Vintage 1980s Tiffany & Co. Lapis Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Lapis Lazuli. Signed by Tiffany & Co. Circa 1982 3/4 x 3/4 inch
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
1982 Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Onyx Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of collectible Tiffany & Co. earrings, crafted in 18K yellow gold and inlaid with polished black onyx in a bold checkerboard motif.
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Cummings Mother of Pearl Carnelian Checkerboard Gold Large Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Carnelian Checkboard Large Earrings by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. With Carnelian and Mother of Pearl Checkerboard Design by Angela Cummings The...
Carnelian, Pearl, Gold
Tiffany &Co Cummings Mother of Pearl Black Jade Checkerboard Gold Large Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Black Jade Checkboard Large Earrings by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. These rare Tiffany & Co Angela Cummings earrings showcase 18k gold craftsma...
Pearl, Black Jade, Gold
Vintage 1980s Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Opal & Jade Checkerboard Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold with black Jade and Opal in a checkerboard pattern. Signed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. Circa 1980s 1 inch diameter
Opal, Black Jade, 18k Gold
$6,985 / set
H 0.8 in W 0.8 in
Tiffany & Co. 1982 Angela Cummings Lapis Checkerboard Earrings 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Checkerboard earrings, designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings 1980 Mother-Of-Pearl 18 Karat Gold Vintage Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Angela Cummings Earrings Mather of Pearl & 18K Yellow Gold Earrings Dimension: Length 18.7mm X 19.8mm width Total Weight: 15.7gm Designed as yellow gold tapered cushion shaped forms ...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Black Jade Opal Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, black jade and opal “checkerboard” earrings, by Tiffany & Co., Circa 1970s.
Jade, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Ruby Diamond Gold Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Checkerboard earrings, measuring 7/16 X 7/16 inch, set with Princess cut Diamonds totaling 1.30 Carat and Grading as G in color and VVS in Cl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
TIFFANY stunning checkerboard design coral and onyx earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of stunning dome shaped earrings inlaid with a checkerboard pattern of coral and black onyx.
Coral, Onyx, 18k Gold
1980s Tiffany & Co. Mother of Pearl Gold Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
These 1980s earrings from Tiffany & Co are chic and sophisticated. Alternating squares and rectangles of mother of pearl and 18 karat yellow gold create modern geometric look. 3/4 o...
Pearl
Tiffany & Co. Checkerboard Ear Clips
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa: 1980s 18K yellow Gold and Onyx Checkerboard ear Clips by Tiffany & Company. Omega Clip Backs, a post can be easily added if preferred.
Onyx, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Inlaid Mother of Pearl Black Jade Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Tiffany & Co. 18 karat yellow gold, inlaid black jade and mother of pearl "checkerboard" earrings.
Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Tiffany & Co.Turquoise Mother of Pearl Gold Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, Turquoise and mother of pearl earrings, Tiffany & Co., Circa 1980s. The earrings are of domed form, inlaid with a mother of pearl and Turquoise in a ...
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Black Jade MOP Pearl Checkerboard Large Button Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s): -- Numerous Natural Genuine Black Jade & Mother of Pearl - Custom Cut - Inlaid Set - Black & White Color - Checkerboard Patterns Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: ...
Pearl, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1980's Opal Onyx Inlay 18K Gold Vintage Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as round domed yellow gold forms with woven checkerboard motif Inlaid with opal and onyx segments ranging form 1.5 x 2.0 to 3.5 x 5.0 mm Opal is black in body color with str...
Onyx, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 0.91 in W 0.9 in
Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Inlaid Mop and Onyx Checkerboard Pattern Cushion Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s): -- Numerous Natural Genuine Hematite or Black Onyx & Mother of Pearl - Custom Cut - Inlaid Set - Black & White Color Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 20.69 Grams ...
Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold
Tiffany Co. 18k Gold Inlaid MOP Onyx Checkerboard Pattern Cushion Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Media, PA
A stunning pair of Tiffany & Co. earrings featuring a bold checkerboard pattern crafted from black onyx and luminous mother-of-pearl, inlaid within a cushion-shaped 18K yellow gold f...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Tiffany & Co. Lapis Lazuli Mother of Pearl Gold Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, lapis lazuli and mother of pearl earrings, Tiffany & Co., Circa 1980s. The earrings are of domed form, inlaid with a mother of pearl and lapis lazuli...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Checkerboard Mother of Pearl and Turquoise Earring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Lovely button earrings by Angela Cummings. Very famouse shape and size and best of all the pattern. It has a checkerboard motif with mother of pearl and turquoise colors. Wonderful o...
