French Midcentury Invisible Set Ruby Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French made Mid century platinum earrings, with invisible set rubies, and approx. 2.20ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French Antique Ruby and Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Earrings Total Weight: 4.7 grams Face Dimensions: 14.5mm x 13mm Total Centre Ruby Weight: 0.52ct (0.26ct each) Total Remaining Ruby Dimensions: 44 (1mm) T...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and vibrant, these French earrings are crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and feature approximately 10.0 carats of red cabochon rubies, accenting the rubies are brilliant-cut di...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Ruby and Diamond Set Gold Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, 18k and Platinum, French. This pair of antique ruby and diamond drop earrings are each set with four lovely rubies and five old-cut diamonds (.85 carats of ruby and .3...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$48,500
Cartier Diamond and Ruby Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Brilliant red rubies and glistening white diamonds make a grand impression in these retro-styled earrings by Cartier. Daring in design and exquisite in execution, these chic earrings...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,750
Fred Paris Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings
By Fred
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
From Fred Paris fine ruby and diamond 18k gold earrings. Signed and numbered.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French 19th Century Pearl Diamonds Ruby Drop Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lovely antique lever- back earrings, they have a round frame on which are set 5 rose- cut diamonds, and in the center a cultured pearl and 4 small rubies.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
Sold|$77,000
Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning elegant earrings. The earrings are made of 18 karat (stamped) yellow gold, oval faceted ruby and marquise and baguette cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold French Lever Back Drop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
These classic dangle ruby and diamond drop earrings are crafted in 18-karat white gold, weighing 5.6 grams and measuring 28mm long x 13mm wide.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Petite Ruby Diamond Gold Huggie Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Fabulously decorated, these lovely Cartier earrings boast a design that is perfect for any occasion. The earrings are made of 18K yellow gold and are set with round brilliant diamond...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Gold Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k gold flower earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, with approx. 3.60ctw in F/VVS diamonds and center rubies. Earrings are 21mm x 20mm. Marked: 750, Van Cleef & Arpels, M3176, or...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Edwardian 1905 Antique French Earrings 18Kt Gold With 3.54 Ctw Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian earrings with diamonds and rubies. Extremely beautiful pair of dangle earrings, created in France during the Edwardian period, back in the 1900's.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Sapphire Emerald Ruby Drop Earrings
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These earrings are made in Platinum and feature Emeralds, Rubies Sapphires and Diamonds.
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Sold|$8,750
CARTIER Diamond Ruby & Gold Huggie Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Classic 18K yellow gold, diamond and ruby earrings by Cartier. These are referred to as "huggies". They feature very high grade round brilliant cut diamonds weighting approx. 1.25-1....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Platinum Round Bezel Diamond French Cut Ruby Halo Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Each earring features an approximately 0.14 carats, round brilliant cut diamond that's bezel set in a milgrain etched circular setting atop of the larger diamond and ruby drop circle.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Hand made in platinum with 18k yellow gold French lever backs, these are stunning original art deco earrings that will delight the intake enthusiast.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Platinum Camellia Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
An exquisite pair of earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels' Camellia collection made of prestigious 950 platinum, boasting delightful floral design. The pair is extravagantly decorated wi...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1905 Edwardian Earrings in 18kt Gold with Diamonds and Red Burmese Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
Rubies: Mounted in French flush settings, with 8 trillion faceted cut of natural vivid red rubies, with a combined weight of 1.04 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Paris Diamond Cabochon Ruby Yellow Gold Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Vintage Earrings by Cartier. With 20 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approx. 1ct 2 pear shape cabochon rubies 10mm x...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby Hanging Drop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Vintage Hanging Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. These earrings are clips, made for pierced ears. With 48 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French belle Epoque ruby diamond 18k yellow gold and platinum cluster earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These exquisite French Belle Epoque earrings feature vivid oval rubies surrounded by rose cut diamonds and ruby accents.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ruby Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Drop Earrings
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Each earring features a small leaf set with diamonds at the base of which is a diamond decorated motif with 3 suspended claw set rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Estate Deco Diamond Ruby Platinum Flower Halo Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Add a touch of joy & sparkle to your life with these beautiful flower-inspired Diamond & Ruby Earrings, These estate deco design earrings are crafted in romantic platinum, There a...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French 1950s Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Lever-Back Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
Antique white gold lever-back earrings, each adorned on the front with a modern brilliant-cut diamond holding a round ruby claw-set in an illusion setting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Diamond Ruby Sapphire Trinity Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Trinity Diamonds Sapphires Rubies Hoop Earrings by Cartier. With 4 round brilliant cut diamonds total weigt approx. .16ct 4 rubies, 2 sapphires These earrings are for...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Pearl Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Huggie Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
The enduring quality of this glamorous pair of earrings from Cartier is without comparison. The earrings are made of 18K yellow gold and are each set with a single white pearl. Lastl...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond "En Tremblant" Earrings, Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier earrings designed as bouquets, set en tremblant with brilliant-cut diamonds, rubies and sapphires;signed Cartier, French Mark, estimated total diamond weight: 1.80 carats...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Enamel Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Fabulously decorated, these extraordinary Cartier earrings boast an extravagant, artistic look. The pair is made of esteemed 18K yellow gold and embellished with diamond, sapphire an...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This beautiful pair of sapphire, ruby, and diamond earrings were designed by Cartier. Each earring is crafted as a triple entwined hoop with bezel set diamond, ruby and sapphire gem...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Cut Ruby Baguette Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Shrimp Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The earrings feature 108 baguette cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.00 CTW and 42 French cut ruby gemstones weighing approximately 6.00 CTW.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Pearl Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Huggie Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
