$7,303
W 1.19 in L 1.82 in
Ben Rosenfeld Diamond Ruby Duck Brooch 18K Yellow White Gold, Mid-Century, 1960s
By Ben Rosenfeld
Located in Lisbon, PT
The expressive eyes are set with circular-cut ruby and single-cut diamonds, adding a twinkle of mischief to its gaze.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K yellow Gold bee brooch golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Emerald Ruby
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
For all bee lovers- you are staring at a exquisite pin brooch! Beautiful Bumble Bee brooch, set with 22 white brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.30 ct , G color, vs clarity, 25 black ...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Heart Pendant Belle Epoque 18 Karat Gold Flower
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning and rare antique Heart motif French Belle Epoque Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby 18 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Diamond Clown with Knife Stickpin, Circa 1800-1830
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A rare survivor of the early 19th century, this antique stickpin (circa 1800–1830) depicts a whimsical yet formidable jester or clown, its figure brought to life with diamond and rub...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,982
H 0.54 in W 1.5 in L 2.01 in
Vintage 0.02ct Ruby and 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch, Circa 1980, Italy
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The brooch is further embellished with a 0.02ct round faceted cut ruby, representing the eye. This vintage bird brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,162
W 1.01 in D 0.4 in L 1.19 in
18k Flower & star Art Nouveau Brooch - Victorian solid gold pin - Napoleon III
Located in Antwerp, BE
Total weight : 3,6 gr Total diameter : 2,55 cm Total Width with pin length: 3 cm Thickness : 1 cm Condition : Very Good - antique Material : 18K yellow gold - half pearls - rose...
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Victorian 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Pearl and Diamond Swan Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian pearl, diamond, ruby, silver and yellow gold brooch, comprising one round cut ruby, five rose cut diamonds, and sixty-seven seed pearls, in silver and 18 karat yellow gol...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Spanish Plique-a-Jour and Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive plique-à-jour and 0.06 carat ruby, 18 karat yellow gold brooch in the form of a butterfly; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry co...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,500
H 1.25 in W 1.25 in
Old Mine Diamond Ruby Sapphire Enamel Insect Bug Fly Brooch Art Nouveau Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning antique Art Nouveau - Art Deco Enamel, Rose Cut and Old MIne Cut Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Pearl Fly Bug Insect Brooch Pin in 10 Karat Gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Enamel
Antique Swedish Diamond & Garnet Bangle
By Carl Gustav Hallberg
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The purpose of this detaching is likely to allow the garnet and ruby panel to be connected to a hair pin/clip, which has unfortunately been lost to time.
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$3,975
H 0.36 in W 1.26 in L 1.26 in
Vintage Italian 8.25ct Dyed Quartz, Turquoise and Ruby Yellow Gold Rabbit Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The brooch is further embellished with textured yellow gold components creating the feet, tail, whiskers and ears; completing the design. The antique brooch secures to the reverse w...
Quartz, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chaumet snake sapphire hairpin in 18k gold and horn, unsigned, animal jewelry
By Chaumet
Located in PARIS, FR
Antique pin, circa 1900, Chaumet, France. Eagle head hallmark, double numbering (on the reverse of the pin and on the back of the snake), unsigned pin.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
French 1900s Diamond and Yellow Gold Griffin Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This antique gemstone brooch is exceptional quality set with impressive rubies and very high color graded old cut diamonds displaying a fine white color, brilliance and pre...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Hand Made 18K Gold and Silver Dragonfly Brooch, Circa 1880-1910
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Antique, circa 1880-1910, 18K yellow gold and silver handmade dragonfly brooch/pendant slide with sapphire, opal, ruby and diamond.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 2.50 Carat Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Opal Quality Cut Cabochon Content 2.50 carats Ruby Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 0.40 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Old Europea...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Baroque Pearl Sapphires Rubies Yellow Gold Butterfly Articulated Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Important brooch in the shape of an insect, the bottom of the body is represented by a baroque pearl, the top and the head are paved with rose-cut diamonds. The eyes are rubies, the ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yell...
French, 19th Century, Fine Pearl Ruby Black Enamel Napoleon 3 Set
Located in Poitiers, FR
Half set in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Magnificent set of Napoleon 3 antique jewelry, the brooch and the pair of earrings are adorned with an oval chiseled pattern. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
Belle Époque 0.60ct Diamond and Pearl Cat Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Antique French cat brooch, dates to the 1880s, Belle Époque period. The brooch features two charming silver cats, each encrusted with grain set rose cut diamonds totalling 0.60 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Silver, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Diamond & Seed Pearl Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl & Diamond Pendant/Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 *The chain is sold separately An ornate antique jewel crafted in yellow gold, designed to be worn...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brooch-1940s Sunburst Spray Brooch 50g 18k Gold 18.00 Ct Cabochon Ruby Plaque.
