Peter Suchy Earrings Morganite

Peter Suchy is one of the world’s foremost specialists in vintage and estate jewelry, which he has collected and sold for more than three decades. A perusal of his inventory on 1stDibs reveals a fondness for substantial gemstones of all varieties. Many of his own eye-popping designs — for engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories — are simple but powerful, with carat weights in the double digits.

Suchy has made a niche in antique diamond engagement rings and signed pieces, offering jewelry and watches from brands like Cartier, Bvlgari, Tiffany & Co., Rolex and Patek Philippe. One could argue that he is the kind of vintage jewelry dealer that is the backbone of the market, someone who demonstrates expertise and integrity while delivering exceptional fine jewelry to a global client base.

When asked about his beginnings as a jewelry dealer and designer, Suchy is concise and keen to reflect pragmatically on the facts of which he is most proud. Among those facts: He worked at the bench as a repairman and goldsmith for more than 20 years, after which he studied at the Gemological Institute of America.

Today Suchy’s showroom is situated in a disarmingly unassuming retail building in Stamford, Connecticut. But inside, it is clear why clients have described it as a “vintage jewelry museum.” The characterization is not hyperbole — the store houses more than 10,000 pieces of vintage, estate and antique jewelry.

Like its owner, the space is devoid of artifice or pretense, with classical American decor featuring curved walnut architraves and overhead Art Deco–style light boxes. This lack of ostentation hints at the taste and refinement of the jewels on offer and reflects a sales philosophy belonging to a bygone era, that the only decoration necessary is the jewelry itself.

Find a collection of authentic Peter Suchy bracelets, rings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.

Earrings have a rich, diverse history, and while there are many types of this accessory to choose from, the dangle style is one of the most enduring designs. Today antique and vintage dangle earrings are timeless adornments that can make any outfit instantly more glamorous.

One of the oldest known pairs of dangle earrings was made of jade between 7,500 and 8,200 years ago in Inner Mongolia. Hoop earrings — of which there have been countless variations — are as old as Ancient Mesopotamia, and Ancient Egyptians wore dangle earrings that had sacred symbolism as part of their jewelry practices. In ancient Rome, dangle earrings with pearls and other precious materials were popular.

Dangle earrings vary in length, but they are all designed to cascade off the ears. Some dangle earrings barely fall past the bottom of the earlobe while others fall low enough to graze the shoulders or even fall past them. During the Renaissance period, women wore up-do hairstyles so they could show off their dangle earrings. Even noblemen joined the trend, donning a sole dangle earring adorned with a pearl.

Georgian women preferred heavy girandole earrings that featured candelabra-like arrangements of precious metal and stones. Dangle earrings in the 19th century were simpler, often featuring a single suspended gemstone in a drop-earring style. Going into the 20th century, screw-back earrings and clip-ons became popular, leading to more minimal stud designs. However, dangle earrings have always come back into fashion.

Whether they are made with diamonds, beads or feathers, dangle earrings are statement pieces reflecting the shifting styles over the years. Find the perfect antique and vintage dangle earrings for any occasion on 1stDibs.