Bee Brooch Golden Pearl Fancy Color Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The bee brooch features a splendid golden pearl of 17mm diameter. The slightly flexible wings are set with custom cut synthetic yellow quartz. The design is complete with 0.90 carats...
South Sea Pearl, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Y...
Ruby with Diamond Bee Brooch Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.62 carat with Diamond 0.09 carat Brooch set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.9 cm Total Weight: 3.74 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Herbert Rosenthal Diamond & Ruby Bumble Bee Brooch 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted from luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, the brooch takes the form of a graceful bee, adorned with a spectacular array of diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Iconic Cartier Plique A Jour Sapphire and Diamond BEE Vintage Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in Montreal, QC
Stylish and finely detailed CARTIER BEE with Plique A Jour Wings Brooch Pin. The Bee is adorned with 1.5 Carats of Sapphires for its wings, Emeralds for its eyes, and Black Enamel fo...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Herbert Rosenthal Large Bee Diamond Pin Brooch Rare Find 1.55 Carats
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Jupiter, FL
Absolutely stunning, excellent condition diamond brooch made in 18KT yelllow & white gold by Herbert Rosenthal. A rare find because this is the large version. CENTER STONE: NATURAL ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Bee Brooch Vintage 18 Karat Gold Diamond Sapphire Estate Fine Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
The bee is hallmarked "18k" and "Cartier" along with the serial number.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bee Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Delightful Bee Brooch Pin featuring an enchanting bee intricately crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The body of the bee is encrusted with 60 round rubies weighing approximately 3 cara...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$4,800
Rosenthal Diamond Bee
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, by Herbert Rosenthal, 18k, New York. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is set with 2.50 carats of brilliant white diamonds (F color, VS clarity). Rosenthal bees...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Tahitian South Sea Pearl Diamond Ruby Gold Bumble Bee Statement Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Bumble Bee pin, set with approximately 0.34ctw in G/VS diamonds, enhancing the wings and body, a 14mm Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl and two Ruby eyes; 18k yellow gold; pin...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ella Gafter White South Sea Pearl Blue Sapphire Diamonds Gold Bee Brooch Pin
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This bee brooch features a South Sea pearl of 18mm diameter. The wings are set with tinted custom cut frosted crystal. The design is complete with a faceted drop shape blue sapphire ...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Crystal, 1...
Vintage Herbert Rosenthal 18K Gold Diamond Ruby Eyes Bumble Bee PIN
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Herbert Rosenthal Metal Type: 18K White & Yellow Gold Length: 0.75 inches Weight: 3.88 grams Handmade HERBERT ROSENTHAL 18K white & yellow gold, diamond and ruby v...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.13 Carat Total Pave Diamond and Ruby Insect Bee Brooch 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stunningly detailed insect brooch filled with glittering diamonds and a single natural ruby. Unique, life-like design with articulated stinger. Type: Brooch Metal: 18K White Gold ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Le Vian Ruby and Diamond Bumble Bee Collar Pin/ Brooch in 18 Karat Gold
By Le Vian
Located in Addison, TX
End to end the entire piece measures 7 inches Item Details: Metal Type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 8 grams Hallmarks: Le Vian Stamped: 18k Bumble Bee Dimensions: 16.40 x 21.64 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$4,800
Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Gold Bee
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Herbert Rosenthal, American. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is set with 2.50 carats of brilliant white diamonds (F color, VS clarity). Rosenthal Bees ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1960s Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire Bee Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Tiffany & Co. Bee Pin Crafted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold Features Pink Sapphires on the Body, 0.50carats total weight Eyes are made of Pink Rubies Center Diamond Featured on Top is 0.1...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,475
Chaumet Diamond Gold Bee Pin
By Chaumet
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chaumet 18Kt Yellow Gold Bee Pin is Detailed with 24 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds on its Wings, Totaling Approximately 0.20 Carats. This pin measures 1 inch in diameter & weighs 6.2 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,100
Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, Herbert Rosenthal, 18k, New York. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is set with 1.0cttw carats of brilliant white diamonds (G color, VS clarity). Rosenthal bees...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$4,450
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Bee Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Tiffany & Co. diamond bee pin in 18K yellow and white gold. Features two round ruby eyes and thirty-seven round diamonds that total 1.30 carats; H-I color and VS1-VS2 clarity. Pin ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Herbert Rosenthal 1Ct Diamond 18k White + Yellow Two Tone Onyx and Ruby Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Lexington, KY
This life-like bee pendant is made by the renowned designer Herbert Rosenthal in both 18k yellow and white gold with rich ruby eyes and an bold onyx body. The rich 18k yellow gold is...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,189
Rosenthal Diamond Gold Large Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Dallas, TX
