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18 Karat Diamond Bow Brooch, circa 1950s
Located in Wailea, HI
18k Diamond Bow Brooch circa 1950's in yellow and white gold Fourteen round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Diamond Bow Brooch, circa 1950s
18 Karat Diamond Bow Brooch, circa 1950s
W 1.38 in D 0.5 in L 1.75 in
18K Diamond Ribbon Bow Brooch
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A beautiful Diamond Ribbon Bow Brooch with ca. 7 carats of diamonds (D-F/IF-VVS).
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
ntroducing the stunning Large 18K White Gold Double Bow Brooch, adorned with an impressive 27
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Bow Brooch
18K Bow Brooch
W 2.75 in L 3.5 in
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
Category

Early 2000s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond bow 18k white gold brooch
Located in Surfside, FL
Diamond bow brooch in 18k white gold with a 1 carat center rose cut diamond and 3 carats of accent
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Large 18K Textured Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully made piece even though a bit more modern. It has been done in 18K yellow and white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 18K Gold Enamel Diamond Bow Tie Brooch
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 18K Gold Enamel Diamond Bow Tie Brooch Approximate Dimensions: 4.8 cm (Length) 1.5 cm
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage Diamond Bow Brooch In 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Diamond Bow Brooch In Yellow Gold Presenting this whimsical vintage Bow Brooch
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Ruby Bow Brooch with Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Bow Ruby Brooch with Diamonds 1 Ruby - 3.33 CT 444 Rubies - 26.230 CT 55 Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Ruby Bow Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1940's. This is an 18k gold Van Cleef & Arpels Noeud Lace Bow brooch from the brand's classic
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond & Onyx Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Diamond & Onyx Bow Brooch A brooch featuring old mine diamonds & black onyx. Diamond Weight
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style 18k White Gold Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
This exquisite Art Deco-style 18k white gold diamond bow brooch is a true testament to timeless
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond Sapphire Pearl Brooch Bow Ribbon 18K Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Sapphire Pearl Brooch Bow Ribbon 18K Gold Vintage Natural Diamond Sapphire Pearl
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Ruby Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and ruby bow brooch in 18k yellow gold. Center of the brooch set with 0.40 - 0.50 carat
Category

Mid-20th Century European Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Briolette Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Briolette Diamond Bow Brooch A Victorian bow brooch set with round cut diamonds and
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

David Morris Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in London, GB
features a single diamond that sits in the centre of an elegant bow design. Condition: Used (Excellent
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in London, GB
An 18k yellow gold diamond Bow brooch. The brooch is set with round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old Cut Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A large diamond brooch in the popular and versatile design of a bow, depicting various line and
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold

Old Cut Diamond Bow Brooch
Old Cut Diamond Bow Brooch
H 1.42 in W 3.15 in
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Pearl Bow Tie Brooch Pin
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Pearl Bow Tie Brooch Pin Solid 18K White Gold Bow-tie form brooch
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany & Co. Diamond Bow Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Dating from circa 1997, this 18K gold Tiffany & Co. bow brooch is set with over 7 carats of
Category

Late 20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Bow Brooch Pin 18k Gold Ruby Diamond Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely Retro bow brooch pin made of 18k gold with ruby and diamond. The gemstones are assembled
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage MAYORS 18K Yellow Gold MOP Diamond Bow Brooch Pendant
By MAYORS
Located in Winter Springs, FL
-2 clarity round diamonds. The pin portion on the reverse can be removed so that the bow can also be
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire & Diamond Bow Ribbon Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Antique motif sapphire and diamond bow ribbon brooch in 18k white gold. Brooch contains sapphire
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Diamond Pearl Gold Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Diamond total approx. 8.5 ct. Measurement: 6.8 x 4.8 cm, 17 x 17 x 15 mm in pearl size Weight
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Bow Brooch Condition: In good condition with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Large Bow Pin Brooch with Pave Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Bow Pin Brooch with Pave Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold Large Bow Pin with Diamonds features a
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This stunning three-dimensional bow brooch has been masterfully handcrafted in 18-karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1940s Cartier Diamond Gold Bow Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A beautiful Cartier Bow Brooch, ca. 1940s. The bow is studded with old-cut diamonds of circa 2.5
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Filigree Bow Pin Brooch with Emerald in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Diamond and Emerald Bow Pin Brooch with Filigree in 18k Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Bow Pin
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s Acquamarine brooch bow diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Rare to find, 1940s period brooch set in 18ct gold and natural acquamarines and diamonds
Category

Vintage 1940s European Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold

Bulgari Peridot and Diamond Bow Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari bow brooch in 18kt yellow gold with peridots and diamonds.
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond Antique Style Bow Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A truly beautiful white gold bow brooch set with diamonds and French cut rubies. The milgraining of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

White & Fancy Color Diamonds Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
White & Fancy Color Diamonds Bow Brooch Beautiful round- and square-cut white and fancy color
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

