$3,200 / item
18 Karat Gold Diamond Wing Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold, these wing earrings are hand set with .58 carats of diamonds for just the right amount of sparkle. Also available in yellow & rose gold. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWE...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Butterfly Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Diamond Butterfly Earrings : Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular butterfly earrings feature natural white sparkling diamonds approximately 0.10 ct. Certified diamonds. Diamond Co...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Butterfly Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Diamond Butterfly Earrings : Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular butterfly earrings feature natural white sparkling diamonds approximately 0.10 ct. Certified diamonds. Diamond Co...
Diamond, White Gold
$4,900 / item
18 Karat Gold Bloom Flower Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat matte gold, these earrings are hand finished with beautiful texture through out and set with .14 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$4,900 / item
Front Back Double Sided Black Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Be on top of the newest earring trend with a pair of double-sided stud earrings. Handcrafted from 18-karat gold & sterling silver, these stud earrings are set with 4.64 carats of bla...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Double Arrow Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Diamond Double Arrow Stud Earrings: Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular Diamond Double Arrow Stud shape earrings feature 56 natural white sparkling diamonds approximately 0.18 ct...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$4,500 / item
Blue Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat gold. These beautiful stud earrings are hand set with 2.45 carats blue sapphire & .50 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view th...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,950 / item
Blue Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold. These beautiful stud earrings are hand set with .35 carats blue sapphire & .13 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Flat Curve U Shaped Semi Hoop Earrings with Single Cut Diamond 14k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
These earrings are perfect for minimalist styling, featuring a sleek curved shape and a high-polish finish. Each earring is adorned with a single cut diamond, adding a touch of elega...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Open Triangle Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Open Triangle Earrings: Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular Open Triangle shape earrings feature 42 natural white sparkling diamonds approximately 0.12 ct. Certified diamonds. Di...
Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Peace Sign Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Peace Sign Earrings: Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular Peace Sign shape earrings feature 64 natural white sparkling diamonds approximately 0.18 ct. Certified diamonds. Diamond ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Open Triangle Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Open Triangle Earrings: Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular Open Triangle shape earrings feature 42 natural white sparkling diamonds approximately 0.12 ct. Certified diamonds. Di...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold Open Circle Diamond Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Open Circle Earrings: Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular Open Circle shape earrings feature 38 natural white sparkling diamonds approximately 0.10 ct. Certified diamonds. Diamon...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Open Circle Diamond Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Open Circle Earrings: Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular Open Circle shape earrings feature 38 natural white sparkling diamonds approximately 0.10 ct. Certified diamonds. Diamon...
Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Open Circle Diamond Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Open Circle Earrings: Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular Open Circle shape earrings feature 38 natural white sparkling diamonds approximately 0.10 ct. Certified diamonds. Diamon...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$522 / item
Lightning Bolt Gold Diamond Single Earring
By De Maria fine&antique jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
This gorgeous 'Lightning Bolt' earring it's crafted from 18k white gold and encrusted with 0.05 cts of sparkling diamonds. Wear your alone or stacked with other styles. Includes a ba...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$6,850 / item
Fire opal 14 Karat Gold Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. These stunning stud earrings are hand set in 6.09 carats fire opal, .15 carats emerald and .23 carats diamonds. This Fire Opal earring has been sold, but we ...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$2,950 / item
Geode Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These earrings are hand-cast in 18-karat gold. It is set with geodes and 0.32-carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusi...
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Single Diamonds Contemporary Earring in Yellow Gold
By ECH JEWELRY
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Single 18K yellow gold diamond accent designer earring featuring the Fly motif from the Classique Collection of ECH Jewelry This single designer earring presents the Fly motif in it...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Single Diamonds Contemporary Earring in White Gold
By ECH JEWELRY
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Single 18K white gold pavé diamond designer earring featuring the Fly motif from the Classique Collection of ECH Jewelry This single designer earring presents the Fly motif in its m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Intertwined Snake 14 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stunning Intertwined Snake Studs are handmade in 14-karat gold earrings. It is set with .10 carats rubies and 1.62 carats of glittering diamonds. Available in white, rose and y...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$8,900 / item
Bloom Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These earrings are meticulously crafted in 18-karat gold. It is hand set in 3.71 carats ruby and .41 carats of diamonds. Also available Bloom ring to compliment with these earrings....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dangle Earrings Aquamarine White Diamond Bow Stud Earrings J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dangle Earrings Aquamarine White Diamond Bow Stud Earrings 14k Gold Plated J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Aquamarine Drop Earrings are bow studs in 14k gold over brass, each bow...
