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Fine Platinum Diamond Horseshoe Brooch c.1925
Located in Worcester, GB
Fine Platinum Diamond Horseshoe Brooch c.1925 Period c.1925 Composition Platinum & diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century European Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Gold

Antique Yellow Gold and Ruby and Diamond Horseshoe Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Horseshoe Bangle; The horseshoe
Category

Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Old Mine Diamond Horseshoe Brooch Pin 18k Gold & Platinum
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Old Mine Diamond Horseshoe Brooch Pin 18K Gold Platinum Edwardian This gorgeous Edwardian circa
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 15 Karat Gold and Platinum and 5.0 Carat Diamond Horseshoe Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 15k Yellow Gold and Platinum and 5.0cts Old Mine Cut Diamond Horseshoe Necklace c.1880s
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Platinum, Gold

Edwardian Platinum Topped 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Horseshoe Brooch
Located in McLeansville, NC
An Edwardian platinum topped 18 karat yellow gold diamond horseshoe brooch. This brooch features a
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

French 1920s Diamonds Horseshoe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chain
Located in Poitiers, FR
- French work from the 1920s. Our opinion : This antique diamond horseshoe pendant will be a precious good
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Sapphire Diamond Horseshoe Pin
Located in Geneva, CH
Cushion Sapphire Natural non heated probably Kashmir. The horseshoe is set by Old-mine cut Diamond
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Horseshoe Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite diamond brooch taken from the Victorian period. This antique piece has
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

18 Karat Gold and Diamond Horseshoe Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage horseshoe brooch with 18 karat yellow gold and brilliant diamonds, Italy 1940-1950s
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Victorian Diamond Horseshoe and Retractable Pencil Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
14kt rose and is rather substantial in length, adorning a diamond lined horseshoe across the front
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique 1880s Diamond Horseshoe Russian Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold russian bracelet in horseshoe style centered with 1 old mine cut diamond with
Category

1860s Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Diamond Horseshoe Pendant Necklace Platinum & Yellow Gold
Located in MIAMI, FL
yellow gold & platinum. The pendant is set with old mine cut diamonds that graduate in size in the design
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.45 Carat Diamond Horseshoe Stick Pin, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
A delicate horseshoe sparkles with diamonds in this Victorian stick pin brooch. Nine old cut
Category

Early 1800s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Horseshoe and Riding Crop Locket
Located in London, GB
been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and showcases a rose cut diamond set horseshoe at the centre
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Platinum Diamond Horseshoe and Four Leaf Clover Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This piece features a delicate horseshoe design, intricately adorned with sparkling diamonds. At
Category

Late 19th Century Edwardian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian 18k/Platinum Sapphire + Rose Cut Diamond Horseshoe Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely fantastic horseshoe pendant necklace from the Edwardian (ca1910) era! Crafted in 18kt
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Conversion 18 Karat Platinum 2.0 Carat Diamond Horseshoe Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Platinum and 18 Karat White Gold shank 2.0 carats Old European Cut Diamond Statement
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique 1880s Old Mine Cut Diamond Horseshoe Russian Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold Russian cuff bracelet in horse shoe design centered with 3 old mine cut diamonds
Category

1880s Unknown Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian 18 Karat and Platinum 6.0 Carats Old Mine Cut Diamond Large Horseshoe
Located in New York, NY
Late Victorian 6.0 Carat Diamond Horseshoe on a Victorian 15k Yellow Gold long chain c.1880s Old
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 2.36 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Horseshoe Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.36 carat diamond and 9 karat yellow gold horseshoe brooch
Category

1890s Unknown Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.00 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum over Gold Horseshoe Brooch
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A beautifully symmetrical Diamond horseshoe brooch! The horseshoe is set with 37 old European
Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Antique Sapphire Diamond Gold Horseshoe Stick Pin
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 An antique gold stickpin in the form of a horseshoe (a good luck symbol) is embellished
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Art Deco Horseshoe Brooch with Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
This beautiful horseshoe shaped brooch is set in 18ct rose gold and platinum with rose cut diamonds
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Sapphire Horseshoe Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A fantastic horseshoe pendant necklace from the Victorian (ca1899) era! Crafted in 18kt yellow gold
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond and Natural Ruby Horseshoe Bangle Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
An incredible gemstone horseshoe bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Most likely French in
Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.20 Carat Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Horseshoe Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Early 1900's horseshoe brooch set with 15 square cut rubies and 12 rose cut diamonds. Fold up
Category

Early 20th Century Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian French Ruby, Diamond, and Sapphire Horseshoe Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
the base and accent both tips of the horseshoe, giving a total approximate diamond carat weigh of
Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Platinum 14k Gold Diamond Onyx Horseshoe Pin Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Edwardian era horseshoe pin features French cut onyx and single cut diamonds set in platinum
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Platinum

Antique 9K Gold Horseshoe Pendant with Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Rotterdam, NL
at the top of the horseshoe is decorated with a delicate diamond. The shiny stringed pearls in the
Category

19th Century European Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold

Victorian 14k/Sterling Silver Diamond and Ruby Double Horseshoe Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
bead-set old European cut diamonds. A small round-cut ruby is nestled between each of the horseshoes
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Double Horseshoe Diamond Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold ​​​Ring Size: 7 Total Weight: 10.0 Grams Diamond
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Modern Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Horseshoe Stake Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized yellow gold horseshoe with platinum stake Horseshoe is stylized with a
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian Horseshoe Tiara Ring Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Horseshoe Tiara Ring Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Gold The Victorian Double Horseshoe
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

