VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pair of Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips, France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding them are pavé-set round diamonds, which add a sparkling radiance, while the elegant stems of the earrings are adorned with baguette diamonds that contribute a sophisticat...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Exquisite 1940s Platinum & Gold Ruby and Diamond Earrings – Rare & Handcrafted
Located in Wailea, HI
Exquisite 1940s Platinum & Gold Ruby and Diamond Earrings – Rare & Handcrafted Step into the elegance of the 1940s with these exceptionally rare, handcrafted ruby and diamond earrin...
Ruby, Platinum
Invisible set Fine Ruby and Diamond Leaf Earrings set in Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 18k Yellow Gold Leaf Form Earrings, measuring 1 1/8 x 7/8 inch, invisible set with fine color French cut Burma Rubies totaling approximately 6 Carats and further set with ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Pigeon Blood Ruby and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Button Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, US
Art Deco style button earrings featuring 4.43 carats of pigeon-blood Rubies, some of them custom-cut, and 2.04 carats of Diamonds set in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,988Sale Price / set|20% Off
GARRARD & CO 1930 Art Deco Platinum Clips Earrings 4.38 Cts VS Diamonds & Rubies
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Miami, FL
The earrings have been crafted in solid .900/.999 platinum and embellished with a great selection of sixty-two natural earth mined gemstones, such; white colorless diamonds and vivid...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
Set of 14 Karat Gold, Ruby and Diamonds Pendant with Chain and Earrings
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
A Set of 14k Gold, Ruby and Diamonds Pendant with Chain and Earrings Gorgeous Yellow gold earrings and pendant with chain, each is set with Cabochon Ruby. The ruby is a pure transpar...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
French 18 K yellow Gold Vintage Heart earclips Sapphire Ruby Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A pair of lovely 18 K yellow Gold heart shaped earclips of french provenance. These colorful earclips feature 2 lovely blue Sapphire Cabochons weighing 2.50 ct, 2o finely calibrated ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings Rubies and Diamonds, circa 1950 in Yellow 18 Carat Gold Platinum
Located in Paris, FR
Clip-on earrings for pierced ears featuring stylized leaves with a twisted gold outline in 18 kt yellow gold and platinum. Each clip holds eight diamonds: one of approximately 0.1 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum
$7,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Raymond Yard 1935 Art Deco Earrings In Platinum With 3.09 Ctw Rubies Diamonds
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in Miami, FL
Note: We are offering in our other listings, the circular brooch en suite matching these earrings. Rubies: Mounted in channel settings, with 20 French calibre faceted cut of natural...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Mid-Century Turquoise Ruby Diamond Clip Earrings in the Style of VCA 1950s-1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Turquoise, Ruby and Diamond Bombé Clip Earrings in 18K Gold, French, circa 1950s–1960s.
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald Hoops
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald hoop earclip earrings in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Platinum Ear Clips
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Gorgeous diamond, ruby and sapphire half hoop ear clips. 64 diamonds weigh approximately 1.70 carats. With French hallmarks. Platinum Metal Type: Platinum Stamped or Tested Metal W...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Modern Vintage Boucheron Paris Clip On Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Gold Feathers
By Boucheron
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These beautifully modelled and engraved clip-on earrings are designed in the shape of sumptuous feathers. The earclips are made out of 18 karat gold and set with diamonds and natural...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Falize Reversible Cloisonne Enamel Earrings
Located in New Orleans, LA
The exquisite wire work is rendered in 18K yellow gold, and the opulent design is accented with ornamental seed pearls, rose cut diamonds and old cut rubies. Still in pristine condit...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Van Cleef and Arpels Ruby and Diamond, Necklace & Earrings, French, Maker's Mark
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
"Van Cleef and Arpels Necklace and Earrings set with Ruby and Diamonds. French, Maker's Mark for Pery et Fils.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1940s French Set of Diamond and Burma No Heat Ruby Necklace and Earrings
Located in New York, NY
1940's French Diamond and Ruby Necklace and Earrings Set The necklace has approximately 75ct of rubies and 40-42ct of diamonds all set in Platinum, and the clasps are white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring and Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This elegant set of Cartier wrap earrings and band ring features faceted pear-cut rubies and sparkling square-cut diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. Simply stunning. Circa 1995. Dimen...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Retro 18K Rose Gold Ruby Diamond Necklace Bracelet Earrings Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Retro 18K rose gold ruby diamond set, 25ct rubies, 10ct diamonds, geometric bell links, necklace 18 inches, matching bracelet and drop earrings. Vintage Retro 18K rose gold ruby diam...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$26,656
Rubies and Diamonds Earrings
Located in Paris, FR
Stylizing a flower in platinum and gold, set with pear-shaped rubies and round and marquise-cut diamonds, the stem with tappers cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$39,000
BOUCHERON Fabulous Diamond Ruby Sapphire Chandelier Earrings
By Boucheron
Located in Southampton, NY