White 18 Karat Diamonds Bow Brooch
Located in Milano, Lombardia
White 18kt bow brooch with white diamonds Can be worn as a pendent if used on a chain Total weight
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

White 18 Karat Diamonds Bow Brooch
White 18 Karat Diamonds Bow Brooch
W 1.97 in D 0.6 in L 1.97 in
Diamond and Ruby Bow Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Delightful brooch pin crafted in 18 karat white gold featuring round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Large Black Enamel and Diamond Bow Pin / Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Estate Black Enamel and Diamond Bow Pin / Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold Large Black Enamel Diamond Bow
Category

20th Century North American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

NALLY Yellow and Colorless Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
NALLY Yellow & colorless diamond bow brooch. The center of the pin is set with approx. 1.10 carats
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold

French Heavy solid gold 18k bow Brooch - sapphire collar pin, authentic diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
crafted 18 K solid gold and depicts a lovely flowing ribbon forming a marvellous bow. In the center of
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 0.78Ct Ruby and 0.40Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold and platinum. The brooch is supplied with an IDGL diamond
Category

Vintage 1910s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Bow Brooch 10.29 Carats
Located in London, GB
An 18k yellow gold diamond Bow brooch. The brooch is set with round brilliant cut diamonds varying
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cellino White Diamond Bow Yellow Gold Brooch
By Cellino
Located in Stamford, CT
From Italian designer Cellino comes this beautiful 1940's, 18 yellow gold diamond bow brooch
Category

Early 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Petite Art Deco 1930s Platinum & 18K Gold Sapphire & Diamond Stylised Bow Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A petite Art Deco sapphire, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold brooch, comprising one single cut
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1980s 10.53 Carat Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of 10.53
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Vintage 1950s Pair Diamond Gold Diamond Bow Brooches
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Vintage 1950s Pair Diamond Gold Diamond Bow Brooches A pair of 18k yellow gold swirl design
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum 8.00ctw Natural Diamond Bow Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stones: Approximately 8.00ctw of Natural Old Mine Cut Diamonds Center is Approximately 1.68ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Retro Diamond Bow Gold Brooch, circa 1940s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This adorable and chic Retro bow motif brooch from the 1940s is a beautiful testament to the
Category

20th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

5.25 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Custom made 18k yellow gold bow brooch set with 146 pave round brilliant cut diamonds. 146 round
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Edwardian Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum 18k Gold Bow Brooch Circa 1910
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tiffany Edwardian Old Mine Cut diamond platinum and 18k gold bow brooch, circa 1910. The Tiffany
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

18k Gold, Ruby + 0.75ct Diamond Bow Brooch 2-3/16" x 2" 21.20g
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Gold, Ruby and Diamond Bow Brooch Features Pave-Set Round Rubies with a center cluster of
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold 1.71ct Round Cut Diamond Bow Ribbon Brooch / Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold 1.71 ct Round Cut Diamond Bow Ribbon Brooch / Pin. The brooch
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Large 3" Heavy Italian 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bow, Crossed Ribbon Brooch Pin
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
This beautiful 18k yellow gold diamond bow brooch showcases the beauty of fine materials and
Category

1990s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

French Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Openwork Bow Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, black silk, yellow gold, and platinum brooch, comprising one old European cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Belgian Diamond and Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive vintage diamond brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting. The
Category

Vintage 1940s Belgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphires Diamond Brooch 18 Karat White Gold Bow Design Brooch
Located in Jupiter, FL
Unique hand crafted sapphire and diamond brooch made in 18KT white gold with stunning royal blue
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1.70ct Diamond Two-Toned Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.70 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow and white gold bow brooch; part
Category

1990s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate 18K Diamond Lapis Onyx Coral Malachite Bow Brooch Pendant 7ctw G Vs
Located in Winter Springs, FL
This exquisite, one of a kind brooch is crafted in 18K yellow gold and inlaid with carved lapis
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Malachite, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s Retro Diamond and Rose Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
Retro 15 karat rose gold and diamond brooch, circa 1940, designed as an ornate bow supporting two
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Violin and Bow Gold Vintage Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Diamond Violin and Bow Gold Brooch Pin. Hand set with Pave Diamonds, approx
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 1.70ct Diamond Bow Brooch, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Art Deco brooch is a whimsical bow shape, adorned with an assortment of grain-set
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Heavy Elegant 18k bow Brooch - 1940's collar pin - solid gold rose cut diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
known as the retro period. This collar brooch is crafted 18 K solid gold and depicts a lovely flowing
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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18k Diamond Bow Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 18k diamond bow brooch for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 225 vintage or 31 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a 18k diamond bow brooch from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 18k diamond bow brooch over the years, but those made by Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Bulgari are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and old european cut alternatives. Most of our 18k diamond bow brooch for sale are for women, but there are 81 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 18k Diamond Bow Brooch?

Prices for a 18k diamond bow brooch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $315 and can go as high as $200,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,975.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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 ringsvintage 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 Brooches for You

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 GucciVersaceDior 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.