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Gold Opal Mother-of-Pearl Checkerboard Clip-On Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A pair of vintage (c. 1980s) yellow gold mother-of-pearl dome earrings with inlaid opal. Stamped with Tiffany & Co. maker's mark and a hallmark for 18k gold. Measurements: the diam...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Dome Shaped Mother of Pearl and Black Jade Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, mother-of-pearl, black jade earrings, Tiffany & Co. Each dome set with inlaid mother-of-pearl and black jade in a checkerboard motif.
Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany Vintage Mother-Of-Pearl Black Jade 18 Karat Gold Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Earrings are designed as round domed forms featuring a contoured checkerboard pattern Consisting of inlaid mother-of-pearl and nephrite jade - varying in size and shape Mother-of-p...
Jade, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Inlaid Black Onyx & Mother of Pearl Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Black Onyx & Mother of Pearl - Custom Cut - Inlaid Set - Black & White Color Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 25.20 Grams Backing: Clip...
Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Inlaid Black Onyx & Mother of Pearl Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Black Onyx & Mother of Pearl - Custom Cut - Inlaid Set - Black & White Color Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 25.20 Grams Backing: Clip...
Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1982 Angela Cummings 18K Gold Black Jade Checkerboard Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of 1980s design, these vintage clip-on earrings by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. embody bold geometry and refined craftsmanship.
Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Gold and MOP Checkerboard Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and Mother of Pearl. Signed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. Circa 1980s 3/4 x 3/4 inches
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Checkerboard Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
The pair of earrings is 3/4 inches in length, made of 18K yellow gold, and weighs 14.90 DWT (approx. 23.17 grams). It also has 42 opals, and 32 jades.
Coral Checkerboard Earrings by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Signed “Cummings” and “Tiffany & Co”.
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.79 in L 0.79 in
Tiffany & Co. Onyx and Mother of Pearl Checkerboard Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tiffany & Co. onyx and mother of pearl checkerboard pattern earrings in 18k yellow gold.
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Angela Cummings Checkerboard Earrings 18kt Gold with Black Jade
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Checkerboard Earrings designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Opal, Black Jade, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.79 in L 0.79 in
Tiffany Co. 1982 Angela Cummings Checkerboard Earrings 18Kt Gold with Black Jade
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Checkerboard earrings, designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Black Jade, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Cummings Tiffany & Co. Mother Black Jade 18 K Gold Checkerboard Ear Clips
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
These chic and most wearable ear clips by Angela Cummings for Tiffany truly compliment every ear. Designed in a checker board with polished black jade inlay worked in 18 karat yellow...
Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany Gold, Mother Of Pearl & Onyx Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, NY
80s design and drama is seen in this pair of dome-shaped Tiffany earrings featuring a checkerboard pattern of inlaid mother of pearl and onyx rectangles, outlined in wide lines of ri...
Onyx, 18k Gold
Sold
W 0.79 in D 0.2 in L 0.79 in
Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in QLD , AU
Stylish and sophisticated, Tiffany & Co 18k yellow gold, platinum and diamond earrings work so well with any outfit. Each of cushion shaped yellow gold outline, enhanced by a diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Gorgeous Tiffany Tourmaline Checkerboard Ear Clips
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Gorgeous Tiffany 18K and 2 shades of Tourmaline Checkerboard Ear Clips. For further details about this item, please contact Gem de la Gem at (201) 314-5033.
Tiffany & Co. Opal Onyx Checkerboard Gold Earclips
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Summerland, CA
C. 1982 Tiffany and Co. Fiery Austrailian Opal and Onyx checkerboard 18k yellow gold Earclips. Omega pierce backings. Beautiful dramatic pair. Total wt. 18.06g
Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Onyx Mother of Pearl Gold Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of 18k yellow gold earrings, crafted by Tiffany & Co, decorated with black onyx and mother of pearl, arranged in checkerboard design.
Onyx, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Onyx Mother of Pearl Gold Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of 18k yellow gold earrings inlayed with onyx and mother of pearl. Crafted by Tiffany & Co. , the earrings are 20mm in diameter. Marked: Tiffany & Co, Hong Kong, 750. The w...