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional, investment-grade antique Retro-era statement sunburst plaque brooch, masterfully set with 30.60 total carats of fine precious gemstones and bright white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Antique Rose Diamond of a Swallow in Flight Brooch, c. 1860.
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique brooch paved set with rose cut diamonds and a small ruby as his eye.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Antique Lizard Stickpin of 18k Gold, Circa 1880-1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking and highly detailed antique stickpin (circa 1880-1900), featuring a sculptural lizard crafted in solid 18k gold, richly embellished with rose cut diamonds, a vivid emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Sapphire Spider Brooch of Platinum & 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
The body is composed of a vivid 0.58ct sapphire and a glittering 0.30ct old mine cut champagne colored diamond, accented by two tiny ruby eyes that bring the creature to life.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$4,500
H 0.91 in W 1.52 in
Antique Pink Sapphire Diamond Turquoise & 14k Yellow Gold Insect Bar Brooch
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
The wings are entirely set silver topped gold to enhance the sparkle of the hand cut old mine cut diamonds. The eyes are set with two cabochon rubies and the clasp is a pin with safe...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Byzantine Woman Stickpin of 14k Gold, Circa 1910
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Rich in detail and artistry, this antique 14k gold stickpin (circa 1910) portrays a finely painted enamel portrait of a Byzantine woman, her regal presence enhanced by a crown set wi...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
$13,642
W 2.05 in L 2.76 in
Antique 18th Century Iberian Emerald Cabochon & Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique 18Th Century Iberian Emerald Cabochon & Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant/Brooch Stomacher.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Platinum Yellow and Rose Gold Bird Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The head of the bird is set with a round faceted cut ruby, representing the eye. This impressive antique bar brooch secures to the reverse with a 9k yellow gold hinged pin and clasp...
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$38,950 / set
H 3.02 in W 1.81 in D 0.79 in L 17.5 in
GEORGIAN 1800 Antique Necklace Earrings Set In 18Kt Gold With 11.84 Ctw Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
This jewelry suite was carefully crafted in rich yellow gold of 18 karats with applications of black enamel and embellished with a very fine selection of thirty-seven graduated Dutch...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
$9,500
W 1.13 in D 0.5 in L 1.25 in
Antique Silver, Rose Gold & Cat's Eye Quartz Bee Brooch - France - Circa 1870's
Located in Chatham, CA
High = 5.01 carat weight - total of 7.46 carat weight) - total of 18 old cut diamonds (14 on the two sets of wings, 3 on the collar separating the head from the body and one at the n...
Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, Rose Gold, Silver
$2,840
H 1.19 in W 1.19 in
VictorianVictorian 14K Gold Rose Cut Diamond Winged “En Tremblant” Insect Brooch
Located in Venice, CA
The spring can be seen in this piece when viewed from the side, as the bug hovers above the pin. The brooch contains a beautiful array of diamonds, rubies, and an emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Natural Pearl and Diamond Flower Pendant / Brooch, 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique "Isabelino Style" Diamond and Natural Pearl Flower Pendant/Brooch (Spain, Queen Isabel 2nd 1830-1868) Work of classic sparkles all around a circle two flower design .
18k Gold, Silver
$2,059
W 1.32 in L 0.88 in
Vintage Victorian Sapphire Diamond Insect Fly 14K Gold Silver Stickpin Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Technical Details Period: Victorian Vintage Item Type: Stickpin / Tie Pin (Spillone) Metal: 14k Yellow Gold and Silver (Gold-backed silver top construction) Total Weight: 7.00 g...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
French 1925s Art Deco Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Line Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head and owl hallmarks and and silver, crab hallmark. In the shape of a curved bar with typical Art Deco lines, the top of the brooch is set w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
$2,691
W 1.4 in L 1.62 in
Victorian Revival 14K Yellow Gold Coral Natural Diamond Fly Brooch Bezel Setting
Located in Marcianise, IT
Brooch total Weight 15.90 grams Diamonds weight 0.86 karat Coral weight 3.30 grams
Coral, Turquoise, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$2,897
H 0.82 in W 1.64 in
Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian ADORE acrostic Brooch, Hallmarked Birmingham 1896
Located in Brighton, GB
The brooch spells A-D-O-R-E using the first letters of the gemstones set across the centre: Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby Emerald Each stone is star-set within an elongated oval plaque...
