Unavailable|$5,000
18 Karat Yellow Gold Rosenthal Diamond Bee Pin
By Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
18K yellow gold Rosenthal diamond bee pin, prong set with 19 full cut round diamonds weighing 1.97cts, and bezel set ruby eyes. retail $7500
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$8,400
Enamel and Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat yellow gold and sterling silver enamel bee pin consisting of single cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of .75 carats, one round brilliant cut fancy colored cogna...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,400
Hidalgo Enamel and Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Beautifully crafted black enamel Hidalgo bee pin with .28tcw white diamond, G color, VS2 clarity, wings and Ruby eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, Enamel
Unavailable|$18,000
5 Carat Charming Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum and 14 karat yellow gold bee estate pin consisting of 106 pave set Old European and single cut diamonds having a total weight of approximately 5.00 carats set with 2 bezel s...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$3,200
18 Karat Gold and Pavé Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Greenwich, CT
Vintage bee pin, featuring a pavé-set diamond body and abdomen with polished 18k yellow gold head, wings and legs, as well as ruby eyes. 36 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing ~1.44 tot...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$7,075
Two 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Bee Pins Handcrafted
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, beautifully 18k yellow gold and diamond handcrafted bee pins - classic. Larger bee has diamond wings and an 18K gold body and legs.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,850
Rosenthal Diamond Gold Bee Pin with Ruby Eyes
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Rosenthal 18K yellow gold diamond bee pin set with 19 full cut round diamonds weighing 1.97cts and two 2mm round ruby eyes.
Ruby, White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,500
T. Foster & Co. Enamel and Diamond Bee Motif Pin
By T. Foster & Co.
Located in Yardley, PA
18 karat yellow and white gold bee pin with black onyx eyes and a cabochon emerald nose. 20 round brilliant cut diamonds total 1.15 carats and are F color and VS clarity.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,200
Large Diamond Sapphire Gold Wasp Bee Insect Brooch Pin
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Adorable 18k gold wasp bee insect brooch, decorated with blue sapphires and approx. 2 carats in VS2-SI1/H diamonds. Brooch is 44mm x 45mm. weight - 18.7 grams. Marked: J mark, 18k, 3...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Unavailable|$1,049
Antique Gold Silver Diamond and Enamel Stick Pin Bee Brooch
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elegant gold and silver stick pin Bee brooch set with rose cut diamonds and enamel.
Diamond, Enamel, Silver
Unavailable|$1,470
18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Sapphire Bee Paper Clip Brooch Pin
Located in Kowloon, HK
18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Sapphire Bee Paper Clip Brooch Pin 1 Pink Sapphire - 0.20 CT 1 Pearl -7mm 2 Diamonds - 0.014 CT' 18K Gold - 4.25 GM The exquisite 18K Yellow Gold Diamond...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,470
18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Sapphire Bee Paper Clip Brooch Pin
Located in Kowloon, HK
18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Sapphire Bee Paper Clip Brooch Pin 1 Pink Sapphire - 0.20 CT 1 Pearl -7mm 2 Diamonds - 0.014 CT' 18K Gold - 4.25 GM The exquisite 18K Yellow Gold Diamond...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,500
Herbert Rosenthal 18 Karat Diamond and Ruby Bumble Bee Brooch Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 18K yellow and white gold diamond bumble bee large brooch pin by Herbert Rosenthal.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Intini Jewels 0.63 Diamond Mosquito Bee 18 Karat Gold Diamond Pin Insect Brooch
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
The animal eyes are two stunning diamonds in a round shape. Moreover, the yellow gold also rises to legs, wings and antennas displaying a high-detail handmade pin.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Pink Tourmaline, Black and Yellow Diamond Enamel Bee Lapel Pin
Located in Hong Kong, APAC - East Asia
An 18k gold bee sits center stage, its outstretched wings and body in yellow enamel with pink tourmaline and black diamond accents.
Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Bee with 1/2 Carat Diamonds and Emerald Eyes, Brooch or Pin
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
14 karat yellow gold Bee brooch features a round brilliant diamond pave-body and emerald eyes. 20 round brilliant pave diamonds cover the body and are graduated in size from 2.0 mm ...
White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$7,495
4.00 Carat H, VS White and Yellow Gold Bee Pin
Located in Naples, FL
18k White and Yellow Gold Bee Pin. It has 41 Diamonds H, VS In Color and Clarity Weighing Approximately 4.00 Carats Total Weight.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Estate Herbert Rosenthal 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate Herbert Rosenthal 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bee Pin. This beautiful Herbert Rosenthal diamond bee pin is crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Retro 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Retro 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bee Pin. This beautiful pin has approximately .75 cts of gorgeous diamonds on its back with emerald eyes.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,450
Retro Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A charming little adornment, rendered in 18k gold. Finely details, the bee is set with one old mine cut diamond on the body and further accented with synthetic ruby eyes and three sm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Estate 14K Two Tone Gold Single Cut Diamond Bee Pin Brooch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 14K Two Tone Gold Single Cut Diamond Bee Pin Brooch. This gorgeous vintage estate diamond bee pin is crafted in 14k yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Retro 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Retro 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Bee Pin. This gorgeous bee pin is crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$4,800
Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Bee Pin
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).
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,600
Cartier Ruby Diamond Bee Pin
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, Cartier. Always in style, bee pins are classic fashion at its fanciful best.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$4,800
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 2.50 carats of brilliant white diamonds (F color, VS clarity).
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$800
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 20 round brilliant cut = .20cttw Color: G Clarity: SI Dimensions: pin measures 15.5 X 16.75mm Weight: 2.96 grams
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Herbert Rosenthal Sapphire & Diamond Bee Pin in Gold
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 .60 carats of superb sapphires and .04 carats of brilliant white diamonds (...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Emerald and Diamond Bee Pin, Signed Henry Rosenthal
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A sweet and whimsical bee, made of 18 karat yellow gold and set with emeralds and diamonds- 1 carat and .25 carats respectively. Look closely and note the ruby-set eyes and textured ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bee Pin Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Length: 0.75 inches Weight: 2.68 grams One 14K yellow gold diamond vintage pin. Engraved with "14K" and "585". Pre-owned In excellent condition. Might...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This Bee is in 18 karat yellow gold, adorned with inside wings of white gold and diamonds and two bands of round brilliant cut diamonds in white gold. Total Diamond weight is 1.00 c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Bee Pin/Brooch
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Bee Brooch/Pin This sparkling brooch features a beautifully detailed bee accented with 22 round single cut diamonds set in classic 14K yello...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pave Ruby and Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 5 round brilliant cut = 0.05cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ruby: 15 round cut = 0.30cttw Dimensions: pin measures 17 x 18mm Weight: 3....
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pave Ruby and Diamond Bee Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 2 round brilliant cut = 0.01cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ruby: 20 round cut = 0.35cttw Dimensions: pin measures 19 x 19.8mm Weight: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chaumet Paris Vintage 18 Karat Gold Diamond Bee Pin Brooch
By Chaumet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a lovely bee shape brooch designed by Chaumet in 1990s. It is crafted in 18K yellow gold. Insect has two diamond eyes (0.03ct, RW-W, SI-P1). The piece is signed “Chaumet - Pa...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-Century Rosenthal 4.50 Ct. Diamond Bee Pin in 18K Gold
By Rosenthal
Located in Houston, TX
A Mid-Century Rosenthal 18K yellow gold oversized bee pin with a prong-set diamond body and ruby eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.50 Carat Diamond Bee Pin 4.53 Grams
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This bee is brought to life with 18k yellow gold and VS diamonds set into the top of the bee. Each wing and leg is intricately designed and engraved to bring the bee to life, the dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,500
Yellow Gold Diamond Rosenthal Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Dallas, TX
18 K Yellow Gold Rosenthal Diamond Bee Pin 3/4 CTW
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Gold Bee Pin Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bee Pin Brooch by Herbert Rosenthal. With 19 round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 Clarity, G Color total weight approx. 1ct Details: Measurements Brooch: 2...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$3,150 / set
Herbert Rosenthal HR Diamond Bee Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bee Pin Brooch by Herbert Rosenthal. With 19 round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 Clarity, G Color total weight approximately 1ct 2x Rubys Details: Measurements B...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Herbert Rosenthal 18k Yellow Gold Round White Diamond & Red Ruby Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Montgomery, AL
Herbert Rosenthal 18k Yellow Gold Red Ruby And Round Diamond Bee Pin 6.3 Grams Round Red Rubies Round White Diamonds This is a beautiful 18k yellow gold Bee pin.
