$14,211Sale Price|20% Off
Tapio Wirkkala 18ct Gold Kinetic Brooch 'Aurinko', Modernist Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Rare kinetic 18 ct gold brooch. "Aurinko" (Sun) in the form of a stylized sun with moving rays This exquisite custom-made brooch was created exclusively for select clientele and w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 kt. Bicolor Gold Horse Pin / Brooch With 1.6 ct. Diamond & 2.78 ct. Sapphire
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt. White & Yellow Gold Brooch Depicting a Horse set with Diamonds & Sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18 kt. White Gold Brooch with 1.52 ct. Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificant 18 kt. White Gold Brooch with 1.52 ct. Brilliant Cut Diamonds Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds together approx. 1.52 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 1.80 Ct Diamond Love Knot Brooch Pendant 18 KT Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
°Symbol of Love ° Love knot has origins that go far back in time Knot design has been found in Celtic artwork, carved sculptures from the ancient Egyptians, and also ancient Greek je...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 4.40 Ct Diamond 3.0 Ct Ruby 18 KT Crescent Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
This divine example is 1870 ca and crafted of solid 18 KT gold displaying an array pod graduated cushion cut old mine Diamonds alternated by natura Red Rubies Approx 4.40 Ct of brigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 20 Ct Burma Ruby & 10 Ct Diamond Butterfly 18 Kt White Gold Pin/Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Burma Ruby and Diamond Brooch , Vintage Natural 20 Ct Burma Ruby & 10 Ct Diamond Butterfly 18 Kt White Gold Pin Vintage Beautiful color of Burma ruby This Gorgeous Pin is made out ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
7 Ct Natural Emerald 1 Ct Brilliant cut Diamond Brooch /Pin 18 Kt White Gold
Located in New York, NY
7 Ct Natural Emerald 1 Ct Brilliant cut Diamond Brooch /Pin 18 Kt White Gold The exact weight of the Single emeralds is 7.01 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.5 Ct Natural Oval Emerald Bead & 4 Ct Rose cut Diamond Brooch /Pin 18 Kt Gold
Located in New York, NY
8.5 Ct Natural Oval Emerald Bead & 4 Ct Rose cut Diamond Brooch/Pin in 18 Karat white Gold.
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Retro Flower Spray 1.20 Ct. Diamond Brooch 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
A unique example of Retro Diamond Flower brooch, hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold, marked Designed as marvellous flower leaf spray nature inspired, artful made in a realistic tridime...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 kt Yellow Gold Music Note Shape Brooch / Pendent-Hanger 0.48 Ct Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful 18 kt. yellow gold Brooch / Pendent-Hanger with 0.48 ct. diamonds in the shape of a music note Can be worn as a Brooch or with adding a chain as a Pendant !
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 5.0 Ct Diamond Flower Spray brooch 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
The spray measure 20 mm. x 66 mm. with 19 grams of gross weight Fantastic example to wear as distinction Excellent condition too Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt white gold Hallm...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Retro 14.00 Ct Opal 4.10 Ct Diamond Ruby Insect Brooch 18 KT/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
This exceptionally hand crafted, richly detailed, vintage brooch is 1940 circa, Italian origin Modeled in the most fascinating fly design in a magic combination of earth mined gemsto...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
18 Karat Gold Turtle Brooch with 6.33 Carat Beaded Emeralds & 2.92 Ct. Diamonds
By Giovanne
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Adorable is the best way to describe this lovely 18 karat yellow gold Turtle brooch. His entire shell is set with beaded Emeralds that have been finished with round beze...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,362Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 28.21 ct Fancy Sapphire Diamond Flower Brooch in 18 Karat Rhodium Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This stunning flower brooch is a true masterpiece of jewelry design. It features a total of 28.21 carats of fancy shape sapphires, which have been carefully selected for their beauty...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Gold
Vintage 2.55 Ct Diamond Bow Brooch Pin /Pendant in 18 K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A bow brooch / Pendant crafted in 18 Karat white gold and densely set with sparkling bright white (G-H color) baguette (in the center) and round cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 2.60 Ct Diamond Natural Pearl Bow Brooch 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful Victorian Brooch is 1890 ca Exquisitely hand crafted during the time of solid 18 KT gold Timeless and elegant bow design loaded by antique cut Diamonds and natural pea...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold & 7.7 Ct of Diamond Spider Brooch /Pin , 18.8 Gm
