18K White Gold Pearl and Diamond Crown Brooch, Italy 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat white gold crown brooch with 4 pearls and 1 carat of diamonds, it can also be warn as a pendant / Italy 1950s
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Multi-Gemstone Diamond and 18k White Gold Crown Brooch Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive rare antique 0.95 carat chrysoprase, 1.10 carat ruby, 2.40 carat sapphire, 0.80 carat amethyst, 0.30 carat opal and 0.03 carat diamond crown brooch in...
Amethyst, Chrysophrase, Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, W...
Antique Diamond Pearl Gold Crown Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890s This Belle Epoque openwork gold brooch is finely modeled as a royal crown embellished with pearls, old mine and rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Antique Crown Brooch Diamonds Pearls Silver Gold
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This charming little brooch is designed as a crown with seven prongs. Seven pearls, one larger oval pearl and six smaller round pearls represents the prongs of the crown.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Edwardian 0.55ct Diamond Navy Crown Brooch, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1910s, this Navy crown brooch is set with 0.55 carat of diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Old Cut Diamond and Enamel Crown Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite brooch taken from the Victorian era showcasing a regal crown design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein Cord Crown Heart Gold Diamond Pendant Brooch
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in New York, NY
18k gold crown heart brooch pendant, with hidden collapsible bale.
Diamond, Gold
Retro pearl diamond 14k yellow gold platinum crown brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Retro pearl diamond 14k yellow gold platinum crown brooch is a regal and beautifully crafted vintage jewel showcasing the bold glamour and refined elegance of the 1940s.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Crown Brooch with Pearls Sapphires and Diamonds in Platinum Setting
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This brooch is designed in the shape of a crown, adorned with five pearls and accented by sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum
1950s 18k Yellow Gold Crown Diamond and Pearl Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.1 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .75ct, total weight Cut: Transitional Round Color: H Clarity: VS Pin Mea...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique 14K YG Diamond Pearl Crown Motif Brooch c. 1920s
Located in New York, NY
This charming antique 14K YG diamond pearl crown brooch is adorned with 5 lustrous natural pearls and set with 21 old mine cut diamonds approximate in G-H color VS-Si clarity Approx...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage Diamond and Pearl Gold Crown Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Vintage Diamond and Pearl Gold Crown Brooch. Hand set with securely nestled Diamonds, weighing approx. 1.20tcw.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Diamond Ruby Seed-Pearl Enamel Royal Crown Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A chic and elegant brooch from the 1960’s depicting a royal crown. Studded with round brilliant cut diamonds, vivid red rubies, natural pearls and finished with hand painted green en...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Crown Heart Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond enamel 18 karat yellow gold and platinum crown heart brooch.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$4,500Sale Price|40% Off
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Heart with crown Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: *Motivated to Sell – Please make a Fair Offer* Metal: 18K (Au 72.91-75%) Weight: 16.2G Main Stone: 43 Diamonds 1.15cts. Color: G Clarity: VS Secondary Stone: 56 Rub...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby, Diamond, Pearl Luckenbooth Heart Crown Circle Brooch, Circa 1910
Located in London, GB
American, circa 1910. Luckenbooth brooches are traditional Scottish love tokens. They are usually a heart shaped brooch, often with a crown or coronet above one heart, or two intert...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Crowned Heart Brooch/Pin #24520
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Crowned Heart Brooch/Pin- This stunning crowned heart pearl brooch is accented with nine round old mine cut diamonds* set in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.45 Carat Sapphire, 6.16 Carat Diamond and Natural Pearl Gold Crown Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, stunning, fine and impressive 1.45 carat sapphire, 6.16 carat diamond and natural pearl, 9 karat yellow gold and silver set crown brooch; part of our diverse array of ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Vintage 3.60 Carat Garnet 0.78 Carat Diamond and Gold Crown Brooch/Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 3.60 carat garnet, 0.78 carat diamond and 15 karat yellow gold and silver set crown brooch/pendant; part of our vintage brooches collection.
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique TT Gold Diamond & Ruby Detailed Crown w/ Sceptre Pin Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
It features a beautifully detailed open work crown design with a sceptre and is neatly set with very fine quality diamonds and ruby stones throughout.