This amazing large bee pin features 2.3 ctw. (F-G Color and VS2-Clarity) of diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. Pin measures apx. 1-1/4 x 1-inch. Total weight is 10.7 grams. Hallmark...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Bee Pin in Black-Enameled 18K Yellow Gold with Cabochon Sapphire
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Experience the epitome of luxury and elegance with this exquisite Cartier Bee Pin. Expertly crafted in 18K yellow gold, this pin is a testament to Cartier's timeless design and excep...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold|$2,195
Ruby and Diamond Bee Pin
Located in New York, NY
18 kt Yellow Gold Diamond: 0.58 ct twd Ruby: 0.60 tcw Total Weight: 6.6 grams Length: half an inch
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,500
Modern Ruby Diamond Gold Bee Pin
Located in Hicksville, NY
A fine example of intricate workmanship on this white gold, diamond, tsavorite and ruby bee pin. Handmade and all rubies are custom cut squares to sit perfectly without visible prong...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,375
Rosenthal Sapphire Ruby Diamond Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Rosenthal Sapphire Diamond and Ruby Bee Pin To quote Emily Dickinson, "The pedigree of honey -- Does not concern the bee; -- A clover, any time, to her -- Is aristocracy... Her Pu...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,350
Tiffany & Co. Ruby Diamond Gold Bee Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Tiffany & Company 18 karat yellow gold diamond bee brooch. This very lively brooch is set with 17 round brilliant cut diamonds which weigh approximately 0.50 carats and 2 round rubie...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,000
Rosenthal Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Dallas, TX
This gorgeous Rosenthal Bee Pin purchased in June of 2000 and comes in original box. 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Ruby Eyes. This pin is a honey of a deal as has one previous ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Ruby Enamel 18k Yellow Gold Bumble Bee Tack Pin w/Cert
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This adorable authentic tack pin is by Cartier, it is crafted from 18k yellow gold featuring a cute bumble bee with a cabochon ruby on the head and black enamel stripes with gold on ...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Herbert Rosenthal 18k Yellow Gold Round Diamond Body with Emerald Eyes Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Montgomery, AL
This is a classic Herbert Rosenthal 18k yellow gold round white diamond body and green emerald eye pin. This pin weights in at 6 grams and has 19 round white brilliant cut diamonds a...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond "Bee"
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k yellow gold emerald and diamond "Bee", containing Specifications: main stone: EMERALDS 0.40CT/ 20PCS additional: DIAMOND diamonds: 2 PCS(EYES) carat total weigh...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Herbert Rosenthal Sapphire and Diamond Gold Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Herbert Rosenthal, New York City. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is set with .51 carats of superb sapphires and .49 carats of brilliant white diamonds (...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Bumble Bee Lapel Pin in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Hicksville, NY
1990s Cartier Lapel Pin Bumble Bee Crafted in 18 karat Yellow gold Pin details: Gold: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 2.93 grams Measures: Features: 1 Diamond Accent 0.07 Carats, F c...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Henry Rosenthal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald and Ruby Bee Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Henry Rosenthal Bee pin with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. Item #P0086 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 6.8 Grams Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.30 cts Diamond Color: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
'3/4 Carat' .65 Carat Diamond and Emerald Eye Honey Bee Pin in 18 Karat Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This adorable honey bee pin is paved in genuine natural round brilliant diamonds. There is a total of .65 carats total diamond weight. The diamonds are top quality, VS clarity and E-...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Herbert Rosenthal Ruby Diamond gold Bee Pin brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Bee Pin Brooch by Herbert Rosenthal.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow and White Gold, .54Ct. Diamond Bee Interchangeable Ring & Brooch
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat queen bee ring. This unique bee is designed in 18 karat yellow and white gold set with a pave diamond body and round emerald eyes. The ring is crafted in a way that allow...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Faberge Filigree Butterfly Vermeil Sterling Egg 750 Edition
By Modern Fabergé
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Description from Franklin MInt: House of Faberge Egg 13.45 troy ozs Sterling Silver Vermeil with Malachite Stand Franklin MInt, 1977 Emergence of Spring Filigree Butterfly Egg, 925 V...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sold|$7,749
A Peridot And Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in London, GB
A peridot and diamond bee brooch, the wings and the head set with thirty-one round brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 0.9 carats in total, the thorax, the abdomen and the eyes...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$7,749
A Pink Tourmaline And Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in London, GB
A pink tourmaline and diamond bee brooch, the wings and the head set with thirty-one round brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 0.9 carats in total, the thorax, the abdomen and ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Whimsical Gold Diamond and Sapphire Bumble Bee Pin
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in New York, NY
Whimsical bumble bee pin is set with high quality round brilliant cut diamonds (approx. 0.25 cttw, E-F color, VS clarity) and well matched blue sapphires (0.35 cttw) on the body. The...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
BUMBLE BEE 18K GOLD DIAMOND SUPERB BEE BROOCH / PIN
Located in New York, NY
PLEASE VISIT LAUREN STANLEY IN NEW YORK
A fine 18 karat brooch and enamel and diamond brooch - pin - one-of-two-made - by Albert Lipten, of New York, in the 3-dimensi...