Located in New York, NY
Antique Spider Shape pin in natural diamonds in 18 Karat white Gold A diamond Spider brooch, in the form of a domed body and thorax and outstretched legs encrusted with diamonds, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aig Vintage Flower Brooch 4.80 ct White Diamonds Mixed Cut 18 Kt White Gold
Located in Bergamo, BG
Aig Vintage Flower Brooch 4.80 ct White Diamonds Mixed Cut 18 Kt White Gold -------------- Welcome to our jewelry collection, where every piece tells a story of timeless elegance a...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro .95 Ct G VVS Diamond and Coral 18 KT Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
This superb vintage brooch is 1945 ca Italian origin Arrow design adorned with a natural Coral element interlaced in between Set with brilliant cut Diamonds for .95 Ct altogether G V...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Edwardian 5.10 Ct Natural Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Wide 18 KT Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Edwardian period Filigree brooch is 1910 ca Impressive, intricate open filigree art work, resembling scrolls and leaf motifs finely detailed by hand carving and enha...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Art Deco 3.50 Ct Colombian Emerald Diamond Arrow 18 KT Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
This stunning Art Deco period Arrow Brooch is 1930 ca. Hand crafted as unique of solid 18 KT, superlative workmanship Sophisticate classy arrow Design which is in the tradition of th...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Extraordinary 30.00 Ct Blue Moonstone Gemset Fancy Cat Brooch 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
Extraordinary Fancy cat brooch pre 1970 circa- Italian origin Hand crafted as unique piece of jewelry – no other one like this – solid 18 KT white gold Marvelous Cut face created wit...
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Cat’s Eye, 18k Gold
Victorian French 12.20 Ct Diamond Double Crescent Moon 18 KT Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold and silver, tested Hallmarks: French assay Gems: 2 cushion old mine cut diamond totalling approx 1.40 Ct (G-VVS/VS) – 57 old mine cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
GIA Certified Natural 50 Ct Ceylon NH Ruby & 8 Ct Diamond Apple 18 K Pin/Brooch
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified Natural NO HEAT 50 Ct Ceylon Ruby & 5 Ct Diamond Big Apple 18 K Pin/Brooch GIA Report # 6224519627 Natural Corundum Natural Ruby Origin Sri Lanka /Ceylon Ceylon Ruby a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4 Ct Natural Fancy Color Diamond Flower Pin/ Brooch in 18 Kt Multi Color Gold
Located in New York, NY
4 Ct Natural Fancy Color Diamond Flower Pin in 18 Karat Multi Color Gold Approximately 4 Ct Natural Fancy diamonds are making beautiful petals of flower which has a diamond Flowe...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Ct Diamond & 15 Ct Ruby Floral Broach 52.8 GM 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Ruby Retro Floral Bouquet Gold Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry Weight: 52.8 grams Measurements: 3.6 " long x 2.8 Inch wide Total diamond weight approximately : 18 cts Ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 3.50 Ct Old Mine Diamond Floral Spray Brooch 18 KT Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Victorian period spray brooch is 1890/1900 ca Hand crafted during the time of solid 18 Kt yellow gold topped by silver Nature inspired design of a stunning bunch of ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Large Diamond 8.9 CT Floral Bouquet Broach 31.2GM
Located in New York, NY
This alluring vintage lapel brooch of opulent aesthetic and unmatched sophistication depicts a most precious bunch of flowers realized in diamonds and 18 Karat White gold. The flower...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 1.40 Ct Diamond Barrette Hair Clip 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
Be Jewelled! This charming long hair barrette is Edwardian period, 1905/09 ca. hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold topped by silver for the Diamonds housing Gorgeous effective design of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 14 Kt White Gold Diamond & 18 Ct Pink Sapp Floral Bouquet Broach 30.4 GM
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and pink sapphire Retro Floral Bouquet Gold Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry Weight: 30.4 grams Measurements: 3" long x 2 Inch wide Total diamond weight approximately : 4.9 ct...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 18 Kt White Gold Diamond & 13 Ct Pink Sapp Floral Bouquet Broach 23.2 GM
