1940s Diamond Earrings
Mid-20th Century American Post-War More Earrings
Diamond
Early 20th Century Revival Dangle Earrings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s More Earrings
Diamond, Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Clip-on Earrings
White Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Drop Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Lever-Back Earrings
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Retro Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Stud Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Italian Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Italian Retro Stud Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Retro Stud Earrings
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Stud Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Stud Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Portuguese Art Deco Drop Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Drop Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Drop Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro More Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s Italian Drop Earrings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1940s Italian Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Stud Earrings
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Stud Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Portuguese Art Deco Drop Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Drop Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Stud Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Retro Lever-Back Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century French Modern Clip-on Earrings
Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1940s American Retro Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Clip-on Earrings
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Indian Stud Earrings
Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Emerald, Diamond, Coral, 22...
Vintage 1940s American Post-War Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby
Vintage 1940s American Retro Stud Earrings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
20th Century European Artisan Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Morganite, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Drop Earrings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 1940s European Retro Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Mid-20th Century European Stud Earrings
Diamond
Early 20th Century Unknown Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century European Stud Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1930s French Retro Drop Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Stud Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Lever-Back Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Mid-20th Century European Bangles
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s European Brooches
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Drop Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s Italian Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Drop Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Italian Retro Stud Earrings
White Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Stud Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Dangle Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s American Post-War More Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Vintage 1940s French Drop Earrings
Diamond, Pearl
- 1
1940s Diamond Earrings For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are 1940s Diamond Earrings?
The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design
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.
Finding the Right Earrings for You
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.
- What is a 1940s style dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023The best diamond for earrings is one that appeals to you and suits your budget. When set in earrings, many diamond cuts look attractive, such as the brilliant round, the oval, the pear, the princess, the emerald and the cushion. When considering color, keep the setting in mind. With yellow or rose gold, diamonds rated I through K or better can be ideal, depending on the size, while platinum and rose gold will nicely offset diamonds rated H through J or better. Because you rarely view diamond earrings up close, inclusions are difficult to spot. As a result, most experts recommend choosing SI1 clarity or higher. Explore a large selection of diamond earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023There is no single type of diamond earring that shines the most. How much sparkle a diamond earring has depends on the gemstone's cut. Generally, brilliant cuts like the round, pear, marquise, oval, heart, radiant and princess show off the most sparkle and shine. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of diamond earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023What diamond earrings symbolize is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Some people associate diamonds with true love, making earrings set with the gemstones a romantic gift. Diamonds are also the birthstone for April and may be worn to represent a person’s birthday. On 1stDibs, find a collection of diamond earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023There is no single best diamond for earrings. Brilliant cuts can provide sparkle that draws the eye and adds glamor to materials, while step-cut styles emphasize the color and clarity of high-quality gemstones. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of diamond earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, you can wear pearl earrings with diamond earrings if you wish. One way to tie the look together is to choose pearl and diamond earrings with matching settings. For example, you can pair platinum diamond and pearl earrings or yellow gold diamond and pearl earrings. Shop a large assortment of earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell if diamond earrings are real, you can conduct some tests yourself. Try breathing on the gemstones to produce a fog and watch how quickly it disappears. Fake gemstones will hold onto the condensation for longer than authentic diamonds. You can also try dropping the earrings into water. Generally, authentic diamonds will sink due to their weight, but glass imitations are lighter and will float. If you remain uncertain as to whether your diamond jewelry is real, a certified appraiser can assist you. Shop a collection of diamond earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The cost of a diamond earring varies based on a number of factors. The price of diamond earrings largely depends on its caratage. Other factors that influence the price include, cut, clarity, condition, and craftsmanship. On 1stDibs.com, you can purchase a diamond earring starting at $83.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, you can order diamond earrings online. Some jewelry makers sell diamond earrings directly to customers through their official websites. Others partner with third-party online stores that sell rings from a variety of makers. You can also shop on trusted online platforms to find diamond earrings. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary diamond earrings from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Yes, diamond earrings can be a good gift. Since there are many different types available, you can find diamond-set earrings to suit nearly every taste. To select a gift they'll love, think about the types of jewelry they usually wear. Diamond studs or small hoops featuring diamonds can be a good option for everyday wear, while dramatic diamond dangles can be an attractive accessory for special occasions. Shop a wide variety of diamond earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023Generally, a good rating for diamond earrings is SI2 and above for clarity and H or above for color. Diamond earrings with these ratings will appear eye-clean, meaning any imperfections and inclusions will be difficult to spot with the naked eye. The diamond's color is also likely to appear clear in its setting. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of diamond earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023Yes, it can be good to wear diamond earrings. Diamonds are a visually appealing gemstone, and their popularity means that you can find them on many different types of earrings, from dainty studs to swingy dangles to classic hoops to dramatic chandeliers. Rated at the top of the Mohs scale, diamonds are also hard and can hold up to the effects of regular wear. Shop a wide range of diamond earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, diamond hoop earrings can be in style. The choice to wear diamond hoop earrings is really a matter of personal preference.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023The four Cs for diamond earrings are cut, color, clarity and carats. The cut refers to the number of facets and their arrangement, which affect a diamond's shape and sparkle. Color means whether diamonds have a noticeable yellow tint; completely clear diamonds are the rarest. Clarity is whether a diamond has any inclusions or imperfections, and carats describe the weight or size of the diamonds. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of diamond earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023One way to know if diamond earrings are real is to try the fog test. To do so, breathe on the earrings, and then look to see how long the fog created by your breath lasts. On real diamonds, the fog clears quickly. While this test can provide fairly accurate results, experts generally agree that the best way to authenticate diamond jewelry is to enlist the services of an experienced jeweler, jewelry dealer or appraiser. They can examine your jewelry thoroughly to give you a definitive answer as to whether or not it's real. Shop a diverse assortment of diamond earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Yes, you can try to tell when diamond earrings are fake through various tests. One of the simplest and safest for jewelry is the breath test, where you breathe on the earrings and watch to see how quickly the fog clears. The condensation will usually disappear more quickly from a genuine diamond. Because it can be difficult to determine a real diamond from a synthetic one through sight and basic at-home tests, most experts recommend consulting a jeweler, an experienced dealer or an appraiser. Shop a variety of diamond earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023The most popular diamond earring shape can vary from season to season based on trends. However, some shapes have timeless appeal and always remain in style. Examples include stud earrings in brilliant round, oval and princess cuts. Explore a large selection of diamond earrings from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.
Read More
These Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Earrings Are Just the Right Amount of Bold
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.
5 Fresh Jewelry Trends That Will Bring You Joy This Spring
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The ‘Curated Ear’ Trend Turns High End
The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
5 Types of Earrings to Wear Right Now
From buttons to chandeliers, here are the top styles to get or give in 2020.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Jewelry Designers Are Giving Hoop Earrings an Edgy Update
The classic circle has appeared in countless variations over the centuries.