The enduring quality of this glamorous pair of earrings from Cartier is without comparison. The earrings are made of 18K yellow gold and are each set with a single white pearl. Lastl...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Byzantine Diamond Ruby Emerald Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Byzantine Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald Hoop Earrings by Cartier. With 16 Round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, F-H color, 2 Rubies and 4 Emeralds These earrings a...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Cartier Byzantine Diamond Ruby Emerald Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Byzantine Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald Hoop Earrings by Cartier. With 16 Round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, F-H color, 2 Rubies and 4 Emeralds These earrings a...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Coral, Ruby, Onyx and Diamond Dangle Earrings in Yellow Gold with French Clips
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These unusual coral and onyx earrings are a strikingly beautiful combination of red and black. 18k yellow gold spears set with petite ruby cabochons and diamonds sit comfortably on ...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Pair of earrings in 18 karat white gold. Each one represents a ruby surrounded alternately by a ruby and a diamond in claw setting. The system of hanging is with bu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cartier Diamond Ruby Emerald Yellow Gold Large Elephant Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Vintage Large Elephant Earrings by Cartier.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Fred Paris Cabochon Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Designer 18 karat yellow gold earrings by Fred are fashioned with 56 diamonds equaling .64 carat total weight and cabochon rubies. These modern earrings measure 17mm by 10mm, and are...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Tutti Frutti Earrings in yellow gold, Diamond, Emerald Sapphire and Ruby. For everyday or a special event, those Earrings are the gorgeous accessories. Circa 1970. Signed, numbere...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$29,000
Burmese Ruby "Mystery Set" Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Classic ruby and diamond flower earrings. Five mystery set ruby flower petals centered with 5 diamonds. Estimated total ruby weight is 46.88 carats and total diamond weight is 1.5 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
0.6 Carat Kite Diamond Ruby Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
18K W/G Earrings with Ruby and Diamond. Art Deco style Earrings were made in 18K White Gold, set with a pair of special Kite Diamond (E color VVS Clarity 2 pcs. 0.6 ct.), French Cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art deco Style Jade Ruby Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Baume creation - unique piece. For pierced ears. Pair of earrings in 18 Karat white gold. Set with crimped set ruby cabochons and two columns of diamonds at the earring base holding...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Retro Diamond and Ruby French Back Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18 karat yellow gold diamond and ruby french back earrings. The earrings are made for pierced and not pierced ears.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CHRISTIAN DIOR Diamond Ruby Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Earrings
By Christian Dior
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Mother of Pearl Fan Earrings by Christian Dior. With 26 diamonds, approx .80 ctw total VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approx. .80ct 2 rubies, tea...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Classic Ruby and Diamond Earrings.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, ruby and diamond earrings. Van Cleef and Arpels France.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
1950s Oval Ruby Round Brilliant Diamond Flower Clip Earrings Yellow Gold French
Located in Lisbon, PT
A pair of oval mixed-cut ruby and round brilliant-cut diamond floral clip earrings in 18 karat yellow gold, French, 1950s.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Earring in 18 karat yellow gold. Pair of ear clips, each in the form of openwork knot and petals of gold wire. Retained in the center, an antique- cut diamond is su...
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Gold Clip-on Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Each "umbrella" is set either with a diamond or a ruby or a sapphire or an emerald on top.
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Earring in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Round openwork earrings in yellow gold, claw-set with a small round ruby and adorned with a white gold motif holding 3 di...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Sold|$5,500
Chaumet Ruby Diamond Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Chaumet
Located in Southampton, PA
The natural inspirations and whimsical nature of Chaumet jewelry is beautifully brought to life by these mesmerizing earrings. 18K yellow gold provides the delicately sculpted base f...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$6,500
Chaumet Ruby Diamond Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Chaumet
Located in Southampton, PA
An adorable design which tastefully combines diverse materials and nuances to produce a resolutely feminine overall tone, this exceptional pair of earrings from Chaumet boasts charmi...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$6,500
Chaumet Ruby Diamond Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Chaumet
Located in Southampton, PA
An adorable design which tastefully combines diverse materials and nuances to produce a resolutely feminine overall tone, this exceptional pair of earrings from Chaumet boasts charmi...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron, Paris Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Drop Earrings
By Boucheron
Located in Greenwich, CT
A truly gorgeous vintage drop earrings with vivid sapphires, rubies, amethyst and emeralds, reminiscent of ribbons and feathers that stands out beautifully against the bright white r...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White ...
CARTIER Yellow Gold "Trinity" Diamonds Sapphires Rubies Earrings
Located in Southampton, PA
CARTIER 18k Yellow Gold "Trinity" Diamonds Sapphires Rubies Hoop Earrings. Measurements: Weight: 13 grams Length: 22mm, width: 7mm, diameter: 3/4"
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Boucheron Diamond Ruby Onyx Pearl Set Earrings Ring Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in Geneva, CH
This Glamour Indian style set by Boucheron Paris is both impressive and easy to wear. Earrings, Ring and Necklace are in yellow gold, Diamond, cabochon Ruby and Onyx with cultured P...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Stud Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
These ruby-diamond earrings close with an alpa clasp. Total weight of the rubies : 0,70 carat approximately.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Ladies Stud Earrings with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18k white gold ladies stud earrings with diamonds and rubies Made in France Circa 1950's Hallmarked with eagles head, French standard for 18k gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Sold|$28,000
Cartier Ruby and Diamond Earrings and Ring Set
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris ruby and diamond earrings and ring set. The set is created in a rectangular design with oval cut ruby in the center and accented by pave set diamonds.
Ruby, Diamond, 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.
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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The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
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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.