1960s Diamond & Sapphire Brooch – G. Petochi Roma
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant brooch signed G. Petochi Roma, crafted in the 1960s in 18ct white gold.
Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches
18k Gold
1960s Diamond & Sapphire Brooch – G. Petochi Roma
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant brooch signed G. Petochi Roma, crafted in the 1960s in 18ct white gold.
18k Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Lapis, Diamond & Gold Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Lapis Lazuli beads and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 5.00 carats. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s 2 inch diam...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Unique 1960s Australian Mintabie Black Opal Natural Pearl Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This large brooch features floral hand carved Mintabie black opal plaques, cognac diamonds, and baroque freshwater pearls set in a handmade 18k mounting. It measures approximately 4...
Diamond, Opal, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Victorian Revival 0.73tcw Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Starburst Brooch/Pendant 1960s
Located in Towson, MD
A striking 1960s Victorian Revival brooch/pendant in 14 karat yellow gold, designed in a dramatic starburst motif.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Naturalistic Leaf Berries Brooch White Gold Portuguese 1950s 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Diamond Naturalistic Leaf and Berries Brooch in 19.2k White Gold, Portuguese, circa 1950s–1960s.
Diamond, White Gold
1960s Whimsical Enamel Diamond Yellow Gold Lion Leo Brooch Pin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Adorable large 14K yellow gold and enamel lion brooch with diamond eyes. This highly detailed brooch features textured fur with enamel highlights. This is a heavy brooch weighting 3...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1960s Vintage Turquoise Diamond Foliage Brooch Platinum 18K Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Details Metal: Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Turquoise Cabochons Accent Stones: Brilliant Round Diamonds Diamond Count: Approx. 85 Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 6.80 ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum
David Webb Platinum & 18K Gold 1960's Maltese Lapis, Enamel Cross Style Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Lapis, White Enamel and Diamond Maltese Cross Style Brooch is a remarkable piece of jewelry that captures the essence of David Webb's...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
1960s White Gold Brooch with Hand-Carved Chalcedony & Diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant 1960s brooch, crafted in 18ct white gold and featuring a delicate hand-carved chalcedony depicting a charming bouquet of flowers.
Chalcedony, Diamond, White Gold
Spritzer & Furhmann 1960s Yellow Gold Diamond Rose Flower Brooch
By Spritzer & Fuhrmann
Located in New York, NY
Vintage circa 1960s 18k yellow gold brooch, designed by Spritzer + Furhmann, adorned with approx. 0.74ctw G/VS diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Italian 1960s Gold Jade Sapphire Ruby Diamond Dog Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Cute Italian made, circa 1960s 18k gold dog brooch. Set with jade, sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
1.50 Carat Diamonds Tassel 1960s Pendant Brooch Pin 14 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
1960's Victorian Medallion Enamel Pendant Brooch 1.50ct. natural diamonds Round, brilliant.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.59 TCW Sapphire and Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Circle Brooch 1960s
Located in Towson, MD
This vintage Retro 1960s circle brooch is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and set with ten vibrant 3 x 5mm oval sapphires totaling approximately 2.59 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Gold Flower Brooch with Rubies and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.60 carat and Round cut Rubies weighing approximately a total of 0.65 carat. Ci...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mid-Century Diamond Swirl Double-Clip Brooch Convertible Platinum 1950s 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century diamond swirl double-clip convertible brooch in platinum, 1950s/1960s.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s David Webb Kunzite Diamond and Enamel Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with blue and green enamel over 18k yellow gold with a center Kunzite weighing approximately 25.00 carats and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approxim...
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s Tiffany & Co. Twisted Circle Wreath Brooch with Diamonds
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.50 carat. Signed by Tiffany & Co. Circa 1960s 1 1/4 inch diameter
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-Century 8 Carat Diamond Celestial Floral Brooch Platinum 1950s 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century diamond brooch in platinum, 1950s/1960s. An exquisite example of mid-century design, this large and bold jewel features a dynamic, radiating motif reminiscent of floral o...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Precious Coral Sapphire Diamond Pendant/Brooch 18K Yellow Gold 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Precious Coral, Sapphire and Diamond Convertible Pendant/Brooch in 18K Gold, circa 1960s.
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s 6.30 Carat Sapphire Flower Brooch with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with Round cut Sapphires weighing approximately a total of 6.30 carats and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of ...
Blue Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s 12.80 Carat Ruby Flower Brooch with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with Round cut Rubies weighing approximately a total of 12.80 carats and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1....
