 3.34 carat, as well as an array of white ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
New 14K Yellow Gold 2.98ct Pear Cabochon Ruby W/ Pave Diamond Halo Stud Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
These beautiful custom made stud earrings are newly crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and feature a pair of stunning, pear cabochon cut rubies with a matching and super attractive pin...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Amethyst Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Wailea, HI
A refined pair of vintage amethyst stud earrings, crafted circa 1930, showcasing two beautifully matched cabochon-cut amethysts.
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Bezel-Set Round Cabochon 1ct Opal Stud Earrings in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Pair of 14 Karat Gold & Cabochon Coral Earrings
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The most wondrous pair of cabochon coral and 14 karat yellow gold earrings. The handmade yellow gold frames feature a pierced cutout border and are each rub-over set with a piece of ...
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving these sweet earrings! Earring Details Material: 14K Yellow Gold Back Type: Friction Backs, Posts Earring Length: 10.7mm Earring Width: 8.7mm Weight: 1.9 Grams Accente...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Vintage 1970s 18k Yellow Gold Citrine Cabochon Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Classically elegant yet simply chic, these bold earrings by Bvlgari encompass sleek, stepped bezels surrounding the rich, golden citrine cabochons. Vintage 1970s of a modern, minimal...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Judith Ripka Sterling Silver Orange Brown Cabochon Drop Earrings #24199
By Judith Ripka
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Judith Ripka Sterling Silver Orange Brown Cabochon Drop Earrings - These elegant Judith Ripka sterling silver drop earrings features brown oval cabochon stones (13.6 mm x 9.6 mm) se...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Contemporary 14K White Gold Aquamarine Cabochon & Pink Tourmaline Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
These striking contemporary earrings from Talia Jade showcase a refined combination of cool aquamarine and vibrant tourmaline. Each earring features a beautifully domed aquamarine ca...
Aquamarine, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Etruscan Style Earrings Certified #24331
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Etruscan Style Earrings JAGi Certified- These striking earrings are crafted in 18K yellow gold and designed in an Etruscan inspired square motif with r...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sugarloaf Cabochon Sapphire, Diamond and Platinum Cluster Earrings, 2.83 Carats
Located in London, GB
A pair of modern sapphire and diamond cluster earrings, set with a pair of sugarloaf cabochon-cut sapphires, with a total weight of 2.83 carats, each with a surrounding cluster of tw...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
11.55 cts of Tanzanite Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Introducing an exquisite pair of stud earrings that epitomize modern elegance and bold sophistication. Each earring features a breathtaking 11.55-carat oval-shaped tanzanite, celebra...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$959Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Dandelion Flower Earrings Studs, Yellow Sapphire Flower Earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k Gold Dandelion Flower Earrings Studs. Yellow sapphire flower earrings. 14 karat gold dandelion flower earrings with genuine sapphires.
Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Cabochon Mother of Pearl and Round Diamond Stud Earrings in 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These elegant earrings exude timeless sophistication. Set in warm rose gold, each earring features a luminous mother of pearl gemstone, delicately paired with a row of sparkling diam...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14k Yellow Gold Turquoise Cabochon Earrings with Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in Dallas, TX
14k yellow gold Approx. 0.96ctw round diamonds Approx. 0.48ctw round emerald 12x10mm oval cabochon, 17x19mm total size Made to order. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 14k Gold
6.80tcw 14K Emerald Cabochon Victorian Hand Made Vintage Earrings
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured here is a beautiful set of oval-cut cabochon emerald hand-made unique studs in fine 14K yellow gold.
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,550 / item
Turquoise Diamond Black Onyx Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver, these stud earrings are hand set with 2.0 carats turquoise, .88 carats black onyx and .29 carats of shimmering pave diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storef...
