1960s Gold Diamond Emerald Lion Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage, circa 1960s 18k gold lion brooch, adorned with diamonds, emerald eyes and onyx nose.
20th Century Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
1960s Gold Diamond Emerald Lion Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage, circa 1960s 18k gold lion brooch, adorned with diamonds, emerald eyes and onyx nose.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Verdura Lions Paw, Diamond, Turquoise & Gold Brooch
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura Lions Paw Diamond & Turquoise Gold Brooch This authentic Verdura brooch is a signature design featuring a natural Lion’s Paw scallop shell.
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Ruby, Emerald, & Diamond Lion Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meticulously fashioned in 18k white and yellow gold, the piece captures Tiffany's playful interpretation of a lion, exuding charm and personality. Adorning the brooch are seven sing...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Lion Doorknocker Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold brooch/pendant, depicting a lion's head, adorned with ruby cabochon eyes and approx. 1.50ctw in H/Si1 diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
14K YG/WG Diamond Ruby Emerald Lion Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A charming and highly expressive diamond, emerald, and ruby loin brooch, masterfully sculpted in textured 14K yellow gold and white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Hammerman Brothers Diamond Ruby Emerald Gold Lion Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic whimsical brooch by Hammerman. The brooch is hand sculpted in 18k yellow gold in the form of a mighty yet sweet lion.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Frascarolo Vintage Enameled Diamond Lion Head Brooch 49.84 Grams
By Frascarolo
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
frascarolo Vintage Enameled Diamond Lion Head Brooch Fierce yet cute!! ... this baby lion made in Italy features round brilliant cut diamonds set on the lion's face, teeth & ears.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 0.08ct Diamond and Emerald Lion Brooch, C.1970s
Located in London, GB
Adding to the quirkiness of this vintage brooch is the lion's one eye created using a small single emerald and four diamonds totalling to 0.08 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Handmade 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Lion Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
A Modern pendant/brooch lion head, circa 1960. The very well made hand executed lion head can be worn either as a pendant or as a brooch, it's made in 18k yellow and features 3 round...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$30,000Sale Price|55% Off
Oscar Heyman 18k Gold & Fancy Yellow Diamond 'Prowling Lion' Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman 18k yellow gold 'prowling lion' brooch contains a 0.01ct round emerald eye, 22 round diamonds (0.18ct, F-G/VS+), and 154 round fancy yellow diamonds (4.73ct).
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 14K Lion Brooch in Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond 1.34ctw
Located in Miami, FL
Powerful and symbolic, this exceptional vintage 14K yellow gold lion brooch is a statement of strength, heritage, and artistic craftsmanship.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
9K Yellow Gold and Diamond Lion Head Pin/Brooch #19975
Located in Washington Depot, CT
9K Yellow Gold and Diamond Lion Head Pin/Brooch This elegant lion's head pin features one round European cut diamond set in beautifully detailed 9K sand blasted yellow gold.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Large Lion Diamond Emerald Enamel Yellow Gold Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This iconic vintage Van Cleef & Arpels brooch features a fabulous lion design crafted in 18k yellow gold and accented with brilliant-cut diamonds, green emerald eyes, and a black...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
David Webb Rock Crystal Crouching Lion Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1971, this whimsical “crouching lion” brooch in 18K gold is composed of rock crystal and diamonds.