White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Herbert Rosenthal 18k Yellow Gold Round White Diamond & Blue Sapphire Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Montgomery, AL
Herbert Rosenthal 18k Yellow Gold Blue Sapphires And Round Diamond Bee Pin 5.5 Grams Round Blue Sapphires Round White Diamonds This is a beautiful 18k yellow gold Bee pin.
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage Herbert Rosenthal 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Bee Pin Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Herbert Rosenthal 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Bee Pin Brooch. This beautiful Herbert Rosenthal diamond bee pin brooch is crafted in 18k yellow gold and white g...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold and Silver Custom Made Citrine, Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Bee P
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a beautiful antique 18k Yellow Gold and Silver Custom Made Citrine, Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Bee Pin. This pin features a 1.23ct oval cabochon cut citrine quartz measuring...
Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Silver
Sold|$2,900
Rosenthal Diamond-Set 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 1.25cttw carats of brilliant white diamonds (G color, VS clarity).
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,350
Emerald diamond Gold Bee Pin
Located in Miami, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Bee Pin Containing 5 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, F Color, VS Clarity, and 14 Round Emeralds Approximately 1.80cts.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,500
Diamond Bee Brooch Pin Set
Located in Miami, FL
Enchanting Bee Brooch Pin set featuring two bees intricately crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold with bodies encrusted with 34 single cut diamonds weighing approximately .75 ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$745
Diamond & Ruby Bee Brooch Pin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: Approximately 1ctw of round brilliant diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity Gemstone Details: 2 round shape Ruby stones Mea...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$640
Sapphire Diamond Gold Bee Pin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely little bumblebee you will not mid landing on your shirt. This pin features round cut blue sapphire along with 1 large round cut diamond set in 14k yellow gold. A great addit...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,900
Rosenthal Ruby Diamond Gold Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in South Pasadena, CA
" A flash of diamonds and a dream, a really beautiful bee pin, such as this one is.
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,850
Yellow Diamond and Ruby Bee Pin
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
This one-of-a kind yellow diamond and ruby bee pin is small enough to be subtle, yet sure to get you some buzz!
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,999
Lively Opal Diamond Gold Bee Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This colorful bee pin brooch f is crafted in solid 18K gold. The wings are adorned with 56 round-faceted diamonds and the eyes with 2 diamonds, cumulatively weighing 1.27cts, graded ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,316
Sapphire and Diamond Bee Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning Bee brooch pin is intricately crafted in 18 Karat yellow gold with wings adorned with 53 single cut diamonds weighing approximately .60 carats total weight , J color an...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,800
1.10 Carat Diamonds Rubies Gold Bee Pin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful and fun Bee pin made in 18k yellow gold. The pin is made with ruby and diamond accents.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,950
Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Set Gold 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 .40 carats of brilliant white diamonds (G color, VS clarity).
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Herbert Rosenthal Emerald 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 3.05 carats of brilliant white diamonds (F color, VS clarity).
Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$3,189
Rosenthal Ruby 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 with fine quality rubies set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,100
Herbert Rosenthal Ruby 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 1.06 carats of superb rubies and .52 carats of brilliant white diamonds (F ...
Ruby, White Diamond, 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.