Diamond, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
4.99 Carat Cabochon Turquoise and 1.4 Carat Diamond Studs in 18K White Gold
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* A pair of beautiful 4.99 carat oval shaped Turquoise cabochon and 1.4 carat VS quality Diamond earring studs, set in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Radiant Opal Stud Earrings in 14 white gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Radiant Opal Stud Earrings in 14 white gold These earrings are crafted in 14k white gold and feature oval cabochon opals totaling 4.37ctw.
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Precious Basics Stud Earrings with Moonstones
By Colleen B. Rosenblat
Located in Hamburg, DE
Precious basics stud earrings 18 carat white gold with moonstone 6.64 ct and moonstone 16.78 ct. They are truly elegant.
Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Cut Jade Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this pair of earrings from Cartier, a stunning addition to the retro and modernist-inspired set. Crafted with exceptional craftsmanship, these ear...
Jade, Yellow Gold
$959Sale Price / item|44% Off
Lotus Earrings Studs with Rubies in 14k Gold. Ruby Gold Earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus earrings studs with rubies in 14k gold. Rubies cabochon earrings.
Ruby, 14k Gold
Geometric Amethyst Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Geometric Amethyst Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold These Mid-Century stud earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold and feature round cabochon amethysts totaling approximately 4.0 ca...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid Opal Cabochons Turkmenistan Green Turquoise Blue Turquoise Gold Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic stud earrings with a pair of Oval Solid Opal Cabs measuring 9 x 11 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold on the top and in the lower parts 2 Turkmenistan Green Turquoise rou...
Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Ancient Bronze Coin Earrings with Cabochon Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
A striking pair of vintage earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, each centered with a genuine ancient bronze coin framed within a substantial polished gold bezel. The richly pati...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Bronze
$959Sale Price / item|44% Off
Lotus earrings studs with rubies in 14k gold.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus earrings studs with rubies in 14k gold. Ruby cabochon earrings.
Ruby, 14k Gold
Classic Pearl Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Classic Pearl Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold These 14k yellow gold stud earrings feature softly lustrous pinkish pearls framed by textured rope-style borders. The warm gold settin...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jade with Cabochon Emerald Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Jade with Cabochon Emerald 0.82 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.7 cm Total Weight: 9.80 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situa...
Emerald, Jade, 18k Gold
$871Sale Price / item|50% Off
Lotus Earrings Studs with Aquamarines in 14k Gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Flower earrings studs. Aquamarine earrings. Lotus earrings.
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
$744Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lotus Earrings Studs with Opals in 14k Gold, Opal Gold Earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus earrings studs with opals in 14k gold. Opal cabochon earrings.
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Opal, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 9.82 carats with Diamond 2.36 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.9 cm Total Weight: 11.82 grams Certificate GIA 1483567489 GIA 648155815...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Stud Mabe Pearl Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Stud Mabe Pearl Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold These classic stud earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature luminous mother-of-pearl mabe pearls, each securely bezel set to h...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Cabochon, Black Onyx and Diamond Earring and Ring Suite
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* A pair of natural Zambian Emerald Cabochon (weighing 8.97 carats in total) stud Earrings, of very high quality and great luster and color.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$852Sale Price|20% Off
Radiant Opal Stud Earrings in 14k yellow gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Radiant Opal Stud Earrings in 14k yellow gold These earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold and feature oval cabochon opals displaying vibrant flashes of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bijoux Num Triple Oval Green Agate Stud Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings feature sets of oval cabochon-cut green agate adorned with round simulated diamonds, handset in 18k yellow gold vermeil over sterling silver. The gree...
Agate, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Cabochon Earrings, Europe, 1970s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Vintage gold earrings with lapis lazuli A pair of earrings crafted from 14k yellow gold (0.585 fineness) with lapis lazuli cabochons in a string setting. The earrings are screw-sha...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Cabochon Turquoise with Diamond Halo 14k Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Towson, MD
One pair of contemporary halo-style earrings crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, each centered with a vibrant cushion-shaped cabochon turquoise measuring 14 x 14mm. The turquoise are fr...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$418Sale Price / item|60% Off
Sun and moon, day and night earrings studs
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Sun and moon earrings studs. 925 silver ring multicolor lab gemstones earrings studs.
