Retro 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Diamond Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold expression of mid-century glamour, this Retro-era brooch is crafted in 14K yellow and white gold, featuring a striking 23.51-carat amethyst in a rich, saturated purple hue.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Victorian 0.96 carat diamond and pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold set brooch; part of our antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold Orchid Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Tiffany & Co diamond sapphire and yellow gold brooch circa 1950
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jean Vitau 18KT Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch, Diamonds, Yellow Sapphire & Tsavorite
By Jean Vitau
Located in New York, NY
He was known for patenting the Gemlok setting ,a secure and snag proof way of setting diamonds and colored stones. This lovely double leaf brooch is meticulously set with .80 carats...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Bar Brooch, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.80 carat diamond and 15 karat yellow gold, platinum set bar brooch; part of our diverse antique and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Italian Yellow Gold Brooch with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This Art Deco Italian 18kt Yellow Gold Brooch is an exquisite example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, featuring a sophisticated leaf-inspired relief design adorned with sparklin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Azalea Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. vintage Azalea brooch in 18K yellow gold, featuring five textured petals with finely engraved surface detail and six round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive sapphire and diamond brooch has been crafted in 12k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond Large Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold flower brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, set in the center with approx. 0.85ctw FG/VVS diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Diamond and Emerald Double Snake Brooch with Yellow Diamond Briolettes
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An extraordinary and dramatic brooch designed as two intertwining serpents, crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Lugano 11.10 carat diamond yellow sapphire 18k yellow gold enamel flower brooch
By Lugano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Complementing the diamonds are 19 vibrant oval and round brilliant cut yellow sapphires totaling approximately 8.60 carats, creating a rich, sunlit contrast that brings the floral mo...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Foliage Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This vintage brooch is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a dynamic foliage design set with vibrant emeralds totaling approximately 8.02 carats and diamonds totaling approximate...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Antique Brooch with Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stone Information - Primary Stone(s): Sapphire - Cut: Round - Color: Blue - # of Stones: 5 - Carat Weight (ea): ~0.164ct/ea - Total Carat Weight: ~0.82cttw Secondary Stone(s): Diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Spritzer & Furhmann 1960s Yellow Gold Diamond Rose Flower Brooch
By Spritzer & Fuhrmann
Located in New York, NY
Vintage circa 1960s 18k yellow gold brooch, designed by Spritzer + Furhmann, adorned with approx. 0.74ctw G/VS diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Fly Brooch with Diamonds
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.8 grams Diamond Details: Natural, Round Brilliant, G-H, VS Clarity. .25ct total weight. Pin Measureme...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Ladybird Brooch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Ladybird brooch. The brooch is set with 4 cabochon rubies throughout the wings, with a row of 10 square cut sapphires running through the centre of the body and 28...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Frog Diamond and Emerald Brooch in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A charming vintage diamond and emerald frog brooch set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Blossom Brooch with Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This Plum Blossom Brooch is a unique sculptural piece made from 18 karat yellow gold, encrusted with 5 round diamonds and a removable cabochon smoky quartz drop.
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch / Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant- This elegant brooch features a lovely lady in profile set beautifully detailed 14K gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Onyx, Rock Crystal and Diamond Bow Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.54 carat onyx, rock crystal and 0.29 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and silver set Art Deco bow brooch; part of our collection of antiq...
Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold, Silver
Diamond Bird Brooch Pin – 18ct Yellow & White Gold, 0.07ct Natural Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A beautifully crafted bird brooch pin in 18ct yellow and white gold, set with natural diamonds totalling approximately 0.07ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellatti Ruby Diamond Brooch Witches Heart 18K Yellow Gold
By Buccellati
Located in Fairfield, CT
Buccellatti Ruby Diamond Brooch Witches Heart 18K Yellow Gold This brooch by Buccellati features an intertwined double heart design in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Bird Brooch Pin – 18ct Yellow & White Gold, 0.50ct Natural Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A beautifully crafted bird brooch pin in 18ct yellow and white gold, set with natural diamonds totalling approximately 0.50ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Angel Fish Diamond Brooch in Enamel & Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Accented by a round cut diamond for the eye. This brooch is 10.98 grams.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1990s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Insect Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.43 carat ruby and 0.04 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold 'insect' brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior 18 Karat Yellow Gold 12 Diamonds Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Tokyo, JP
■ Item Number: TMR2407290003 ■ Brand: Christian Dior ■ Product Name: Diamond Brooch ■ Reference Number: Not Applicable ■ Material: 18 Karat Yellow Gold with a purity of 750 and 12 Di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1930s 12k Yellow Gold & Silver Diamond Enamel Jockey Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.52 carat diamond and enamel, 12 karat yellow gold and silver set jockey brooch - boxed; part of our diverse antique jewellery collections.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Bee Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in 台東区, JP
A charming Tiffany & Co. bee brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring a beautifully detailed three-dimensional insect design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum and Diamond Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage platinum and 18 karat yellow gold bar brooch, with brilliant diamonds for a total of 1.2 karats and a large central onyx, Italy 1900s-1920s Length 12.5cm
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.36 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Horseshoe Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This exceptional, fine and impressive antique brooch has been crafted in 9k yellow gold. This stunning diamond brooch has been modelled in the form of a horseshoe.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Art Nouveau Brooch Tourmaline, Diamond
Located in Berlin, BE
14K Yellow Gold Art Nouveau Brooch with Tourmaline, Diamond, Apatite, and Citrine – Floral Bouquet Design An exquisite Art Nouveau brooch crafted from 14K yellow gold, shaped into a...
