New Classic Platinum 2.01ctw GIA Old Mine Cut Bezel Set Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Bezel Set - L Color - VS1 Clarity - Matching - 2.01ctw (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18K Gold and Silver Old Mine Diamond Flower Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold and Silver Old Mine Diamond Flower Drop Earrings. This incredible pair of Victorian old mine diamond flower earrings are crafted in 18k yellow go...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco Earrings Diamond Black Onyx Platinum Old Mine Rose Cut Diamonds Antique
Located in New York, NY
These are magnificent antique Old Mine and Rose Cut Diamond and Black Onyx Platinum Art Deco Earrings of great beauty.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Earrings with old mine cut diamonds up to 3.23ct 18k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire stud earrings set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 3.23 ct – N/O - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the stud is 7.5 mm wide.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold GIA 2.13ctw Old Mine Cushion Diamond Bezel Stud Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Bezel Set - L Color - VVS2/VS1 Clarity -2.13ctw (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info *...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Collet Set GIA Old Mine Cut Cushion Diamond Drop Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Stunning cushion shaped old mine cut diamonds set in a Victorian inspired collet setting with petite claw prongs.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k Gold & Silver 0.44ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Floral Drop Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Buttercup Prong Set - Very Nice White Color - 0.44ctw (approx.)
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut and Rose Cut Diamond Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
The earrings have old mine cut diamonds and rose cut diamonds set along the top of the earrings in a beautiful pattern.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Roman Malakov Antique 9.54 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond & Ruby Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
An antique pair of drop earrings, showcasing two gorgeous old mine cut diamonds weighing 2.18 and 1.75 carats, respectively.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Silver
Tahitian Pearl Old Mine cut Diamond Earrings 14K White Gold Art Deco
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Tahitian Pearl Old Mine cut Diamond Earrings 14K White Gold Art Deco This absolutely stunning pair of earrings is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold (carefully tested and guaran...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Belle Epoque 18ct White Gold and Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Dangling Earrings
Located in London, England
Each earring is set with a larger old mine-cut diamond of approximately 0.50 carats, suspended below two smaller stones in a delicate articulated drop.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 8.64 Carats Total Old Mine Cut Diamond Antique Drop Earrings
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
An unique and beautiful pair of drop earrings showcasing 8.64 carats total, old mine cut diamonds certified by GIA as H-J Color and SI2-I1 in Clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian Single Diamond Stud Earring .08ct Old Mine Screwback 1860's-1880's 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1860's-1880's Victorian Single Old Mine Cut Diamond .08ct Stud Earring Screwback 14K Gold Features a Genuine Natural Mined F VS .08ct Old Mine Cut Dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Important Belle Epoque GIA Old Mine Moval Diamond Drop Earrings, c. 11.93 Carats
Located in New York, NY
Refined Belle Époque Craftsmanship Each earring is surmounted by an additional antique Old Mine-cut diamond of approximately 1.00 carat, bringing the total diamond weight of the pai...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
18k Yellow Gold GIA 3.21ctw Old Mine Cut Cushion Diamond Bezel Stud Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Bezel Set - I Color - SI1 Clarity -3.21ctw (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** Tot...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with sapphire, old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold and silver earrings with sapphire, old mine cut, and rose-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct – K/L – SI Detailed description: The earrings are 3.6 cm long and 8.6 mm wide.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
J. Birnbach 6.02 Carat Charming Old Mine Diamond 18K Two-Tone Drop Earrings
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite two-tone 18K yellow and white gold huggie hoop earrings showcase a beautifully matched pair of vintage old mine cut diamond drops, totaling 6.02 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Coral Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings 14K Gold Antique Star Motif 1860
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous pair of antique Victorian Coral Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings in 14 Karat Gold. The absolutely exquisite earrings have beautiful round domed salmon red color cora...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
GIA 1 Carat Each Old Mine Diamond and Onyx Dangle Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 2.00 ct. old mine diamonds K VS1 and VS2. Handmade in 18k yellow gold with black onyx. Comes with GIA certificates.
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold
EGL Certified 2.61 Carat Old Mine Diamond Yellow Gold Bezel Set Stud Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Old mine brilliant cut diamond stud earrings. 2 Old mine cut diamonds totaling 2.91cts, bezel tube set in 18k yellow gold settings.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 4.97 Carats Total Old Mine Cushion Cut Diamond Dangle Earrings in Silver
Located in New York, NY
An elegant pair of antique dangle earrings, featuring two old mine cushion cut diamonds weighing 2.34 carats and 2.63 carats with approximately I-J color and VS-SI clarity, respectiv...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Diamond Single Stud Earring Mined .08ct 14K Yellow Gold Screwback
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Single Stud Earring Mined .08ct 14K Yellow Gold Screwback Features a Genuine Natural Mined .08ct Round Brilliant Diamond This is for a Single Earring, Not a Pair.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with old mine cut and single cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 14k gold 5.5 gr.