Blue Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Missiaglia 1960s Coral Diamond Duck Brooch, 18k Gold, 2.00ct
Located in New York, NY
A delightful expression of 1960s Italian high-jewelry craftsmanship, this vintage Missiaglia duck pin features a vibrant oval coral cabochon body set against a pave-lined 18k white g...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage 18k White Gold Brooch with Cultured Pearls & Diamonds
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage cultured pearl and 1.15 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
Mid-Century Italian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Brooch with Diamond 1960s
Located in Towson, MD
This estate 14 karat yellow gold Italian shell cameo brooch with diamond accent is a mid-century masterpiece dating to the 1960s, stamped "14K Italy."
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Diamond Emerald Ruby Pearl Platinum Birds Nest Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully designed and masterfully hand-crafted this unique brooch worked in platinum depicts a pair of birds in a birds nest. The whimsical over-sized heads are cultured pearls be...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Frascarolo Tiger Brooch
By Frascarolo
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold, white, black, and red enamel with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds and Round cut Rubies as the eyes. Signed by Frascarolo Circa 1960s 1 1/2 inch diameter
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
13 Carat Smoky Quartz, Diamond & Pearl 14K Yellow Gold 1960s Pin/Brooch
Located in Towson, MD
This Mid-Century Modern, 1960s, pin crafted in 14 karat yellow gold showcases exceptional period craftsmanship, featuring a stunning approximately 17.6 × 15.8 mm heart shape smoky qu...
Diamond, Pearl, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,837Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Sapphire Hand Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.9 grams. Totally is diamond 1.25 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.30 ct. Acid tested to be 18k ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold Stamped, 1960s Enamel Cat Brooch with Natural Diamond Collar
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Cat Brooch 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1960s Embrace the charm and elegance of the past with this stunning Art Deco-style cat brooch, a true testament to the artistry of the ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
1960s 14k Yellow Gold Enamel Parrot Brooch with 0.03ct Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Vintage, 1960’s 14k Yellow Gold & Diamond & Enamel Dimension: 0.9x1.4” Weight: 10.6gr Diamonds: 0.03ct,G color, VS clarity
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s Mario Buccellati Leaf Brooch
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and whit gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.50 carat. Signed by Mario Buccellati Circa 1960s
Diamond, 18k Gold
1960s Large 15.69 carats Diamond Platinum Floral Bouquet Lapel Brooch pin
Located in Miami, FL
1960s Large Diamond Platinum Floral Bouquet Lapel Brooch A captivating vintage masterpiece from the 1960s, this luxurious floral bouquet lapel brooch exudes timeless elegance and sop...
Diamond, Platinum
1960s Boucheron Paris Emerald Diamond Platinum Double Clip Brooch Pin
By BUCHERON
Located in Miami, FL
This 1960's vintage Boucheron piece of jewelry is a dual clip lapel brooch crafted in platinum and comprises masterfully designed, naturalistically inspired and diamond swathed scrol...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Pearl and 1.45 Carat Diamond White Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This impressive vintage 1960s brooch is fine quality set with a pearl and very well color matched, very high color graded old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marc Koven 1960s Ram of Abraham In The Bush Diamond Rubelite Gold Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Further set with 4 Brilliant cut pear Shape Diamonds totaling 1.10 Carats. The measurement of the entire brooch is 2 1/4 X 2 1/4 inches.
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold
TIFFANY & CO. Vintage 1960s Textured 18K Gold Emerald & Diamond Flower Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
This is an authentic vintage Tiffany & Co. flower motif brooch masterfully crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. Weighing a substantial 16.5 grams and measuring 1.25 inches, the broo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s 18k Gold Poodle Brooch with Ruby and Diamond Accents, 0.09ct
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 0.02 carat ruby and 0.07 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 carat white gold set brooch in the form of a poodle; part of our diverse vintage jewelry collections...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Dog's Head Yellow Gold 18K Ruby Sapphire Diamond Brooch 1960S
Located in Geneva, CH
A lovely dog's head Brooch in yellow gold 18K set by round diamonds, cabochon ruby eyes and sapphire on the nose. Italian work. Circa 1960. Total length: 2.60 centimeters. Total widt...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,059Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Vintage Circa 1960s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Brooch In very goodd condition.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1960s Antique Turban Ornament (Sarpech) Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
1960s Antique Turban Ornament (Sarpech) Brooch With Navratna (9) Stones on Nephrite With Diamonds This antique Turban Ornament, from the 1960s also known as a Kilangi or Sarpech is ...
Carnelian, Coral, Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Zircon, Yellow...
Bvlgari 18K Gold Coral Turquoise Diamond Brooch, Circa 1960s, 6.0ct
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
About 59 round diamonds total approx. 6.0ct. With a foldable hook for necklace. With original box marked "Bvlgari ROMA". Weight: 21.84 grams Measurement: 4.3 x 3.6cm Stamp: "Bvlgar...