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
British Imperial Crown Diamond, Emerald, Enamel 18K Gold Brooch, London c1900's
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Crafted with refined elegance in 18K Yellow Gold & Silver, lavishly embellished with rose cut diamonds of Top Wesselton quality – G colour, VS clarity – of impressive 1.50ct in tota...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver
Antique Crown/Coronet Brooch Diamond & Pearls with Cross 15K Gold - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this stunning antique Victorian 15ct gold diamond and pearl brooch made c.1890. Featuring a stunning regal design of a crown/coronet with intricate goldwor...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
18 Karat Yellow gold Crown Brooch / Pendant with Precious Stones and Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt Yellow gold Crown Brooch / Pendant with Precious Stones Beautiful 18 kt gold crown Brooch/Pendant set with brilliant cut diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and Huge citrin...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Pearl Crown Brooch in 9KT Gold and Silver, Circa 1880s
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions: Measurements: 7 x 2.3 cm Weight: 13.4 grams Specifications: Year: Victorian period, circa 1880s Metal: 9KT gold and silver Other details: Crown-shaped / coronet design, o...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Deco Platinum & Gold Diamond Royal Crown w/ Sceptre Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (17) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant & Single Cut - Pave & Bezel Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 0.40ct (approx.) Material: Solid Platinum w/ 14k Chai...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique French Ruby, Emerald, Diamond Pearl Crown Coronet Brooch 18K Gold c.1900
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique French 18ct gold crown/coronet brooch made c.1900. A quintessential crown/coronet design embodying regality and opulence, even upo...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Art Deco Style Bow Crown 14K White Gold Pin Brooch
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A truly beautiful white gold bow brooch set with diamonds and French cut sapphires. The milgraining of the metal edges allow the diamonds and gemstones to sparkle without competing w...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,340Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 0.45ctw Diamond Blue Enamel Work Royal Crown Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (11) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Buttercup Prong Set & Pave Set - Nice White Fiery Diamonds - 0.45ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold W/...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,198Sale Price|20% Off
18k White Gold 1ctw Ruby & Diamond w/ Pearl Milgrain Work Crown Tiara Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Cut - Bezel Set - Deep Red Color - 0.40ctw (approx.) (2) Genuine Cultured Pearls - Round Shape - Stem Set - White Color - 3.1mm each ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, White Gold
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Pearl Heart and Crown Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 10.2 grams Diamond Details: Old Mine Brilliant, 1.00ct total weight, I/J Color, VS Clarity Pin Measuremen...
【Crown Radiance】Convertible South Sea Golden Pearl Brooch Pendant in 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
The pearl is detachable, allowing the piece to transform seamlessly between a refined brooch and a standalone pendant. The brooch structure is crafted in 18K yellow gold, designed w...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
“Crown” 14 Karat Lapel Pin with Pearls & Diamond
Located in Vero Beach, FL
14 karat yellow gold “Crown ” pin. Tested 14KT Pin measures 1 1/2 ” wide x 7/8 ” Ht, with a tube closure for the back pin. Pin contains Five (5) Old Mine Cut diamonds measuri...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique Edwardian 14K Gold Crown Stick Pin w Diamonds, Emeralds, & Seed Pearls
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique figural crown stickpin. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a crown with alternating pave-set diamond and emerald gemstone to the crown's band and seed pearls to...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Ruby Diamond Royal Crown Pin
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 3.00 inches Width: 19.00 mm Weight: 3.02 grams Lady's 18K yellow gold diamond, sapphire, and ruby Victorian (1837-1901) stick...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Topazs, Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Retrò Brooch
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
All around, a crown of diamonds. This brooch was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tourmaline Amethyst Citrine Aquamarine and Diamond Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive brooch is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report card.
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,465Sale Price|53% Off
IGI Certified 3.00ct Natural Diamonds 18K White Gold Necklace and Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Experience the pinnacle of luxury with our Top Crown Jewelry convertible brooch and necklace—an exquisite 18K white gold pendant/brooch set shimmering with 600 natural white round br...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,590Sale Price|36% Off
IGI Certified 3.00ct Natural Diamonds 18K White Gold Necklace and Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Indulge in the ultimate luxury with this stunning 18K white gold set by Top Crown Jewelry. This versatile piece seamlessly transforms from a pendant necklace to a brooch, offering en...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jean Vitau 3 Brooch Pins Flower Humingbird Bird Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold
By Jean Vitau
Located in New York, NY
The three brooches are all signed Jean Vitau. Bird Brooch with Diamond Crown: The bird is 1 5/8 inches (42mm) tall and is 1 1/4 inches wide.
Diamond, Sapphire, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow S...