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold stud earrings set with old mine-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.50 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The diameter of the stud is 1.3 cm wide Weight: 5.5 gr...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco 3.94 Carat Old Mine Diamond Target Earrings Yellow Gold Platinum 1940s
Located in Lisbon, PT
A pair of Art Deco 3.94 carat Old Mine-cut diamond target earrings in 19.2kt yellow gold and platinum, Portuguese, 1940s.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Stud Earrings Mined .50ct Princess F VVS 14K Gold Screwback
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Stud Earrings Mined .50ct Princess F VVS 14K Gold Screwback Features 2 Matching F VVS Princess Cut Diamonds 100% Natural Mined Diamonds .50 Carat Diamond Weight Cla...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Single Buttercup Diamond Stud Earring .35ct Mined RBC 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Single Buttercup Diamond Stud Earring .35ct Mined RBC 14K Yellow Gold Features a Genuine Natural Mined .35ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond This is for a Single Earring, Not a Pair.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Heart Cluster Stud Earrings .25ct 14K White & Yellow Gold Mined Diamonds
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Heart Cluster Stud Earrings .25ct 14K White & Yellow Gold Mined Diamonds $120 in Gold Value Alone 100% Natural Mined Diamonds .25 Carat Diamond Weight 14K White &...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Double Halo Diamond Stud Single Earring Mined .25ct White Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Heart Double Halo Diamond Stud Single Earring Mined .25ct White Gold Featuring 23 Genuine Natural Mined G-H / SI-I1 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds This is for a Single Earring, Not...
Diamond, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Jadeite Jade Old Mine Diamond Platinum Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Well cut old mine diamonds on the top with pave accent diamonds.
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Diamond Stud Earrings Pushback Mined .25ct RBC 14K Yellow Gold Screwback
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Stud Earrings Pushback Mined .25ct RBC 14K Yellow Gold Screwback Features 2 Genuine Natural Mined Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Classic Diamond Studs Push Backs Onto Scr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bling Cluster Diamond Single Earring Mined 1ct Look Screwback Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Bling Cluster Diamond Single Earring Mined 1ct Look Screwback Yellow Gold This is for a Single Earring, Not a Pair.
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Earrings European and Mine Diamond Vintage 14K Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Each earring holds 6 European and Mine cut natural diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.20 Ct. Old mine cut Diamond 18 KT Rare Floret Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Totally hand crafted as unique during the era, strongly made to stand on with effective result for the fine design made suitable for all occasion, Earrings are set with a combination...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver and Gold Earrings
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold earrings topped with silver in circular setting shape with 1 old mine cut diamond estimate weight of 0.50 carat each earring H colour white exceelent spark earrings...
Earrings with pearl and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.05ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold drop earrings set with pearls and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.05 ct – G/H – Piqué – 4.1 grams Detailed description: The earrings measure 1.8 cm in length and 8.4 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Diamond Single Stud Earring Mined .15ct Round Brilliant 18K Gold Clutchback
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Single Stud Earring Mined .15ct Round Brilliant 18K White Gold Clutchback This is for a Single Earring, Not a Pair.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
“Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings, 1920”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique art deco era dangling earrings centered with old mine cut diamond with total estimate 1 carat for both stones in platinum setting and gold back locks earrings head diameter 8...
Deco old mine cut diamond dangle earrings in gold and platinum
Located in Milano, MI
Simple but elegant pair of Deco period (1930 c.a.) dangle earrings set in 18ct gold and platinum with old mine cut and rose cut diamonds for 0.50ct total c.a.
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique Russian 14k Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings, 0.90ct
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Imperial Russian era 1900s old mine cut diamond earrings in solitaire style with an estimate diamond weight of 0.90 ct 4.7mm diameter earrings hall marked 56 imperial Russian...