Gold, 15k Gold
$2,419
H 0.31 in W 1.42 in L 1.69 in
Vintage 5.47ct Zircon and Pearl Yellow and White Gold Spray Brooch, circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and catch.
Pearl, Zircon, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,950
W 1.46 in Dm 1.46 in L 1.46 in
Hayden W. Wheeler 1930 Deco Brooch Platinum with 4.33 Cts Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
Stamped with the maker's mark inside two circled cartouche, the hallmark for the assay of the platinum and signed, "H W PLAT". Image 10 - Antique Hayden W. Wheeler & Co. HWW USA...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$5,950
W 1.34 in L 1.26 in
18 K white Gold bee brooch South Sea Pearl Diamond Rubyfancy Sapphire Tsavorite
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
For all bee lovers- you are staring at a exquisite pin brooch! Beautiful Bumble Bee brooch, set with 23 white brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.0.26 ct , G color, vs clarity, 2 Ruby ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian enamel bug brooch, Engish, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Antique enamel bug brooch. Set to centre with five round rose cut diamonds in closed back grain settings with an approximate combined weight of 0.05 carats, further set with a single...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Paste Cabochon Foil and 15K Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Such crystals, which were made of high-lead-content glass and had a permanent foil backing, gave the illusion of almost any gemstone, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds ...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,463Sale Price|20% Off
W 2.72 in L 2.05 in
1980s Vintage Natural Multi-Gem Onyx Red Coral Butterfly 14K Gold Silver Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Technical Details Period: 1980s / Late 20th Century Vintage (Victorian/Art Nouveau Revival) Design: Figurative Butterfly / Insect (Animalier) Metal: 14k Yellow Gold and 800 Silver...
Diamond, Onyx, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gol...
An Edwardian Star Ruby And Diamond Cluster Stick Pin
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian star ruby and diamond cluster stick pin, the oval shaped cabochon-cut ruby estimated to weigh 0.5 carats, surrounded by eighteen rose-cut diamond, all fine millegrain-se...
Diamond, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
A Fleur-de-lis Ruby And Diamond Stick-pin
Located in London, GB
A turn of the century ruby and diamond stick-pin, depicting Fleur-de-Lis encrusted with thirteen old European-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh 0.20 carats in total, and six round fac...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
A Diamond And Ruby Star Of David Stick-pin
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian diamond and ruby Star of David stick-pin, formed with an equilateral triangle-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.25 carats, set between three triangular-cut rubies, all fi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
An Edwardian ruby and diamond cluster brooch/pendant
Located in London, GB
Unmarked, tested as 18ct gold and platinum, the pin tested as 15ct gold. This extraordinary ruby and diamond convertible brooch-to-pendant, crafted during the Edwardian era, feature...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Late Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
This brooch features wonderfully crafted legs and antennae, with a spectacular combination of vivid Burmese rubies and lively, sparkling diamonds. This brooch would make an eye-catch...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver
A late Victorian diamond-set duck stick pin
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set duck stick pin, the polychrome enamelled head with a cabochon ruby-set eye, the body set with fifteen small rose-cut diamonds, all mounted in silver and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
A Late Victorian Diamond-set Pheasant Stick-pin
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set pheasant stick-pin, the realistically carved pheasant with a cabochon ruby set eye and old-cut diamonds set through the body, estimated to weigh 0.3 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond Set Partridge Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond set partridge brooch, set throughout with old brilliant-cut and rose-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of 1 carat, with a ruby set to the eye, silver set t...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
Victorian Diamond Double Serpent Brooch
Located in London, GB
This antique brooch is in excellent condition. Unmarked, tested as 14ct gold and silver, with 9ct gold pin.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Late 19th Century Fly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century fly brooch, the bee set with a dementoid garnet, a ruby eye, diamond wings and a pearl body, set in silver and gold, with a further pearl to the gold bar brooch, ...
Amazonite, Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
A Regency Cannetille Gem-set Cross Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Regency cannetille gem-set cross brooch, to the centre a rectangular-cut emerald estimated to weigh 0.9 carats, surrounded by eight rectangular-cut rubies and eight old mine-cut di...
18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,000
H 1 in W 1.75 in
Art Nouveau Butterfly Pendant Brooch 30 OMC Diamonds Ruby Enamel 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
It is set with 30 gorgeous Old Mine Cut Diamonds. These diamonds are just stunning - very white with the incredible sparkle of the antique diamonds that we just love.
Diamond, Ruby, 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.