Citrine, Diamond, Tourmaline, Apatite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carved Chalcedony Flower Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Brooch
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
In between rays of 18k yellow gold are pear shape diamonds in the center.
Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian diamond pearl 18k yellow gold floral brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Accenting the design are 3 cultured pearls measuring approximately 4.37mm - 3.98mm, bringing soft luster and refined contrast to the rich yellow gold setting. The floral motif gives ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch / Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant This stunning cameo features a lovely lady in profile accented with one round European cut diamond framed in delicate 1...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Diamond Enamel 18k Yellow Gold Bee Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Cartier bee-shaped pin is crafted in 18k yellow gold and accented with black enamel and a brilliant-cut round diamond. Made in France circa 1990s. Measurements: 0.62" (...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
12K Yellow Gold and Diamond Starburst Brooch/Pendant #23244
Located in Washington Depot, CT
12K Yellow Gold and Diamond Starburst Brooch/Pendant- This striking piece is crafted in 12K yellow gold and designed in a radiant starburst motif.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Parrot Brooch with Sapphires, Diamonds, Emeralds
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Custom-made 18k yellow gold parrot brooch, with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds!
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman Yellow Gold Diamond Gemstone Flower Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Designed as a bouquet of flowers sapphire, ruby and diamond flowers, with emerald pistils and leaves, set in 18k yellow gold. With Oscar Heyman 'HB' hallmark. CONDITION: Pre-owned...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Enamel Yellow Gold Duck Pin Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 0.21 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold stick pin brooch in the form of a duck; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18kt Yellow Gold Brooch / Pendant With Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique 18kt Yellow Gold Brooch / Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds Brooch has hoops attached so its a pendant that can also be worn on a necklace Diamonds: 16 Rose cut diamonds Mate...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Georgian Blue Enamel Diamond Silver Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Handmade early 1800's Georgian brooch with hand engraving, rose cut diamonds set in silver on 14k gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold
Victorian Sapphire Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold 'Insect' Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.04 carat diamond and 0.05 carat natural blue sapphire, seed pearl and 15 karat yellow gold brooch in the form of a winged insect; part of ou...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Brooch Grenade Moonstone Cabochon Diamonds Platinum Yellow Gold
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The flames are created out of silver and set with diamonds. The brooch is backed onto 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Moonstone, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold .83ctw Diamond Bow Brooch Slider Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 18k yellow gold brooch is designed as an elegant bow, set with .83ctw of diamonds across its sweeping ribbon-like form.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 3.13 Carat Diamond and 15k Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique seven stone diamond brooch has been crafted in 15k yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Diamond Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Heart Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 0.58 carat diamond and seed pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and silver set 'heart' brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Brooch / Pin
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Brooch/Pin- This elegant brooch features one round brilliant cut diamond and five oval opals (6 mm x 4 mm each) set in beautifully deta...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold "Baby" Brooch Crafted with Diamond Eyes
Located in Webster, NY
Custom made 18k gold "Baby" brooch set with diamonds. Diamond Carat Weight: .10CTW Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Color: F-G Clarity: VS2-SI1 Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Marked/Teste...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Diamond & Pearl Brooch/Watch Holder
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous Art Nouveau watch holder pin was made in 14k yellow gold with both seed pearls and diamond. The pin features a lovely enamel woman, dressed to the nines, with flowing h...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Jadeite Yellow Briolette Diamond Rose Cut Diamond Flower Brooch in 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These diamonds create a scintillating border, their collective brilliance forming a striking contrast against the central jade stones. 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold 6 Jade 7.0 Cara...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Brooch with Diamond Heart Pavé Set Diamonds Dangling Down
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning Yellow Gold Brooch with Diamond Heart Pavé diamonds set Dangling Down Diamonds: Brilliants cut diamonds together 2.54ct D/E Loupe clean/VVS Top quality Material: 18 kt sol...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Penguin Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A charming and finely crafted vintage penguin brooch, beautifully executed in solid 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 3.90 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Snake Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent antique Victorian 3.90 carat diamond and 9 karat yellow gold, silver set heart and snake design brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$40,000
Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Round Cut Diamond & Gold Flower Brooch 1 center round cut diamond approximately 1.10 ct surrounded by 163 smaller round cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Diamond and Pearl Yellow and Rose Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive pearl and diamond brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow and rose gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
TIFFANY & CO. 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of bold, sculptural design, this TIFFANY & CO. brooch is crafted in richly polished 18K yellow gold, forming a dramatic, stylized silhouette with clean, modern lin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
NALLY JEWELS Diamond Bicycle Brooch In 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Bicycle Brooch In 18k Yellow Gold. The bicycle features moving parts: handles, kick stand, spinning wheels, and spinning pedals.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 15 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Brooch/Pin #21405
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique 15 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Brooch/Pin- This stunning antique brooch is crafted in beautifully detailed 15K yellow gold and is accented with three round old mine cut di...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Abstract Spray Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An eye-catching abstract spray brooch from the 1970s crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Antique 1.67 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.67 Carat diamond, 9 karat yellow gold and platinum, silver set bar brooch; part of our diverse antique and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
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.