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Ruby, Diamond and Brown Diamond Lion Brooch set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.95 carats, Diamond 0.28 carat and Brown Diamond 7.68 carats Lion Brooch set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 7.4 cm Length: 3.4 cm Total Weight: 22.53 grams "We first opene...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Yellow Gold Lion Brooch with Diamonds, Emerald Eye & Ruby Detail
Located in New York, NY
Commanding and full of character, this 18k yellow gold lion brooch blends luxury craftsmanship with a bold, fashion-forward edge.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire & Emerald Whimsical Lion Cat Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (12) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Single Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 0.10ctw (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Emeralds - Round Cabochon Cut - Pave Cu...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Lion Cub Brooch with Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, CF Signed, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
A charming 1960s hand textured lion cub brooch, masterfully crafted in rich 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Victorian Yellow Gold Lion Brooch with Old Mine Diamonds - VHK#972
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Victorian Yellow Gold Lion Brooch with Old Mine Diamonds - VHK#972 Item Details: Metal Type: 10K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.5 grams Diamond Details: Old ...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Brooch Bavarian Royal Lion 14 Karat Gold Diamonds Rubies Natural Pearls
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The striding lion is decorated with diamonds and rubies. It is surrounded by an ornamental frame set with natural pearls and rubies.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby
$21,200Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Lion Brooch 18K Gold Diamond Emerald Vintage 1963 Figural Des
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
The lion’s expressive face is accented with approximately 10 natural diamonds, set to enhance its features with subtle brilliance.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Eyes Large Detailed Lion Head Pin Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds- Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G Color - VS2 Clarity - 0.16ctw (approx.) Total Carat Weight: 0.16 (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sea Lion Fish Diamond Green Garnet & Ruby 18K Rose Gold Pin Brooch
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 6.20x5.00x1.40cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "22 White Diamonds 0.11 CT 105 Fancy Diamonds 3.28 CT 326 Green Garnet 12.01 CT 2 Ruby 0.26 CT 18KR 34.21 GM (WBTT)" 18K...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Lion of Judah & Star of David Brooch–Pendant with Diamond Eye Royal Judaica
Located in Miami, FL
The lion’s eye is set with a bright 2.3mm round diamond, bringing the piece to life with an expression of vigilance and power.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Studio Rêves Gilded Sovereign Lion Brooch in 18K Gold and Titanium
By Studio Rêves
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
A powerful emblem of strength and regality, the Gilded Sovereign Lion Brooch is sculpted with remarkable depth and character.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Titanium
Circa 1950's 14k Yellow Gold Hematite Diamond & Emerald Lion Pin Brooch, 15.1g
Located in Providence, RI
This whimsical circa 1950s brooch features a charming lion crafted in 14k yellow gold with finely textured detailing.
Vintage 1970s Gold Lion Belt Buckle with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow hammered gold with two Round Brilliant cut Diamonds as the eyes, weighing a total of 0.14 carat. Made in Italy Circa 1970s 2 1/2 inch diameter
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Lion Stickpin of Diamond 10k Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Commanding in presence and rich with symbolism, this Edwardian-era stickpin (circa 1900) showcases a finely modeled lion’s head in 14k gold, its powerful jaws clenched around a spark...
Diamond, 10k Gold
Antique Lion Stickpin of 10k Gold with Diamond, Circa 1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A bold and whimsical antique stickpin (circa 1900), featuring a finely modeled lion crafted in 10k gold, gripping an old European cut diamond in its jaws and accented with two vivid ...
Diamond, 10k Gold
Antique 14K Gold Lion Stickpin with Diamond Eyes Circa 1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A bold antique stickpin dating to the turn of the 20th century, designed as a finely sculpted lion’s head crafted in 14 karat gold. The powerful expression is enhanced by an old Euro...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Lion Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized foliate lion head with grooved detail Depicted with furrowed brow and furling mane Clutching an old mine cut diamond in its teeth - prong set With additional d...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Animal Lion Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stickpin is designed as a stylized lion head with swirling grooved fur Featuring a prong set old mine cut diamond clutched in its teeth Weighing approximately 0.06 carat - eye clea...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Lion Head Stick Pin #18363
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Lion Head Stick Pin This elegant stick pin features one round single cut diamond set in beautifully detailed 10K yellow gold. (Clutch not gold) App...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Diamond Demantoid Garnet 14 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Antique Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional lion head with grooved snarling expression Holding an old European cut diamond in-between teeth - prong set Weighing approximately 0.04 carat - eye clean an...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris 18k YG, Onyx, Diamond & Emerald Lion Clip w/Pouch 1980s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k Yellow Gold, Onyx, Diamond & Emerald Lion Clip Brooch w/Pouch 1980s Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designe...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx
Van Cleef and Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Lion Brooch Pendant Convertible Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
At the heart of the design is a striking lion brooch, intricately detailed and encrusted with dazzling diamonds 1.00cttw.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Lion Door Knocker Earrings and Brooch Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Dive into the glamorous vibes of the 1970s with this ultra-rare Van Cleef & Arpels earrings and brooch set! Picture this: stunning lion door knockers made of 18kt yellow gold and spr...