18k White Gold, Pavé Setting Ruby Diamond Fly Bee Brooch
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Amazing and original 18 Kt white gold bee or fly brooch with pavé setting white diamonds and rubby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$1,200
Gold Bee Brooch by Cellino
By Cellino
Located in Chicago, IL
This amazing pin is an eye catching addition to your Spring or Summer ensemble.
18k Gold
Sold|$750
Tiffany & Co Gold Ruby Bee Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold bee brooch with ruby eyes, measuring 20mm x 20mm.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,200
Mother-of-Pearl Gold Bee Brooch
Located in Vail, CO
Gold and mother-of-pearl bee brooch, designed as a bumble bee with textured wings, head and legs in 18k yellow gold and a carved mother-of-pearl abdomen, signed S.B.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,500
Ruby Diamond Gold Bee Brooch Pin
Located in Dallas, TX
18K yellow and white gold lovely three dimensional large size bee pin. Set with Fine quality rubies and round diamonds. Gold is marked 18K Six lovely rubies approximately 1.00 ct....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$4,900
Beautiful Ruby Diamond Gold Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Sparkling figural bee pin, all over encrusted with bright white diamonds. Set with four bands of French-cut vivd rubies. Emerald eyes. Set in18K white gold. Beautiful on its own or ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Albert Lipten 18K GOLD PLATINUM RUBY DIAMOND BEE BROOCH PIN
By Albert Lipten
Located in New York, NY
PLEASE VISIT LAUREN STANLEY IN NEW YORK
An 18 karat gold, platinum, pave diamonds, black enamel, plique a jour pin - brooch - one-of-two-made - by Albert Lipten, of Ne...
Herbert Rosenthal Gold Diamond Emerald Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k yellow gold iconic bee brooch, designed by Herbert Rosenthal, decorated with emerald eyes and approx. 0.75ctw in G/VS diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,500
Tiffany & Co. Ruby Gold Bee Brooch Set
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of 18k yellow gold bumble bee brooch pins with ruby eyes.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Large Gold Bumble Bee Brooch
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous genuine Antique large bumble bee brooch is solid Silver gilded in 18ct yellow Gold which has been tested with jewellers acid. This breath taking bumble bee has fabulou...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sapphire and Diamond Bee Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Toronto, ON
A charming Tiffany & Co. bee brooch set in 18KT gold with diamonds and sapphires. Clearly stamped Tiffany & Co. on the belly of the bee. It is in excellent condition.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sapphire and Diamond Bee Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Toronto, ON
A charming Tiffany & Co. bee brooch set in 18 KT yellow gold with one diamond and sapphires. The brooch is clearly stamped Tiffany & Co. and is in excellent condition.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,800
Tiffany 18K Bumble Bee
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Vibrant Tiffany 18k gold bee pin.
Ruby eyes,body. set with bright faceted sapphires and a full cut diamond.
1 1/4" wing to wing and 3/4" long
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby
Sold|$1,300
Herbert Rosenthal Gold Ruby Bee Brooch Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 18k yellow gold brooch pin set with rubies. The pin measures 25mm x 33mm and weighs 10 grams. Marked: HR, 18k.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$14,000
A Pair of Diamond Sapphire Bee Brooches
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Buzz will be created whenever you don these fabulous bee pins! Crafted in 18K White Gold, these are substantial and intriguing bees! The all diamond bee boasts brilliant cut diamon...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$5,650
Emerald and Diamond 18 Karat Bee Brooch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
What's the buzz all about? It's all about this incredibly stunning brooch! Artfully crafted in 18 karat yellow gold this little beauty has a body encrusted in perfectly matched emer...
Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Herbert Rosenthal Gold All Diamond Emerald Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic bee brooch, crafted by Herbert Rosenthal, set in 18k yellow gold, featuring all diamond body with emerald eyes.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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.
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.