【Crown Radiance】Majestic Bloom Emerald South Sea Pearl Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of elegance and brilliance, this luxurious pendant features a top-tier 14-15mm Aurora South Sea pearl, exuding an extraordinary luster. Set in 18K white gold, the desig...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
$11,600Sale Price|33% Off
IGI Certified 57.07ct Natural Purple Amethyst 1.23ct Diamonds Brooch / Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Experience the pinnacle of luxury with our Top Crown Jewelry convertible brooch and necklace, expertly crafted in platinum and 18K yellow gold.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$22,500
Natural Pearl Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Crown Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Sporting nine natural pearls with excellent nacre, this pin also boasts three kite-shaped emeralds and four cushion rubies of superb color and luster and old cut diamonds, mounted in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,600
Edwardian Pearl Diamond Multi Gem Set Crown Brooch
Located in Bangkok, TH
An excellent condition antique Edwardian style brooch crafted in 18kt white gold. The four precious stone parallel beneath the body of linear brooch are well color matched with frenc...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Colored Stones Natural Pearls Rose Cut Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold Crown Brooch
Located in SEVILLA, ES
Magnificent 18 karats yellow gold crown brooch with two rubies, two emeralds, two saphires and sixty rose cut diamonds that have 0.55 carats estimated.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$15,000
Antique Crown of the Doge of Venice Brooch
Located in London, GB
The Doge was deposed by Napoleon in 1790 and never returned.Since the 1830's, Venetian jewellers have been making their interpretations of the Crown for the Grand Tour visitors. This...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 1800s Ruby Old Mine Diamond Royal Queen Crown Swan Bird Brooch Pendant
Located in New york, NY
An Impressive & Rare Early Napoleanic Era Victorian 1800-1850s Ruby & Old Mine Cut Diamond Set Royal Princess/ Queen Swan with Crown Necklace Pendant / Brooch, Basic Dimensions & Sp...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k White and Yellow Gold Early 1900s Crown Brooch with Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Roma, IT
Handmade 18k white and yellow gold crown brooch with 18 emeralds 1.90 carats circa and 75 old cut and rosette diamonds 0.80 carats circa.
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$6,500
Victorian Diamond and Pearl Crown Pin
Located in Prairie Village, KS
pearl crown brooch, bead and collet set diamonds totalling approx. 1 1/2 carats.
Diamond
Unavailable|$33,600
Signed Marcus & Co. Natural Pearl & Old European Platinum Crown Brooch
By Marcus & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An early piece from the reign of the iconic luxury jewelry designer, William Marcus, and his company Marcus & Co. The piece features five natural pearls and 5.00 Carats of Old Europe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,850
Diamond and Gold Crown Pin, 19th Century
Located in St. Catharines, ON
A royal crown of stylized design, bezel set with a cushion-cut diamond, below a rose diamond Maltese cross, the borders and bands set with rose diamonds that graduate in size, many w...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,095
Early Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Crown and Flower Tremblé Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
A breathtaking and highly unique tremblé pin from the Early Victorian (ca1850s) era! This magnificent piece is crafted in rosy 12kt yellow gold and features a bold crown and a floral...
Diamond, Gold
Unavailable|$495
Antique Crown Pin with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Antique crown pin with diamonds in 18 k yellow gold. It weighs 3.18 gms.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,400
Crown Pin Set in Platinum Contains 1.0 Carat Total Weight Diamonds
Located in Atlanta, GA
1.0 carat total weight of diamonds illuminate this fantastic platinum crown pin. The openwork pin is artfully-designed and measures 2 1/8 inch wide and 1 1/4 inch high. a fabulous wa...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,800
Antique Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Crown Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Nashua, NH
Antique Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Crown Pin. The pin is set with 53 old mine cut diamonds, approx. total wt. 1.70cts., FG color, VS clarity, width 1 1/4", length 3/4", newer pin ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
3.25 Carat Platinum 18k Gold Diamond Art Deco Crown with Wings Pendant Necklace
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
An Art Deco crown with wings diamond brooch was turned into a pendant necklace.
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Crown Brooch Platinum Topped 18k Gold Circa 1910
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Edwardian Diamond Crown Brooch Platinum Topped 18k Gold Circa 1910.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14 Karat Rose Gold 2.00 Carat Old European Cut Natural Diamond Crown Brooch Pin
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Rose Gold 2.00 Carat Old European Cut Natural Diamond Crown Brooch Pin Metal: 14k rose/pink gold Weight: 6.97 grams Diamonds: Approx. 2.00 CTW G-H VS-SI1 old European cut n...
Diamond, Rose 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.