White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
18 Karat Gold Emerald Ruby Diamond Versailles Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful stud earrings are handmade in 18K gold. It is set with .89 carats emerald, .25 carats ruby & .95 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to v...
Emerald, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
White Gold Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings 14k .50ctw Floral Quatrefoil Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarity: SI2 - I1 Total Carats: .50ctw Style: Cluster Stud Fastening Ty...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 2.03 & 2.01 ct F VS2 Handmade Single Stone Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in London, GB
GIA Certified Solitaire Stud Diamond Earrings, featuring 2 GIA graded round brilliant cut diamonds 2.03 and 2.01 carats each, set in platinum. Pin and butterfly fitting. A classic ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
TJD 0.15 Carat Natural Diamond 14 Karat Tri-Color Gold Stud Earrings
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Diamond tri-color gold stud earrings in 14K gold, designed with a refined and contemporary appeal. Featuring 96 natural diamonds totaling 0.15 carats, each stone is pavé set to creat...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Lightning Bolt & Star Mismatched Stud Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Mismatched Diamond Star & Lightning Bolt Stud Earrings: Crafted of real 14k gold, these popular Mismatched Diamond Star & Lightning Bolt Stud shape earrings feature 43 natura...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold 0.07 Carat Diamond Bar Stud Earrings
Located in Great neck, NY
Classic, Gorgeous and Comfortable every day wear Diamond Bar Studs Earrings! Makes the perfect addition to your jewelry collection or a gift to someone dear for the holidays! Crafted...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Carved Blue Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stunning hand carved earrings are thoughtfully and meticulously crafted in 18-karat gold. It is set in 8.3 carats blue sapphire and .39 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW M...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Bee Diamond Ruby Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These Bee earrings has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat yellow gold. It is set with .20 carats ruby & .22 carats pave diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Sapphire Diamond Halo Stud Earrings - 10k Oval .98ctw Floral Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphires Carat(s): .88ctw Cut: Oval Color: Dark Blue Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .10ctw Cut: Single Color: H - I Clarity: S...
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold
TJD 0.07 Carat Diamond Circle Frame Star Stud Earrings 14K White Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Diamond circle frame star stud earrings in 14K white gold, designed with a delicate and contemporary appeal. Featuring 30 natural diamonds totaling 0.07 carats, each stone is prong s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold 0.21 Carat Diamond Star Stud Earrings
Located in Great neck, NY
These star-shaped 14k Gold earrings feature approximately 0.21ct of sparkling white diamonds in pave settings and a high polish finish. Butterfly push-backs secure these 14-karat whi...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bee Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18 Karat Gold, these enamel bee stud earrings are set with .30 carats blue sapphire & .22 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Front Back Double Sided Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Be on top of the newest earring trend with a pair of double-sided stud earrings. Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with 6.64 carats sparkling black diamonds...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Front Back Double Sided Yellow Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Be on top of the newest earring trend with a pair of double-sided stud earrings. Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with 10.66 carats sparkling yellow diamon...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Ileana Makri 18k Gold Diamond & Sapphire Single Ear Climber
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Ileana Makri 18k Gold Diamond & Sapphire Single Ear Climber Gently curved shaped ear climber crafted from 18k yellow gold with pave-set brilliant-cut white diamonds and a...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Chopard 18KT WG 1.76Ct. Diamond & Single Floating Diamond Puffed Heart Earrings
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Chopard 18 KT White Gold & Diamond classic heart stud earrings. These earrings are designed with 2 rows of round brilliant pave diamonds and 1 single bezel set floating diamond in ea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Single Small Victoria Marquise Diamond Earring in Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the fire and radiance of our superlative diamonds, Tiffany Victoria uses a unique combination of cuts for a distinctly romantic sensibility. The beautiful shape of these ...
Diamond, Platinum
Retro Era 18K Rose Gold Stud Earrings. 0.40TCW Diamond Earrings 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.40 Carats Jewelry Type: Earrings Style: Clip-On Floral Earrings Metal: 18K Rose Gold, 18K White Gold Closure: Clip-Back ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Tourmaline Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Diamond Star Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stud earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold. It is beautifully detailed with 1.12 carats of tourmaline & multi sapphire. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest c...
Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Single Large Victoria Marquise Diamond Earrings in 18k Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the fire and radiance of our superlative diamonds, Tiffany Victoria uses a unique combination of cuts for a distinctly romantic sensibility. The beautiful shape of these ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Single Large Victoria Marquise Diamond Earrings in 18k Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the fire and radiance of our superlative diamonds, Tiffany Victoria uses a unique combination of cuts for a distinctly romantic sensibility. The beautiful shape of these ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Snake Earring Black Diamond Emerald Eyes Single Coiled Serpent J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Earring Black Diamond Emerald Eyes Single Coiled Serpent Gold Plated Silver J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Earring is a single coiled serpent in gold plated silver, ...
Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with Old European and single cut diamonds 0.60ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold and silver earrings set with old European cut and single-cut diamonds, 0.60 ct - G/H - SI and J/K - P Detailed description The top of the earring has a diameter of 1.2 cm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
0.43ct Princess Cut Natural Diamond Single Earring in 18ct White Gold
By Unbranded
Located in London, GB
0.43ct Princess Cut Natural Diamond Single Earring, Set In 18ct White Gold Additional Information: Total Diamond Weight: 0.43ct Diamond Colour: G Diamond Clarity: VVS2 Total Weight...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Flower Earrings with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 3.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ear studs with brilliant cut and single cut diamonds. 3.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description the top of the earring is 1.9 cm wide weight 9.3 grams set with -...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Nadine Ghosn Shut Up Single Diamond Earring 18k Rose Gold Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct estate diamond 'Shut Up' earring design by Nadine Ghosn crafted in 18k rose gold. Diamonds total an estimated 0.21 carats (estimated at H-I color and VS2-SI2 clarity). S...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Contemporary 18K Yellow Gold Fly Emblem Diamond Accent Stud Earring
By ECH JEWELRY
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Single 18K yellow gold diamond accent stud earring featuring the Fly emblem from the Essential Collection of ECH jewelry.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings with Turquoise Flower Jackets, 5.5ct
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The floral jackets are hand carved, "robin's egg" blue turquoise from Arizona's Sleeping Beauty Mine, which is famous for producing some of the world's finest turquoise. The sparklin...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
LIQUIDATION, 0.36 Carat Natural Diamond Round Stud White Gold 14 Karat
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
💎 Diamond Stud Earring (Single Side) Carat Weight: 0.36 ct (Natural Diamond) Shape: Round Average Color Grade: K (faint yellow tint, still looks white in many settings) Average ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary 18K White Gold Diamond Stud Earring by ECH jewelry, 12mmj
By ECH JEWELRY
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Single 18K White Gold Diamond Designer Stud Earring featuring the maxiFLY emblem from the Essential Collection of ECH jewelry.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co.Elsa Peretti Collection 18KYellow‑Gold Bubble Diamond Stud Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Elsa Peretti Collection 18K Yellow‑Gold Bubble Diamond Stud Earrings. Single‑stone weight: 0.32 ct, G‑colour.
SBQ Puffed Flower Single Statement Earring Rose 14K Gold
Located in PRAHA 3, CZ
SEEN BY QUEEN Puffed Flower Earring is a sculptural statement piece that combines 14kt solid gold with stainless steel and a white diamond set into a custom gold bedding. The solid g...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold
SBQ Puffed Flower Single Statement Earring White 14K Gold
Located in PRAHA 3, CZ
SEEN BY QUEEN Puffed Flower Earring is a sculptural statement piece that combines 14kt solid gold with stainless steel and a white diamond set into a custom gold bedding. The solid g...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel, White Gold
SBQ Puffed Flower Single Statement Earring Yellow 14K Gold
Located in PRAHA 3, CZ
SEEN BY QUEEN Puffed Sparkle Flower Earring is a sculptural statement piece that combines 14kt solid gold with stainless steel and a white diamond set into a custom gold bedding. The...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
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.
Stud earrings have a unique and rich cultural history. Though their design has evolved, vintage stud earrings are still a classic jewelry style.
Stud earrings are frequently dated back over 7,000 years to Asia, where they were worn mostly by upper-class men to indicate their wealth and status. Although earrings sometimes fell out of favor over the years — such as when ear piercing was prohibited by the Catholic Church in the 13th century — they’ve remained one of the most enduring forms of body modification.
When diamond jewelry gained prominence in the 19th century, thanks to prosperity in Europe and the United States as well as the greater accessibility of gemstones, studs adorned with fine diamonds became popular. Screw-back earrings debuted in the late 19th century and allowed people without pierced ears to don the embellishment. Stud earrings became especially popular in the 1960s.
Stud earrings are simple and usually small in size, making them lightweight and easy to wear. Unlike other earrings, stud earrings have a floating appearance. They are often made with a single gemstone, such as a sapphire or emerald, and a straight post that goes through the ear, typically with a rubber or metal backing to hold it in place.
Today, stud earrings accentuate outfits with a casual, elegant style, adding a bit of glam to any ensemble. Find an eclectic array of stud earrings on 1stDibs.
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.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
From buttons to chandeliers, here are the top styles to get or give in 2020.
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.