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
1960s 18k Gold Wicker Basket Brooch with Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires & Rubies
Located in London, GB
This impressively large 1960s Italian brooch is made of 18k yellow gold in the shape of a wicker basket full of flowers.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Mid Century Modern Pink Sapphire and Diamond Flower Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Pink Sapphire and Diamond Flower 1960s Mid Century Modern Statement Brooch.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire
Vintage 1960s Harry Winston Diamond Cluster and Emerald Drop Brooch/Pendant
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with Pear-Shaped and Marquise cut Diamonds weighing a total of 11.31 carats, a Pear-Shaped Colombian Emerald weighing 4.04 carats, and a Marquise cut Colom...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Revival Diamond and Enamel Gold Vintage 1960s Bar Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Vintage Art Deco Revival Rectangular Diamond and Enamel Brooch. Beautifully Hand crafted in 14K White Gold and Hand set with Diamonds, weighing approx. 1.50tw.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
1960s Mid-Century 18K White Gold Turquoise, Cultured Pearl Diamond Brooch
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite brooch is a true testament to the art of fine jewelry, expertly crafted from 18K white gold. Its design features a captivating combination of luxurious gemstones, incl...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Important 1960s White Gold Brooch with High-Quality Diamonds & Intense Red Rubie
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant and striking 1960s brooch, crafted in 18ct white gold and set with high-quality diamonds, bright and eye-clean, totaling approximately 6.5 ct.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
1960s 18K Mystery-Set Sapphire Flower Brooch With Diamond Leaf and Stem
Located in Greenwich, CT
A stunning floral brooch in 18k yellow gold, the broad five-petal blossom face mystery-set with calibré-cut blue sapphires in a continuous invisible-set. As a result, there is no pro...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960´s diamond pin brooche Double Feather with a Rubi Bow
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage 1960´s diamond pin brooche Double Feather with a Rubi Bow Mounted in 18k gold fully set with clean & white 8/8 cut diamonds and two brilliant cut center stones in bezel sett...
Diamond, White Gold
1960s David Webb Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Earrings/Brooch Pair, 18k
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A 1960s David Webb Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Earrings/Brooch Pair made in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Paris Ian Dessin Vintage 1960s Diamond, Ruby & Sapphire Brooch – 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A dazzling expression of mid-century French design, this vintage brooch by Paris Ian Dessin is a rare and vibrant treasure from the 1960s.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Gold and Pearl Sun Brooch with Diamond Hearts
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with a Pearl center stone and hearts with pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 4.50 carats. Signed by D...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
1960s Vintage Diamond & Hand-Carved Natural Coral Sea 14K Gold Turtle Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
It represents an exceptional and highly wearable investment piece for collectors of vintage 1960s figural jewelry and fine coral carvings. Period: 20th Century Decade: 1960s Style...
Diamond, Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Mid-Century 18k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Cultured Pearl Brooch Snail
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
A unique piece of high jewelry, this stunning snail-shaped brooch is crafted in 18K yellow gold, with finely engraved details that give it a realistic and sophisticated appearance. T...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Deer Brooch with Pink Sapphires, 1960s
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Era: Mid-Century Year: 1960s Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Accent Gemstones & Diamonds: 1 round brilliant cut diamond 0.04 carats G color SI1 clarity 2 round cut pink sapphi...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.51 Carat Diamond Red Enamel Floral Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an amazing floral pin brooch. Circa 1960. The piece is crafted in 18K gold and 850 platinum. It features: - 2 diamonds (round brilliant cut, TW 0.13ct, RW+/RW, VS) - 24 dia...
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
1960s Mid-Century Natural Diamond Coral Ruby Crystal Emerald 18K Gold Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This extraordinary brooch is a refined example of high jewelry and craftsmanship, created to captivate anyone who admires it. Made of 18-karat white and yellow gold, the brooch is de...
Ruby, Crystal, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Coral, Yellow Gold, White Gol...
1960s Floral Bouquet Brooch in 18ct Gold with Rose-Cut and Old-Cut Diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant 1960s floral bouquet brooch, finely engraved and entirely hand-crafted.
Diamond, Gold
1960s Natural No Heat Yellow Blue Sapphire Diamond 18k Gold Scroll Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
This Vintage sapphire and diamond scroll brooch is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, weighing 18.9 grams and measuring 68mm long x 19mm wide. Composted of a rope gold swirled fr...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
“Vintage 18k Gold Brooch with 4ct Diamond and 3ct Emerald, 1960s”
Located in Cairo, EG
Vintage 18k yellow and white gold large brooch with an estimate brilliant diamond weight of 4 carats and more with natural green emeralds estimate weight 3 carats in oval cut with to...
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.