These stunning and dramatic contemporary Boucheron chandelier earrings are composed of three graduated 18K gold diamond-shaped frames, set with a combination of diamonds, rubies and ...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$20,337
Cartier Cabochon Ruby Diamond Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Stratford upon Avon, GB
A pair of magnificent teardrop shaped cabochon ruby and pave diamond drop earrings by Cartier in 18ct white gold the combined weight of the rubies being 6.90ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Retro Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
A pair of French Retro 18 karat gold earrings with rubies and diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable
CHANEL Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Earrings
By Chanel
Located in New York City, NY
Chanel Yellow Gold and Platinum Ruby Diamond Earrings. The center stone is ruby with white diamonds. Ruby is 5 1/2 ct. Diamond is 6 1/2 ct.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,560
14k White Gold Ruby and Diamond French Clip Earrings
By Avanti
Located in Carrollton, TX
The ruby baguettes are channeled set along with the brilliant round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$32,500
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These diamond and ruby earrings are the essence of personality.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$15,000
French Ruby Diamond Bear Paw Earclips
Located in New York, NY
A large and unusual pair of earclips realistically designed as bear's paws, the heavily textured yellow gold paws accented at the centers with circular-cut rubies (8 stones weighing ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$35,541
1950s French Elegant Diamond Burma Ruby Earclips
Located in Paris, FR
High jewelry french work. A pair of ear clips set with 18 round facetted rubies bordered by marquise, pear, and brillant shape diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$30,000
CARTIER Elegant Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Earrings
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This elegant pair of earrings is signed by CARTIER and is beautifully crafted in 18K Yellow Gold. It is embellished with Ruby,Sapphire, Emerald and Diamonds.
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Ilona Orel Earrings Heaven's Ladder Sapphires Multi Colors Rubies Diamonds Gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautifully crafted Earrings Heaven's Ladder in White gold 18k set with excellent quality Rainbow Sapphires multi color, rubies and white diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
CARTIER Baiser Du Dragon 18K White Gold Black Onyx Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Forest Hills, NY
CARTIER Baiser Du Dragon 18K White Gold Black Onyx Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings Designer: Cartier Metal: 18k White Gold Gem Stone: Diamond 1.00 carats Gem Stone: Ruby 1.00 carats...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, White Gold
Unavailable|$75,000
Cartier Paris, Diamond Ruby Gold and Platinum Earrings, Circa 1955
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Ruby 18K Gold and Platinum Earrings; 90 Diamonds approx 3.50ct, 26 Rubies approx 4ct; Cartier, Paris; French; Ca1955
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$20,732
1950s J.Lacloche Diamonds and Ruby Gold Earrings Brooch Set.
Located in Beziers, FR
18K Gold,Diamonds and Ruby Earrings and Brooch Set. Signed by J.LACLOCHE Paris-Cannes. Circa 1950 Measurements: Earrings: Length: 1.18 in (3cm) Width: 1.18in (3cm) Weight: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,412
Citrines Rubies Diamonds 18 Carats Yellow Gold Retro Earrings Clips
Located in Paris, FR
Total weight of citrines : 0.96 cts Total weight of rubies : 0.60 cts Total weight of diamonds : 1.10 carats Dimensions of the earrings : 1.10 x 1.81 x 0.87 cm (0.431 x 0.712 x 0....
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$7,000
Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tarzana, CA
Center Stone: Rounds 0.56 ct & 0.53 ct F-VS Rubies: Oval cut 11.36 carat
18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,800
Pair of Gold Star Clip Earrings with Rubies and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful pair of 18 kt gold star clip earrings with fine diamonds and rubies.
Diamond
Unavailable|$20,269
Carved Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips
Located in London, GB
A pair of carved ruby and diamond set ear clips. The carved leaves are piled in a domed shape, interspersed with rubover set diamonds and each earring is set to the centre with a cab...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,198
1940s Retro Diamond Rubies 18K Yellow White Gold Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Superb tank ring, buckle design typical for this period. Ring in 18 karat yellow and white gold, diamonds and rubies. Circa 1935-1940. Old European diamond cut and rond cut rubys. To...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings in 18 Karat Gold Pave Set Diamonds & Coloured Stones, French circa 1980
Located in London, GB
A fine quality pair of 1980’s vintage bombe shaped, pave set cluster earrings, set with bright coloured, brilliant cut diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels, A Pair of Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels: A Pair of Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips, of bombe design, set with circular-cut ruby plaque trimmed with circular-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.75-2.00 carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$9,900
Cartier Baiser Du Dragon 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Baiser Du Dragon 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings This state of the art earrings by Cartier is the "Baiser Du Dragon" and also has a matching ring and pendant ava...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dangle Earrings Diamonds Sapphire, Pink, Tourmaline Briolette Cut, 18 Karat Gold
By 5 OCTOBRE
Located in Paris, FR
Customized dangling earrings made with vintage 18k gold pendants, enamelled in the back , rose cut diamonds in front, rubies and light pink tourmalines briolette cut, saphires on 14K...
