Skip to main content

18k Diamond Bow Brooch

to
27
222
100
244
94
77
60
32
29
27
23
22
20
15
13
9
9
9
8
6
5
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
23
14
12
5
4
Sort By
Estate 18K Diamond Lapis Onyx Coral Malachite Bow Brooch Pendant 7ctw G Vs
Located in Winter Springs, FL
This exquisite, one of a kind brooch is crafted in 18K yellow gold and inlaid with carved lapis
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Malachite, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s Retro Diamond and Rose Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
Retro 15 karat rose gold and diamond brooch, circa 1940, designed as an ornate bow supporting two
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 1900s 2.55 Carat Diamond White Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A large, exceptional and impressive 2.55 carat diamond bow brooch in 18k white gold; part of our
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Violin and Bow Gold Vintage Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Diamond Violin and Bow Gold Brooch Pin. Hand set with Pave Diamonds, approx
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 1.70ct Diamond Bow Brooch, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Art Deco brooch is a whimsical bow shape, adorned with an assortment of grain-set
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 18K Gold Double Clip Brooch with Diamond - Retro Bow Sheaf Design - 40s
Located in Milano, IT
This captivating vintage double clip brooch is a quintessential example of 1940s retro elegance
Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 1980s Diamond Gold Bow Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 1980s Diamond Gold Bow Brooch An 18k yellow gold bow brooch, set with
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

11.61 CTW Emerald and 8.82 CTW Diamond Bow Brooch in 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
11.61 CTW Emerald and 8.82 CTW Diamond Bow Brooch in 18K White Gold which is a fusion of surrealism
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

6.5 CTW Fine Diamond Bow Brooch Unisex Gift for Engagement in 18k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
6.5 CTW Fine Diamond Bow Brooch Unisex Gift for Engagement in 18K White Gold which is a fusion of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1980s Tiffany Co. Gold Bow Brooch with Diamonds
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Princess cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.40
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage natural rose cut diamonds real pearl bow brooch with 18K gold plating
Located in Delhi, DL
This is a beautiful sterling silver handmade diamond brooch. This brooch consists of : Diamond
Category

1990s Indian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

Multigem and Diamond Bow Brooch in 18kt Gold
Located in Braintree, GB
Made in Circa 1960s - 1970s A vibrant and sculptural bow-form brooch crafted in 18kt yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s European Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k White Gold Polished Black Onyx .30ctw Diamonds Ribbon Bow Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
This super cute vintage pin/brooch was crafted in solid 18k white gold. It features an adorable bow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold

French 1960s Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. A vintage jewel, this antique brooch features a
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Certified Natural Pearl and Diamond Bow Brooch 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
VICTORIAN NATURAL SALTWATER PEARL AND DIAMOND BOW BROOCH (late 19th Century) (GIA Lab report and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Vintage 1980s Gold and 10.50 Carat Diamond Bow Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

David Webb Platinum 18k Yellow Gold Bow Ribbon Red Enamel Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
. One such piece is his 18k yellow gold brooch fashioned in the shape of a ribbon, applied with vibrant
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Mid-Century Diamond Bow Spray White Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Miami Beach, FL
18k white gold brooch with 5.57 carats of H-I color diamonds Vs- SI2 clarity. On a 14k white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold and 2.00 Carat Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k rose gold and platinum with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bow Brooch, circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
An elegant antique diamond bow brooch with the tied ribbon set with old mine, old European and rose
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Silver and 18kt Gold 2.85 ct. Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
A charming antique bow brooch, finely crafted in silver over 18kt yellow gold and set with an array
Category

Antique 1880s European Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Silver and Gold, Victorian Old Cut Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Bow Brooch 18ct Gold and Silver Victorian craftsmanship at its finest. This
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Vintage 1980s 1.68 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1.68 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold bow brooch; part of our diverse
Category

Vintage 1980s British Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat yellow gold bow brooch, with round and tapered brilliant diamonds for a total of
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kutchinsky 18ct Gold Diamond Bow Brooch, 1960s – Brilliant Princess Cut
By Kutchinsky
Located in London, GB
Kutchinsky 18ct Gold and Diamond Bow Brooch, circa 1960s A spectacular vintage diamond bow brooch
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Diamond Bow Brooch Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 1.84 carats Brooch set in 18 Karat White Gold settings Width: 6.3 cm Length: 3.0 cm
Category

2010s Thai Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Two-Tone Diamond Bow Brooch in 18KT Gold (20.00 CTW)
Located in New York, NY
Color: D–F Diamond Clarity: VVS–VS Design: Bow Brooch Total Weight: 54.8 Grams Condition: Vintage, Very
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Enamel Tassle Bow Brooch with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold, silver and blue enamel with Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Victorian 2.60 Ct Diamond Natural Pearl Bow Brooch 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful Victorian Brooch is 1890 ca Exquisitely hand crafted during the time of solid 18 KT
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Bulgari Vintage Diamond Bow Brooch in 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Maker: Bulgari Summary: Vintage Diamond Bow Brooch in 18ct Gold Description:1960 A vintage diamond
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold and 3/5 Cttw Diamond Bow Pin Brooch (G-H Color, VS1-VS2 Clarity)
Located in New York, NY
finest 18K yellow gold, each curve and contour meticulously hammered to create a textured finish that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bow Brooch Pin with Diamonds and Ruby Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and ruby bow brooch features a bow design set with round diamonds en pavé (5.80 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond and 18 Karat White Gold Bow Brooch, 15.00 Carat, 1994
Located in London, GB
A late 20th century diamond, modern, and 18ct white gold bow brooch, with approximately 15.00
Category