18ct RoseGold Victorian Bohemian Garnet Diamond Lucky Horseshoe Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Horseshoe Necklace 18ct Rose Gold Tested Circa 1870s This exquisite Victorian horseshoe
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Brooch 18kt Gold Horseshoe with Sapphires and Diamonds 1920 Platinum
Located in Paris, FR
Horseshoe brooch circa 1920 in 18 kt yellow gold adorned with 20 calibrated sapphires and 14 old
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Horseshoe and Hammer Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous brooch has an old mine cut diamond encrusted horseshoe and it is resting upon a
Category

1920s British Art Deco Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Horseshoe Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond. The horseshoe shaped frame that surrounds the clover is ornamented with thirteen pavé set
Category

1890s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct White Gold and Platinum Victorian Opal, Diamond Lucky Horseshoe Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Horseshoe Necklace 18ct White Gold Tested Circa 1880 This stunning Victorian-era
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Victorian Enamel Pansy Clover Flower OMC Diamond Pendant Necklace Horseshoe Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A GORGEOUS VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU PENDANT NECKLACE IN THE FORM OF A HORSESHOE ADORNED
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Krementz 14k Gold, Seed Pearl, Diamond & Enamel Flower Horseshoe Brooch
By Krementz & Co
Located in Philadelphia, PA
horseshoe. Set throughout with seed pearls and centered on an enamel leaf & flower that is prong-set with a
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel

Art Deco Diamond, Onyx, and Platinum Horseshoe Jabot Brooch with Nail Terminal
Located in New York, NY
horseshoe, terminating in a diamond and onyx hobnail, in platinum. French import. Atw diamonds 1.25 cts
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Red Paste Horseshoe Stick Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian horseshoe stick pin brooch. It is crafted in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1900. The
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Gold and Pearl Horseshoe Brooch with Diamond-Set Nail and Pendant Loop
Located in New York, NY
An Edwardian brooch in the form of a pearl-studded horseshoe pierced by a pavé diamond spike, with
Category

Early 1900s Late Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Mid-19th Century Neapolitan Gold Horseshoe Dress Pin
Located in Firenze, IT
A Gold bar decorated with a Horseshoe, colored stone and Rose cut Diamonds, weight 6,4 gr.
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 9K Rose Gold & 15K Yellow Gold Horseshoe Bar Brooch
Located in London, GB
Introducing an elegant antique bar brooch from the 1920's, showcasing a delicate, lucky horseshoe
Category

1920s Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 14k Lucky Horseshoe Sapphire Ruby Seed Pearl Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
natural sapphire, a natural ruby and genuine diamond. The sapphire and ruby are each 3mm. The diamond is
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

"Lucky" Horseshoe" Brooch in Platinum on 18 Karat Yellow Gold, circa 1915
Located in Wailea, HI
Circa 1915 "Lucky " Horseshoe" Brooch in Platinum on 18k Yellow Gold 38 old European Cut diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Collection of Antique Screwdrivers and Wire Cutter c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
Kraeuter, Diamond Calk Horseshoe Co., Bet'r Grip. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1950. MATERIALS AND
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Steel

Russian Sapphire and Diamond Horse-Shoe Brooch
Located in London, GB
gold in the shape of two interlocking horseshoes, one set with dazzling diamonds and the other with
Category

1880s Russian Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Napoleon III Turquoise Natural Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Horseshoe Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karats yellow gold and silver. Lovely antique brooch in the shape of a horseshoe, it
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Turquoise, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Sterling Silver...

Victorian Opal and Diamond Horseshoe
Located in Houston, TX
So hard to capture the true beauty of the opals in this gorgeous Victorian horseshoe!! It has all
Category

1880s English Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Horseshoe Brooch or Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian brooch in the form of a horseshoe. Set with graduating natural Oriental black pearls
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl

Antique Gold Ruby and Diamond Horseshoe Bangle, circa 1910
Located in Preston, Lancashire
This fabulous antique bangle features European cut diamonds and natural rubies totalling an
Category

1910s British Art Deco Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Antique Diamond and Sapphire Horseshoe Brooch
Located in Paris, FR
Yellow and pink gold horseshoe-shaped brooch set with a line of blue sapphires bordered by a line
Category

1870s French Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Horseshoe Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
There are myriad theories as to how the horseshoe came to be a symbol of good luck. One of the most
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Early 20th Century Gold Chain with Horseshoe Pendant with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in roma, IT
18 kt gold horseshoe central chain with rose-cut diamonds and round rubies. Jewelry for lovers of
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Diamond Paste Horseshoe Pin Brooch c1840 2.5g 625 Purity
Located in Camelford, GB
: Victorian classic pin in the stock style with lovely gem set horseshoe. Gemstones: Round cut diamond paste
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Rose Gold

Diamond & Ruby Horseshoe Tie or Lapel Pin in Gold & Platinum, French, circa 1895
Located in London, GB
Equestrian tie or lapel pin in the form of a horseshoe in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold. The
Category

1890s French High Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Large 3.00 Total Carat Diamond Horseshoe Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely stunning diamond horseshoe pendant from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! Crafted in 14kt
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1890s Diamond Horseshoe Silver Gold Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian 1890s horseshoe diamond brooch. The design features twenty-one old mine-cut diamonds
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Horseshoe

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

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Antique Diamond Horseshoe For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate antique diamond horseshoe for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of gold, yellow gold and 14k gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 16 vintage or 1 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect antique diamond horseshoe among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. See these pages for an old european cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old mine cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. Finding an antique diamond horseshoe for sale for women should be easy, but there are 10 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Antique Diamond Horseshoe?

Prices for an antique diamond horseshoe can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $550 and can go as high as $38,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,950.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.