Cartier Pearl Diamond Heart Drop Earrings in 18K Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Light held in suspension. These Cartier earrings are composed as a delicate vertical sequence
Late 20th Century Drop Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Cartier Pearl Diamond Heart Drop Earrings in 18K Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Light held in suspension. These Cartier earrings are composed as a delicate vertical sequence
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$6,826
W 0.4 in L 0.4 in
Cartier diamond pave heart stud earrings full set, box and Cartier certificate
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
Beautiful Cartier Diamond-set heart shape earrings Absolutely classic and stunning heart shape
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Virgo Diamond Rose Gold Heart Wrap Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
These fabulous Cartier earrings from the romantic Virgo collection feature heart-shaped half-hoop
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aldo Cipullo Cartier Gold Heart Diamond Vintage Clip Earrings
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
diamond shape vintage clip earrings. Signed A. Cipullo Cartier. Circa 1971. Diamond 1 18" in height by
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Heart Diamond Gold Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous pair of authentic Cartier heart earrings set with 1.5cts appx of finest Cartier round
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Designer: Cartier Style: 18k Yellow Gold 1.50ctw Diamond Heart Earrings Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Heart Earrings by Cartier. With Round brilliant cut diamonds total weight
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond C Hearts De Cartier Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-1528 Brand Cartier Model C Hearts de Cartier Date Circa 2011 Serial No. PU
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Heart Dangle Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Style : White Gold Heart Diamond Dangle Earrings Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Heart Shaped Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Timeless 18K yellow gold and diamond heart shaped earrings by Cartier. They feature approx. 1.75
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Heart Huggie Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
, these feminine earrings from Cartier, embellished with a total of 1.30 carats of diamonds, are comprised
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Drop Dangle Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Heart Drop Dangle Earrings by Cartier. With 2 Round brilliant cut diamonds
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Pave Diamond Gold Puffed Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A chic pair of authentic Cartier heart earrings set with 1.5cts appx of finest Cartier round
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Pave Gold Heart Stud Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
These splendid earrings by Cartier are a superb representation of love. Stunning 18K yellow gold is
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Earrings 1.50 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A pair of 18k yellow gold heart shape earrings. Each earring is set with 35 round brilliant cut
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Virgo Diamond Rose Gold Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
earrings. Cartier gift box included. Diamond Carat Weight: 1.44
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Virgo Diamond Rose Gold Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
earrings. Cartier gift box included. Diamond Carat Weight: 1.44
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 1.5 Carat Pave Diamond Heart White Gold Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Heart Earrings by Cartier. With Round brilliant cut diamonds total weight
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Puffed Heart Diamond Stud Earrings in White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Stunning 18k White Gold Puffed Heart Diamond earrings by Cartier, adorned with 1.5ct appx Vvs1 E-F
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond 18 Karat Gold Heart Shaped Stud Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Fine 18K yellow gold and diamond heart shaped earrings by Cartier. They feature approx. 1.75-2.0cts
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond 18 Karat Gold Heart Shaped Stud Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Fine 18K yellow gold and diamond heart shaped earrings by Cartier. They feature approx. 1.75-2.0cts
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings Pave Diamonds Heart Design
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
CARTIER DIAMOND EARRINGS 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Heart Design Pave'd with Diamonds Features Omega
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold 1.35 Ct Diamond Heart Shaped Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
These Cartier earrings are inherently romantic. A series of hearts in 18K Yellow Gold make up the
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Love Heart Earrings and Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
The simple, evocative shape designs celebrates the spirit of love, heart shape a pair of earrings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Contemporary Heart Love Stud Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as heart shaped forms bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Contemporary Heart Love Stud Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as heart shaped forms bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Virgo 1.44 carat Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
of earrings. Cartier gift box included. Diamond Carat Weight: 1.44
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Gold Diamond Heart Clip-On Earrings 1.00 Carat
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A pair of signed Cartier 18ct yellow gold diamond pavé set heart clip on earrings, featuring 32
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Gold YG Heart Choker Necklace Diamond Clip on Earrings Set
By Cartier
Located in Geneva, CH
clip earrings in 18K yellow gold and diamonds. The necklace is made of 98 gold hearts, weighs
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Pave Diamond Gold Puffed Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Stunning 18k White Gold Puffed Heart Diamond earrings by Cartier, adorned with 1.5ct appx Vvs1 E-F
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Heart Stud Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Cartier Diamond Heart Stud Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold exude romance and timeless elegance
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Heart Pave Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Cartier earrings feature a heart-shaped design crafted in 18k yellow gold and pave
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Interlocking Hearts Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
*** Comes with the Cartier original box and papers *** METAL TYPE: 18K White Gold STONE WEIGHT
Diamond, 18k Gold
CARTIER Virgo Diamond Yellow Gold Heart Wrap Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
These fabulous Cartier earrings from the romantic Virgo collection feature heart-shaped wrap
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1.20 Carat Total Diamond Pave Heart Stud Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stunningly sparkly pave diamond heart earrings from Cartier. These romantic and feminine earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Heart Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Diamond heart half-hoop earrings, with 60 round diamonds weighing approximately 1.44 total carats
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Gold Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A pair of heart shaped 18K gold and brilliant cut diamond earrings, signed Cartier London on the
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Heart Motif Diamond Gold Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brand Name Cartier Series Heart Motif Gender Lady's Material 18K Yellow Gold
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Heart Stud 18 Karat White Gold and Diamonds Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
: Height/Length: 0.4", Width: 0.4" Designer: Cartier Model: Heart Stud 18K White Gold and Diamonds Earrings
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Diamond Pave Heart Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
: Height/Length: 0.5", Width: 0.5" Designer: Cartier Model: Diamond Pave Heart Earrings 18K Yellow Gold and
Yellow Gold
Cartier Heart Stud Earrings 18k White Gold with Diamonds Mini
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
: 6.15 mm, Width: 6.00 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Heart Stud Earrings 18K White Gold with Diamonds Mini
White Gold
Cartier D'amour Heart Stud Earrings 18k White Gold with Diamond
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
: 5.15 ", Width: 5.20 mm Designer: Cartier Model: D'Amour Heart Stud Earrings 18K White Gold with Diamond
Sold
W 0.401 in D 0.19 in L 0.39 in
Cartier Original 1990 White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Shaped Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1990, Cartier White Diamond 18Kt Yellow Gold Heart shaped stud earrings. A very precious
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1.00 Carat Colorless VVS Pavé Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Heart Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Ladies 18k White Gold Heart Stud Earrings with Pavé-Set Diamonds Total Diamond Weight = 1.00 ct
Diamond, 18k Gold
B H Wragge 1967 Linen Dress with Cutout Back
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great bight pink mid weight linen dress from B. H. Wragge (specifically the year 1967 as per the label). It is sleeveless with a rolled collar and it flares subtly to the hem. The...