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$744Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lotus Earrings Studs with Sapphires in 14k Gold, Blue Sapphire Gold Earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus earrings studs with sapphires in 14k gold. Sapphire cabochon earrings.
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Bijoux Num Triple Oval Amazonite Stud Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings feature sets of oval cabochon-cut amazonite adorned with round simulated diamonds, handset in 18k yellow gold vermeil over sterling silver. The amazon...
Amazonite, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Vermeil
$296Sale Price|20% Off
New 2.28 Carat Red Ruby Cabochon & Diamond Cut Ruby Sterling Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
These earrings are so cool. They make their own statement. The main stones are from Madagascar and is just exquisite. They are very high-quality stones. They are oval cut stones a...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pink Topaz Stud Earrings 2.58 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Pink Topaz: 2.58 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 7 x 7 mm
Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 7.25 carats with Diamond 0.69 carat Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.5 cm Total Weight: 7.93 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Topaz Stud Earrings 2.58 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Pink Topaz: 2.58 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 7 x 7 mm
Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 14 Karat Gold and Moonstone Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14 Karat Gold and Moonstone Stud Earrings c.1960s Each earring weighs 1.8 grams 14.5mm diameter
Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold
$813Sale Price / item|53% Off
Turtle earrings studs with opals in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cabochon solid opal earrings. Cute Little Turtle Stud Earrings.
Sapphire, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Bijoux Num Triple Oval Blue Topaz Stud Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings feature sets of oval sky blue topaz adorned with round white topaz, handset in platinum rhodium plated sterling silver. The sky blue topaz offers rich...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver, Platinum, Rhodium
GIA Certified Cabochon Round Red Coral Black Onyx Gold Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's coral and onyx earrings. 2 deep red round cabochon coral set in 18k yellow gold settings. Each coral is highlighted with 16 trapezoid cut onyx. The coral centers are well-poli...
Coral, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$1,950 / item
1.84 Carat Moonstone Tanzanite Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these beautiful studs earrings are hand set with 1.84 carats rainbow moonstone, .61 carats tanzanite and .26 carats of shimmering diamond...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Pink Topaz Stud Earrings 2.58 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Pink Topaz: 2.58 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 7 x 7 mm
Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Natural Coral and 14K Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A gorgeous pair of antique red coral and gold stud earrings. The natural coral studs are bezel set in a 14 karat gold mounting.
Coral, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 5.96 carats with Diamond 2.55 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.5 cm Total Weight: 8.01 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
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.
Stud earrings have a unique and rich cultural history. Though their design has evolved, vintage stud earrings are still a classic jewelry style.
Stud earrings are frequently dated back over 7,000 years to Asia, where they were worn mostly by upper-class men to indicate their wealth and status. Although earrings sometimes fell out of favor over the years — such as when ear piercing was prohibited by the Catholic Church in the 13th century — they’ve remained one of the most enduring forms of body modification.
When diamond jewelry gained prominence in the 19th century, thanks to prosperity in Europe and the United States as well as the greater accessibility of gemstones, studs adorned with fine diamonds became popular. Screw-back earrings debuted in the late 19th century and allowed people without pierced ears to don the embellishment. Stud earrings became especially popular in the 1960s.
Stud earrings are simple and usually small in size, making them lightweight and easy to wear. Unlike other earrings, stud earrings have a floating appearance. They are often made with a single gemstone, such as a sapphire or emerald, and a straight post that goes through the ear, typically with a rubber or metal backing to hold it in place.
Today, stud earrings accentuate outfits with a casual, elegant style, adding a bit of glam to any ensemble. Find an eclectic array of stud earrings on 1stDibs.
Someone wanted to “modernize” the Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. masterworks, but Mahnaz Collection came to their rescue. Here, the dealer explains precisely why they’re such an extraordinary find.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
From buttons to chandeliers, here are the top styles to get or give in 2020.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
The classic circle has appeared in countless variations over the centuries.