1990s English Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Important French 1950s Diamond Bow Brooch in Platinum and White Gold
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant and sculptural, this exquisite 1950s bow-shaped brooch is handcrafted in platinum and white
Category

Mid-20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Multicolored Sapphire Diamond Topaz 18 kt. White Gold Bow Brooch
By FRALEONI
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. white gold brooch with 5.57 carat of round-cut diamonds ( H-I color - VVS1-VVs2 ), 23.00
Category

2010s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Antique Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Bow Brooch, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A French antique diamond and silver-upon-gold bow brooch, set with two rows of old mine cut
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Platinum and White Gold Diamond Bow Brooch with Burma Ruby Center
Located in New York, NY
investment and a versatile adornment, this ruby and diamond bow brooch reflects both the romance of a bygone
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Bow Brooch Diamonds and South Sea Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The bow brooch features a symmetrical geometric yellow gold design set with uncommonly large custom
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Ye...

Bow Brooch Diamond Ruby Pearl Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and ruby brooch pin features a bow design in black onyx pavé set with round diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Wh...

Retro 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bow Brooch with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Elegant 18 K yellow and white Gold Vintage bow brooch with natural Sapphires and Diamonds. The
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond Set Bow Brooch 14 Karat Yellow White Rose Gold
Located in London, GB
A vintage diamond set bow brooch in 14 karat yellow, white and rose gold, circa 1960 This
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Bow Brooch Diamonds Ruby South Sea Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The bow brooch features at the center a drop shape faceted ruby of pigeon blood color for the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, Yellow...

Vintage 18ct Gold Stamped, 1940s Bow Shaped Brooch with Cushion Cut Diamonds
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Bow Brooch 18ct Gold Stamped 750 Circa 1940s Step into timeless elegance with this
Category

Mid-20th Century European Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Bow Detachable Tassel Brooch Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 11.95 carats Brooch set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 6.0 cm Length: 9.2 cm
Category

2010s Thai Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Solid White Gold Spiral Grooved Pink Tourmaline Diamond Pearl Bow Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
(approx.) (Numerous) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant - Bezel Set - Nice White Color (1) Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Blue Sapphire with Diamond Bow Brooch Set in 18 Karat White Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 12.39 carats with Diamond 1.11 carat Brooch set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.00ct Diamond Bow Pin
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 18k white gold bow pin. The pin is set with sparkling baguette and round cut
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960s Bow Leaf Pendant Brooch with Diamonds and Sapphires in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
This elegant brooch with a leaf and bow motif can also be worn as a pendant. It has beautiful VVS
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

Platinum and 18 Karat Yellow Gold 4 Carat Diamond Bow Brooch, circa 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1950's Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 4 carat Diamond Bow Brooch. 4 carat in round and baguette
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1.01 Carats Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ribbon Bow Tie Brooch in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful brooch, showcasing a ribbon bow tie made of 18K yellow gold accented by brilliant
Category

20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Forget Me Knot Bow Brooch Pendant with Fire Opal and Yellow Diamonds
Located in Brisbane, AU
One of a kind Forget Me Knot Bow brooch / pendant Unisex design 18ct yellow and white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Sapphire White Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bow Tie Brooch Pin Over 7 Carat
Located in Tustin, CA
Dazzling, stylized bow tie or bow is depicted in an 18 karat yellow gold, yellow sapphire and white
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Yellow Gold Bow Pin
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 18k yellow gold bow pin is set with sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Platinum 18k Yellow Gold 2.88 Carat Round Cut Diamond Bow Ribbon
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 2.88 ct Round Cut Diamond Bow Ribbon Brooch / Pin Pendant
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

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

2.00 Carat Diamond Gold Bow Pin
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 18k yellow and white gold bow pin. The pin is set with sparkling round cut
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bow Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold Diamonds: 89 round brilliant cut = 4.45cttw Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.92ct Ruby 2.05ct Diamond Gold Bow Pin
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing 18k yellow gold bow pin. The pin is set with sparkling round and emerald cut
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "18k Diamond Bow Brooch", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

18k Diamond Bow Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 18k diamond bow brooch for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 225 vintage or 31 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a 18k diamond bow brooch from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 18k diamond bow brooch over the years, but those made by Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and Bulgari are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and old european cut alternatives. Most of our 18k diamond bow brooch for sale are for women, but there are 81 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 18k Diamond Bow Brooch?

Prices for a 18k diamond bow brooch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $315 and can go as high as $200,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,975.

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.  

Finding the Right Brooches for You

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 GucciVersaceDior 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.