Colombian Emerald Earrings with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A matched pair of Colombian emeralds glows in vivid, slightly bluish green, framed by sixteen earth-mined diamonds, all set in solid 14K white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Stud Earrings .20cttw F SI1 Mined Round Brilliant 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Natural Mined Diamond Stud Earrings .20 Carat Total Weight F Color SI1 Clarity Round Brilliant Cut 14K Yellow Gold Timeless Pair of Genuine Natural Mined Diamond Stud Earri...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct White Gold Fancy Shape Natural Mined Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in London, GB
Round motif earstuds featuring eight marquise cut diamonds bordering two princess cut diamonds. Mounted in 18ct white gold with push back butterfly fittings. Assessed colour: F/G/H...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Stud Earrings .18cttw F VVS Round Brilliant Mined 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Specifications Diamonds: 2 Genuine Natural Mined Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: .18 Carat Total Weight Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Color: F Diamond Clarity:...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gorgeous Rose and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gorgeous 18k gold drop earrings, featuring rubies and a combination of rose & old mine cut diamonds - total approx. 1.40ctw.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Diamond Stud Earrings .25cttw G-H SI Round Brilliant Mined 14K Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Natural Mined Diamond Stud Earrings .25 Carat Total Weight G-H Color SI Clarity Round Brilliant Cut 14K Yellow Gold Diamonds Feature Desirable G-H Color and SI Clarity, Off...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Grey/Silver Diamond Stud Earrings Natural .25ct Mined Round 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Grey/Silver Diamond Stud Earrings Natural .25ct Mined Round 14K Yellow Gold Features 2 Matching Grey Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds 100% Natural Mined Diamonds .25 Carat Diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.35ct Old European and Old Mine Cut Diamond Estate Dangle Earrings
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The stud portion features 1.20ct old mine cut diamonds, each connected to 4.41ct and 4.74ct old European cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,092Sale Price|25% Off
GIA Certified 2 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Matching Pair Loose Gemstones
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Presenting a magnificent and expertly matched pair of GIA Certified Old Mine Cut Diamonds, boasting a remarkable total weight of approximately 2 carats.
Diamond
1.9Ct Padparadscha Sapphire Earrings with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: 14K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
Rare padparadscha sapphires glow in a sunset blend of pink and orange in these pear-shaped earrings, accented with diamonds in solid 14K white gold. Their distinctive color is enhanc...
Diamond, Padparadscha Sapphire , Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Colombian Emerald Earrings with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, 5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Set in solid 14K white gold, these earrings pair two emerald-cut colombian emerald stones of 0.42 carats with thirty-two earth-mined diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1Ct Montana Sapphire Earrings with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
These solid 14K yellow gold earrings frame two montana sapphire stones in trillion cut, 1.01 carats in total, with thirty-six earth-mined diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 14K Gold, 2.1ct Zambian Emerald Earrings with Earth-Mined Diamonds Halo
Located in Columbus, OH
Two emerald-cut zambian emerald stones totalling 2.1 carats glow at the centre of this pair of solid 14K yellow gold earrings, lined with forty-four earth-mined diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Hidden Halo Single Stud Earring Mined .50ct 14K Yellow Gold Pushback
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Hidden Halo Single Stud Earring Mined .50ct 14K Yellow Gold Pushback Featuring a Genuine .25ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Center Eight Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Surro...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Princess Cut Black Diamond Single Stud Earring Pushback .30ct Size Mined 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Princess Cut Black Diamond Single Stud Earring Pushback .30ct Size Mined 14K Features a Genuine .30ct Black Diamond Princess Cut Diamond This is for a Single Earring, Not a Pair.
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
J. Birnbach GIA 6.09 Carat Total Old Mine Diamond 18K White Gold Drop Earrings
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
One earring showcases a 3.07 carat old mine cut diamond, certified by GIA as K color and VS1 clarity.
Diamond, White Gold
$5,850Sale Price|20% Off
18K Gold New Made Natural Old Mine Cut Diamond And Ruby Decorated Bird Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Newly made old mine cut bird earrings in 18k gold, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 3.70 carats (G-H color, VVS-VS-SI1 clarity) and natural rubies totaling approximat...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Brand New Diamond Stud Earrings Mined 1ct Round Brilliant Cut 14K Pushback
Located in Dearborn, MI
Brand New Diamond Stud Earrings Mined 1ct Round Brilliant Cut 14K White Gold Pushback Features 2 Genuine Natural Mined Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Classic Diamond Studs 100% Na...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18k Gold and Platinum Earrings with 6 Carats Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Embellished with a total of approximately 6 carats old mine cut diamonds, they sit beautifully on the earlobes.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian style 4.89 carat old mine diamond 18k gold silver cluster earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Featuring 18 old mine and old European cut diamonds weighing 4.89 carats in total, the earrings offer exceptional sparkle, depth, and vintage-inspired character.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
French Cut Art Deco Single Diamond Stud Earring Mined .15ct 1920's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920's Art Deco Single Diamond .15ct French Cut Stud Earring 14K White Gold Features a Genuine Natural Mined .5ct French Cut Diamond This is for a S...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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 classic circle has appeared in countless variations over the centuries.