Onyx, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Onyx Gold Checkerboard Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare and fabulous! Angela Cummings iconic black onyx and shimmering gold checkerboard earrings.
Onyx, 18k Gold
TIFFANY & Co. Somerset 18K Gold 17.5mm Wide Mesh Bangle Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. Somerset 18K Gold 17.5mm Wide Mesh Bangle Bracelet Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 47.20 grams Diameter: 62mm(2.44") x 60mm(2.36") in diameter across the bangle In...
18k Gold
TIFFANY & Co. 18K Gold Cupid Arrow Heart Oval Link Bracelet 8"
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. 18K Gold Cupid Arrow Heart Oval Link Bracelet Metal: 18K gold Length: 8" Weight: 36.50 grams Hallmark: ©1994 TIFFANY&Co. 750 Condition: Excellent condition, like n...
18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings, 20th Century
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Emblem of Timeless Sophistication Elevate any look with these Vintage Tiffany & Co. Hoop Earrings, exquisitely fashioned in 18K yellow gold. Renowned for their understa...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CHRISTIAN DIOR burgundy CROCODILE LADY DIOR MEDIUM Tote Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Christian Dior Medium Lady Dior bag is crafted in glossy burgundy crocodile leather with a luxurious sheen. The structured silhouette is accented with two hard to...
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Clip-On Earrings, 20g
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Expression of Luxury and Heritage Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Shaped Clip-On Earrings. Steeped in the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$650 / item
W 0.56 in L 0.99 in
Blue Sapphire Cabs 14kt Solid Gold Blue Chalcedony Cushion Shape Stud Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
These simple but elegant and handmade earrings have 2 Oval Blue Sapphire cabs measuring 8 x 10 mm set in a 14 Kt yellow gold bezel at the top to which are suspended 2 Cushion Shap...
Chalcedony, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold C de Cartier Link Bracelet, 1980s, 46.4g
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This pristine Estate C de Cartier link bracelet, crafted in 18K yellow gold, captures the elegance and sophistication characteristic of Cartier’s iconic designs from the 1980s. Measu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Two Tone Hammered Link Bracelet - VHK#1002
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Two Tone Hammered Link Bracelet - VHK#1002 Item Details: Year: 1970s Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 64.5 grams (All Items Tota...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Gold Link Cartier Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Yellow 18K gold chain by Cartier. Formed with oblique rectangular links which graduate gently towards the centre, signed Cartier. Condition: very good Date: contemporary Weight: 42...
Gold, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings 18K Yellow Gold Sinuous Snake Ring
By Angela Cummings
Located in New York, NY
Scarce 18K yellow gold Angela Cummings snake ring 1986 The snake motif is one of the most loved in jewelry design, symbolizing everlasting love, royalty, wisdom, transformation, reb...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,250 / item
W 0.44 in L 0.95 in
14K White Gold Tsavorite and Diamond Panther Statement Stud Earrings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Studs create a subtle beauty while showcasing the colors of the natural precious gemstones and illuminating diamonds making a statement. Round cut tsavorite studs with diamonds in 1...
Diamond, Tsavorite, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Hammered Large 18K YG Double Loop Earrings
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
These rare and sculptural large Tiffany & Co. earrings designed by Paloma Picasso are executed in richly textured 18 karat yellow gold with a distinctive hand-hammered finish. Kn...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Buccellati Anthochron Dahlia Diamond Cuff Watch
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
An extraordinary expression of Italian artistry, this Buccellati Anthochron “Dahlia” cuff bracelet-watch showcases the house’s signature hand-engraved gold and floral-inspired design...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings 18k Yellow Gold Fire Opal, Jade 1986 Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in New York, NY
Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Angela Cummings with these rare and collectible earrings. Oversized at 1 1/8 inches, they showcase a mesmerizing combination of fire opal, b...
Jade, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Clover Necklace and Bracelet Suite in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Cartier diamond clover necklace and bracelet suite features delicately crafted clover motifs with dazzling diamonds, seamlessly blending luxury with the timeless beauty of nature...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany and CO Onyx Mother of Pearl Earrings 18K Gold Angela Cummings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This hard to find authentic Tiffany & Co. earrings are finely crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold (stamped). Each earring is inlaid with genuine Black Onyx and Mother of Pearl. The ear...
Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.
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.