Tiffany & Co. Gold and Diamond Flame Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Darnestown, MD
Tiffany 18 karat gold earrings in the shape of branches or flames. The bottom of each has three graduated diamonds with a total carat weigh of .40 carats per earring. Clip backs can ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,016Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Medium / Large
Chic 1960s Mademoiselle Canary Yellow Silk Borcade A - Line Dress & Jacket Suit
By MADEMOISELLE
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 60s vintage MADEMOISELLE canary yellow silk brocade A-Line dress and coat ensemble! Dress features a fitted bodice with a bell shaped skirt. Gold metallic embroidery detail at w...
$5,490
H 19 in W 14 in L 8 in
Balenciaga Arena Wheeled Suitcase Rolling Carry-on Luggage Trolley Leather Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Miami, FL
Balenciaga 2013 Rare Limited Edition Periwinkle Blue Jacynthe Wheeled Carry-On Balenciaga Wheeled Carry-On, features soft lambskin and distinctive aged brass hardware. Black perfora...
$1,238Sale Price|44% Off
Size: 40
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Worn Twice. Only signs of Use is to the Sole, the Uppers are Perfect * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent...
Giorgio Armani Vintage Dress Hand Beaded Fleurette on Tulle Formal Gown 40
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare and vintage Giorgio Armani gown so divinely exquisite that it can take you from the Red Carpet to the White House. Breathtaking and the epitome of the Giorgi...
Cartier Love Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Cartier 3/4 inch diameter
18k Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Panthère De Cartier Necklace N7059200
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking Cartier 18k yellow gold diamond necklace from the Panthère De Cartier collection. The necklace features a panther motif with bold black lacquer spots, a round brilliant cu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Vintage 1990s Collar Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous authentic vintage Cartier collar necklace features 4 rows of geometric links crafted in 18k yellow gold. Made in France circa 1990s. Measurements: 0.78" (20mm) width, 1...
Yellow Gold
Giuseppe Di Morabito 2000s “Naked” Strapless Mini Dress Covered w/Crystals
By Giuseppe Zanotti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fully embellished with sparkling crystals, this Giuseppe Di Morabito strapless mini dress is a shining example of the ever-popular "naked dress" that evolves with the trends of every...
Vintage Teal Blue Silk Sequin + Beaded Art Deco/ Flapper Dress
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage 1920s-inspired 1980s teal blue silk dress with hand done sequin and beadwork. Full blouson sleeves that zip at the cuff. Side slits. Fully lined in silk. The marked size is a...
BVLGARI Spiga Diamond Pink Rubellite Heart Yellow Gold 3-Row Adjustable Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring from Bulgari's iconic Spiga collection features a flexible 3-row design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with a heart-shaped pink rubellite and brilliant-cut ro...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Louis Vuitton Paris Italian Knit Brown Cardigan c 21st c
By Louis Vuitton
Located in University City, MO
Louis Vuitton Paris Italian knit brown cardigan sweater Size M The chic Italian knit cardigan is designed with a muted light brown shade; accented with subtle gold metallic knit band...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 9 in D 3.5 in L 16 in
New Fendi Aspen Shearling and Suede FF Brown Hobo Tote Bag
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Fendi Shearling Aspen Bag Brand New * Stunning Rare Shearling Bag * Rich Soft Chocolate Brown * Full Shearling Lining and Piping * Rope Braided & Leather Strap * Two Front Snap...
Vintage Japanese Ceremonial Brocade Kimono with Floral Embroidery and Phoenix
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful vintage Japanese ceremonial brocade kimono embroidered with red and gold floral and Phoenix embroidery. Kimono comes with red rope belt. Kimono length: 74” length Note abou...
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories 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.