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$31,000
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18KYG Van Cleef & Arpels "Pelouse Hawaii" Ear Clips Numbered 60.804 Sapphires: 2.1cts est Ruby: 2.1cts est Diamonds: 1.2cts est. With increasing unrest in Europe in the late 1930's,...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$10,544
Sylvie Corbelin Unique Eye Shape Earrings in Gold and Silver with Diamonds
By Sylvie Corbelin
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Unique pair of eye shape earrings in yellow 750/1000 gold (18K) and vermeil by Sylvie Corbelin. For pierced ears. You can see the "Eye of Horus" in the middle of the main front part....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$3,000
Contemporary Mauboussin Tri-Color Gemstone Earrings
By Mauboussin
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Contemporary Mauboussin earrings dating from the 2010s. They comprise square panels set with white and yellow diamonds and vivid rubies, with a cut out quatrefoil middle. They're exc...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$8,174
Sylvie Corbelin Enamel Butterfly Earrings with Turquoises
By Sylvie Corbelin
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Turquoises, enamel and diamonds butterflies earrings in yellow 750/1000 Gold (18K) and 925 silver by Sylvie Corbelin This model is for pierced ears. Gold weight : 1 gram Silver : 10 ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Vermeil
Unavailable|$5,911
Sylvie Corbelin Gold and Silver Love Birds Earrings with Pansies
By Sylvie Corbelin
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
One of a kind 750/1000 gold (18K) and vermeil "Love Birds" earrings by Sylvie Corbelin for pierced ears. The two "Love Birds" are made in rose gold vermeil (15 microns). The top o...
Amethyst, Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Vermeil
Unavailable|$23,282
Cartier, Pair of 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Tutti Fruti Openwork Earrings
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
CARTIER, PAIR OF 18ct YELLOW GOLD TUTTI FRUTI OPENWORK EARRINGS, each of abstract foliage design, set with rubies, emeralds, blue sapphires and diamonds. Signed Cartier Paris. L. 2.2...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucles d'oreilles clip Léopards, en or jaune 18 carats diamants et rubis
Located in OUISTREHAM, FR
Découvrez l'élégance avec les boucles d'oreilles clip Léopards. Confectionnées en or jaune 18 carats elles sont ornées de diamants et rubis vibrants, ces magnifiques créations captiv...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,595
Striking French Cut Ruby and Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Boston, MA
A pair of beautiful target style diamond and ruby earrings in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Sold|$5,200
French Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The earrings feature 10 oval cut rubies with an approximate weight of 4.50 carats, and 32 marquise cut diamonds with an approximate weight of 3.00 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$5,200
French Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The earrings feature 10 oval cut rubies with an approximate weight of 4.50 carats, and 32 marquise cut diamonds with an approximate weight of 3.00 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vivid Diamonds Ruby and Diamond Flower Stud Earrings
By Vivid Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Enchanting Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings crafted in 18 karat white gold, featuring square cut Rubies weighing approximately 37.85 carats total, and round brilliant cut diamonds weig...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$6,750
Modern French Ruby Diamond Flower Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
These stunning French made 18K white gold earrings feature a beautiful flower design adorned with 8 genuine pear cut Rubies (with natural inclusions and minor heat treatment approx: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Sold|$19,500
French Art Deco Ruby Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Art Deco platinum and silver earrings with diamonds and rubies. The earrings have 52 diamonds with an approximate total weight of 1.90 carats, and 22 rubies with an approxi...
Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum, Silver
French Art Deco Ruby Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A geometric design of excellence that emanates from the Art Deco time period. Featuring cascading diamonds perfectly set in platinum that drop into vivid red emerald cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French Art Deco Ruby Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A geometric design of excellence that emanates from the Art Deco time period. Featuring cascading diamonds perfectly set in platinum that drop into vivid red emerald cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French Art Deco Ruby Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A geometric design of excellence that emanates from the Art Deco time period. Featuring cascading diamonds perfectly set in platinum that drop into vivid red emerald cut glass filled...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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.
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.
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