Frascarolo Vintage Enameled Diamond Lion Brooch Pin
By Frascarolo
Located in Miami, FL
This Mid Century Italian designer Enameled Brooch was designed by Italian designer Frascarolo and inspired in a Roaring Lion Head motif.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Unavailable|$6,200
Buccellati Diamond Ruby Gold Lion Brooch
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat gold brooch of a lion by Buccellati. This lion has ruby eyes and a collar with five single cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Lion Gargoyle Brooch, 18K Yellow gold, 0.2CT Old Mine Diamonds brooch
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Jewelry Material: Yellow Gold 18k (the gold has been tested by a professional) Total Carat Weight: 0.20ct (Approx.) Total Metal Weight: 16.64g Size: 30 X 30 mm Grading Results: Ston...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$13,200
Cartier 18k Gold Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Lion Dragon Brooch Vintage
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
A very whimsical Gold, Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond Lion/Dragon Brooch Set in 18k Bi-Color Gold Dimensions: 1.5" x 1.5" Total Mass = 17.2 grams Overall Condition: Good.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$6,850
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Enamel and Diamond Lion Novelty Brooch Pin
Located in Sydney, NSW
A heavy weight retro 18k yellow gold novelty brooch in the form of a stylised lion with diamond set eyes and multi coloured enamel highlights and textured body with a double pin back...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel
Unavailable|$4,000
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Lion Brooch with Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Texutred Yellow Gold Lion with White Gold Accents Features Melee Diamonds, Ruby Cabochon Nose, and Emerald Eyes Appx 1 1/8" Long x 3/4" Wide Total Mass = 18.0 grams Piece is...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,467
Mid Century Diamond Emerald and Sapphire 18K Gold Lion Brooch circa 1960
Located in Goettingen, DE
Mid Century Diamond Emerald and Sapphire 18K Gold Lion Brooch circa 1960 Very attractive gold brooch, made of solid 750/18K yellow gold in the shape of a small lion, the cute figure...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,625
MCM 18 Karat Gold Enamel Lion Head Pin with Diamond Eyes Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Blue and Green enamel lion head pin with diamond eyes. Marked, MCM 18 kt Italy, Measures 2.25” by 1.75” wide. 1950s Weighs, 48.2 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$9,995
Yellow and White Gold Lion Head Pendant Brooch
Located in Naples, FL
18k Yellow and White Gold Lion Head Pendant Brooch. The diamonds weigh approximately 0.50 carats, 1 ruby weighing approximately 0.30 carats and 2 emeralds weighing approximately 0.25...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$19,980
Lions Head Pendant/Brooch carved in Tiger Eye Stone
Located in Munich, DE
Impressive carved Lion Head Pendant or Brooch clip. It is made of tiger's eye stone in a beautiful color change from gold to dark brown. Eyes, ears and snout are made of Brilliants p...
White Diamond, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,500
SeidenGang Diamond Gold Lion Pin
By SeidenGang
Located in Chicago, IL
Seidengang 18K yellow gold pin with 78 round diamonds weighing 1.09cts, G color, VS2 clarity and 2 cabochon pink tourmalines, with three 18K yellow gold chains
Tourmaline, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,382
18K Yellow Gold Platinum LION Diamond Ruby Pin
Located in Miami, FL
In 18K yellow gold and platinum, this exquisite LION pin features a 0.09 carat diamond and ruby, showcasing tremendous work and superb detail. Ideal for both men and women, this piec...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,995
Carved Coral Lion King Diamond Gold Pin/Pendant
Located in Frederick, MD
Weight: 22.6g Gem Stone: 5x=Diamond Center Gem Stone: 1x=Coral Composition: 14k Gold Marked Condition: Estate:Good Era: Vintage Measure*: 32.6mm (w) 62.2mm (h) 8.7mm (d)
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$9,200
Lion Motif Diamond Ruby and Yellow Gold Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. 0.09 carat Diamond and ruby. VS-SI clarity and F color diamond. Round brilliant cut diamonds. Round cut ruby. Hallmarks: "18K." Ladies yellow gol...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$5,400
Lalaounis Ruby Diamond Gold Lion Brooch
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
A regal lion brooch by Lalaounis, Greece, designed as a textured gold reclining lion with arms stretched and tail curled, the eyes set with round diamonds weighing approximately 0.20...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$8,500
Ruby Diamond Gold Sea Lion Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated 18 kt yellow gold sea Lion brooch with 75 round diamonds ap. 2.00 cts., 17 cabochon rubies, 2 marquise-shaped ruby eyes, one oval citrine nose, ap. 32.5 dwts.
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,850
Ruby Diamond Gold Lion Cub Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This adorable lion cub motif has been designed with a body of diamonds and ruby eyes. Well designed and realized. The dimensions are 3 1/2 X 2.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$5,000
Diamond, Emerald, and Sapphire Lion Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A textured gold lion set with 21 round brilliant cut diamonds, three round blue sapphires and two round emerald eyes, in 18kt yellow gold. Stamped VC
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Italian Frascarolo Diamond Enamel Lion Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fierce yet still cute! This baby lion made in Italy by designer Frascarolo features round brilliant cut diamonds set on the lion’s face, teeth and ears. Bright red enamel is hand pai...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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.