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage 1960s lapel brooch of opulent aesthetic and unmatched sophistication depicts a very precious two floral bouquet with oval vibrant Pink Sapphire buds and roun...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Snowflake Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
You don't have to wait for winter to appreciate the beauty of snowflakes when you wear this Van Cleef & Arpels 18 ct white gold diamond brooch! 145 sparkling diamonds are secured in ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 7.60 Ct Rhodolite Garnet 2.70 Ct Diamond 18 KT Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
This marvelous antique brooch pendant is Victorian period 1890 circa Glorious workmanship of the era made of solid 18 KT gold Designed upon the amazing centre stone complemented with...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold
Belle Epoque 1.80 Ct Diamond Pearl 18 Kt Levaliere Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
Metal: 18 Kt gold and silver, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 4 cushion old mine cut diamonds totalling approx 1.10 Ct (G-VS/SI) – 50 rose cut diamonds totalling approx .70 Ct (by ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$9,587
Antique Victorian Diamond Flower Pendant and Brooch
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian Diamond Flower Pendant/Brooch. Amazing condition with incredible old cut diamonds, approx 3.85cts (centre diamond is 0.85cts) set in silver topped 18 ct gold.
18k Gold, Silver
Cartier Vintage circa 1970 Turquoise 3.20 Ct Diamond 18 Karat Gold Flower Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, Berlin
MATERIALS 103 diamonds, brilliant cut, approx. 3,20 ct altogether, Top Wesselton, F, if–vvsi 35 turquoises, cabochon cut, intense light blue, very fine quality Gold 750/000, resp. 18...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
18 Karat & Silver Brooch Set with 1 Diamond 1.76 Ct+12 Ruby 3.76 Ct + 48 Diamond
Located in Heerlen, NL
One (1) 18K. rose Gold and Silver Brooch in Classic style Set with: 1 old European cut diamond : 1.76 ct. VS2 /I 12 natural Ruby's mixed round cut: 3.76 ct. 48 old European Cut & R...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Table Cut Diamond and Coral Arrow Brooch, Cupids Arrow Brooch
Located in Rottedam, NL
A rare and beautifully preserved antique Victorian brooch in solid 18 ct gold. This unique brooch comes from France and is hallmarked accordingly with an Eagle Head and Masters mark.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
5 Ct Natural Emerald 2.5 Ct Brilliant cut Diamond Bow Brooch /Pin 18 KY Gold
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 5 Ct Natural Emerald 2.5 Ct Brilliant cut Diamond Bow Brooch /Pin 18 Kt Yellow Gold The 18 Karat Gold weight is 23 grams 18 K gold . 750 is stamped for authenticity...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Victorian Parrot Brooch French 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamonds 20.0 Ct.
Located in MIAMI, FL
One of a kind Victorian Parrot Brooch set in Silver and 18k Yellow Gold. This brooch can be fastened as a pendant or attached as a brooch. Truly a work of art this piece is set with ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
0.40 Ct Diamond and an 18 K White Gold Bird on a Yellow 18 K Gold Branch Brooch
Located in Crema, Cremona
This brooch is figurative of a diamond and white gold bird leaning on a yellow gold double branch. It is very versatile and can be worn on a heavier fabric ( as a jacket or a blazer...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.12 Ct Ruby, Diamond and 18 k Yellow Gold Brooch - Art Deco Style
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An Art Deco style 18 karat yellow gold, 0.12 carat ruby and 0.04 carat diamond brooch; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This vintage Art Deco brooch has...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1971 0.70 Ct Diamond 0.51 Ct Sapphire White Gold Clover Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage four leaf clover brooch has been crafted in 18 ct white gold. The brooch has been crafted in the form of a three dimensional, openwork clover.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold 4.30 Ct Diamond Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A stunningly intriguing design is beautifully presented in 18K yellow and 18K white gold in this superb brooch that is created by Van Cleef & Arpels. The brooch is luxuriously decora...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Nephrite Jade and Red Coral Yellow Gold 'Strawberry' Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage strawberry brooch has been crafted in 18 ct yellow gold. The brooch has been modelled in the form of a strawberry plant featuring three strawberries...
Coral, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Pearl 1.76 Carat Ruby 1.30 Carat Emerald & 1.15 Carat Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage gemstone brooch has been crafted in 18 ct yellow gold with 18 ct white gold settings.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.66 Carat Pink Sapphire 0.57 CT Round Diamond 18 KT White Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
This Gorgeous 2.66 Carat Pink Sapphire Flower Shape Brooch Pendant features 0.57 Carat Color H Clarity SI1 Round and Baguette White Diamonds and a single Fresh water pearl in the cen...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, ...
Victorian 44.50 Ct Madeira Citrine 18 KT Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful Victorian period large brooch is 1880 ca Skillfully hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold Marvelous leaf work around the frame detailed with carving Centrally set with a s...
Citrine, 18k Gold
18 kt. White Gold Brooch set with 6.5 ct. Brilliant cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous 18 kt. White Gold Brooch set with 6.5 ct. Brilliant cut Diamonds Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds together 6.5 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro 7.40 Ct Diamond Ruby Emerald 18 Kt Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
(h. x w.) with 20 grams of weight Dragonfly brooches are sought after and classic collectable theme in the vintage jewellery Symbol of beauty, elegance, good luck bringing and renewa...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
2 Ct Natural Round Ruby Bug Brooch /Pin 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5.1 Gm, Estate
Located in New York, NY
Antique Bug Shaped natural Round Ruby Bug Brooch /Pin 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5.1 Gm, Estate Approximate weight of Ruby is 2 Carats to a gently curving Bug shape fitted to reverse with...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Italian Ruby, Moonstone, Coral and Yellow Gold Hummingbird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This stunning 18 ct gold bird brooch is fine quality set with coral, ruby and moonstone.
Coral, Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$900
18 ct. Gold "Singing Sparrow" Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 ct. Brooch representing two Sparrows posed on a branch one "singing"
Diamond
Sold|$2,200
Enamelled 18 ct. Gold "Humming Bird" Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Superb 18 ct. Gold and Enamel Brooch representing a Humming bird in Flight with a Ruby set Eye.
Sold|$1,500
"Spiral" Form 18 ct. Gold and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An amusing and original 18 ct. Yellow Gold brooch set with 7 small Diamonds
Early Victorian 1.0 Ct Rose Cut Diamond 18 Kt Secret Key to My Heart Brooch Pend
Located in Napoli, IT
It measure 32 mm. x 16 mm. with 9.3 grams weight Lovely worn mixed with other Victorian brooches or simply hanging alone or with others, whatever.. it is an outstanding find to treas...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2.31 ct Pave Diamond Tagliatelle Platinum and 18 Karat White Gold Ribbon Pin
By Bernard Grosz
Located in Dallas, TX
A glamorous ribbon pin crafted in platinum and 18kt white gold is pave set with a total of 2.31 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds (G-H color and VS clarity). This stunning pin ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
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.
Vintage brooches, which refer to decorative jewelry traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
While jewelry trends come and go, brooches are indeed back on the radar thanks to fashion houses like Gucci, Versace, Dior and Saint Laurent, all of which feature fun pinnable designs in their current collections. Whether a dazzlingly naturalistic Art Nouveau dragonfly, a whimsical David Webb animal, a gem-studded bloom or a streamlined abstract design, these jewels add color and sparkle to your look and a spring to your step.
Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones. Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.
At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric. Chanel, of course, has never abandoned this style, producing gorgeously baroque CC examples since the 1980s.
Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.
Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches for sale on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.
The care that went into crafting this jewel, with its lifelike carved petals and diamond accents, matches the sentiment it represents.
For starters, it is one of the jewelry designer’s most celebrated works.
Though it sparkles with more than 27 carats of diamonds, this multifaceted gem delivers more than just dazzle.
Stellene Volandes takes us on a glittering, engrossing tour through the centuries.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.