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Pearl and Diamond Brooch Pin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Large pearl and diamond brooch in 18-karat white gold. Gracefully spread over the bee's wings are
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Classic Diamond Gold Bumblebee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A timeless classic, this charming bee pin's body is covered with beautifully cut, white and clean
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond Gold Bumblebee Brooch Pin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamond set in 18k white gold. The bee’s body is hand worked to create a realistic figure for our buzzing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Materials

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

Fine Edwardian Bee Pin with Tiger s Eye and Diamonds
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Lifelike, textured yellow gold bee pin with cabochon onyx eyes, a cabochon tiger's eye body and
Category

20th Century Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Platinum

Whimsical Victorian Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Silver Gold Bee
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
over yellow gold, rose cut diamonds, cabochon ruby eyes and a pearl body, complete with anatomically
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.50 Carat Diamond Bee Pin 4.53 Grams
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This bee is brought to life with 18k yellow gold and VS diamonds set into the top of the bee. Each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Tsavorite Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
The 18 karat yellow gold Tiffany Co. tsavorite and diamond bee brooch features 19 green
Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Rosenthal Honeybee Brooch Diamond Ruby Gold
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosenthal diamond ruby and gold honeybee brooch circa 1970. Connoisseurs know that exacting
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Magnificent Pair of Pearl and Diamond set Gold Flower Brooches
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, Swiss. This pair of insouciant flower brooches are the epitome of cheerful
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Three Ruby Diamond Gold Bee Pins
Located in Miami, FL
These authentic Tiffany & Co. enchanting three delicate bees in solid 18K yellow gold, the three
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Victorian Butterfly Pin Brooch Gold Gemstones Enamel 18k Estate Jewelry Antique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A colorful butterfly pin brooch made of 18k gold, featuring various gemstones, and accented with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. French Turquoise Diamond Gold Platinum Sunflower Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
A French Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold and platinum brooch with turquoise and diamonds by Tiffany
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Herbert Rosenthal Gold Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
This charming brooch by Herbert Rosenthal is a playful variation on his classic bee pins. The ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Citrine, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Bee Pin, 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Ruby Eyes
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Such a cute little bumble bee brooch. Herbert Rosenthal is the most famous manufacturer of these
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pair of Van Cleef Arpels Bee Pins
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
A rare pair of bee pins, by Van Cleef and Arpels set with rubies, sapphires, diamonds and turquoise
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Vintage 1950s Italian Cabochon Cut Rose Quartz and Gold Bumblebee Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
bee brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The brooch has been realistically modelled in the
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Brooches

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Unusual Victorian Branch Coral, Pearl Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Branch Coral Brooch with a Bee formed with a natural Pearl Body and Diamond Wings landing on a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold

Carved Coral Emerald Sapphire Diamond Antique Style Brooch in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The Black Opal, Sapphire, and Diamond Art Deco Style Bee Brooch features a mesmerizing black opal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Coral, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold

Estate Peter Lindeman 18K Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Liberty Bell Pendant Pin
By Peter Linderman
Located in Birmingham, AL
Bicentennial Celebration! It is made in 18k yellow Gold and has a Platinum moveable Clapper. Above the "1976
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Sabbadini 5.45 Carats Pave Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Mystery Set B
By Sabbadini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a stylized bee Eyes are round sapphire cabochon eyes while body is mystery
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...

Diamond Ruby Gold Bee Brooch
Located in Toronto, ON
Diamond, Ruby and 18K (tested) yellow and white gold bee en tremblant. The brooch consisting of 102
Category

20th Century More Jewelry

Bumble Bee Necklace Diamond Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Chain Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed vintage diamond bumble bee pendant & necklace crafted in 18k yellow
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Zorab Multi-Gemstone Multi Way Bee Motif Jewelry Piece
By Zorab Creation
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A unique 18k rose gold multi-gemstone bee 3 in 1 jewellery piece. The jewellery piece includes a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sa...

1980s Italian Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Bee Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Italian 0.38 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set 'bee
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Gold Diamond Chaumet Bee Brooch
By Chaumet
Located in Venice, CA
Vintage 18K Gold & Diamond Chaumet Bee Brooch This charming vintage 18k diamond bee brooch by
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Bee Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This brooch is crafted in 18k gold and designed in the shape of a bee. The body is set with round
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Gold and Diamond Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Herbert Rosenthal 18K yellow Gold Bee Brooch, measuring 1 inch from Wing tip to tip and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby And Emerald Bee brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.6 grams. Totally is diamond 1.65 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal large 18k Sapphire and Diamond Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Herbert Rosenthal Bee Brooch, measuring 1 1/2 inches Wing tip to Wing tip and 1 inch in
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Emerald Yellow and White Gold Bee Brooch
Located in Dallas, TX
For the collector of brooches! In 18 karat yellow and white gold, set with 0.50 cts of single-cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Diamond and Sapphire Bee Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, Silver over 18k gold, possibly French. Set with .80 carats of diamonds and .80 carats
Category

Vintage 1920s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Bee Brooch with Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant bee brooch with rubies and diamonds. The five diamonds are graduated in size with the
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Sabbadini Tourmaline and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Bee Brooch
By Sabbadini
Located in London, GB
cut diamonds on each all mounted in 18 carat gold. The body measures approximately 2.5cm x 3.2cm and
Category

2010s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Rosenthal Amethyst Diamond Ruby Gold Bee Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosenthal amethyst and diamond gold bee brooch circa 1970. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #P-DJ69H. Scroll
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Rosenthal Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
good taste to yours. Cheers! Rosenthal ruby and diamond 18-karat yellow gold bee brooch, circa 1970.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Herbert Rosenthal 18K Yellow White Gold Diamond Ruby Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Houston, TX
: 5.97 grams One 18K white & yellow gold animal diamond and ruby vintage brooch. The metal was tested
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

Rosenthal Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Bee Brooch
By Rosenthal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosenthal diamond ruby and gold bee brooch circa 1980. DETAILS: DIAMONDS: nineteen round
Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Herbert Rosenthal 18k and Gem set Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Herbert Rosenthal 18k Yellow Gold Bee Brooch, measuring 5/8 inch in length X 3/4 inch
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold

Rosenthal Emerald and Diamond Set Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Herbert Rosenthal, New York City. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Emerald Diamond Gold Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Herbert Rosenthal, New York City. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond Yellow Gold Bee Pin Brooch
Located in Delray Beach, FL
The charming vintage 18k yellow gold bee brooch is beautifully set with sixty-one (61) round
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is set with 1.25 carats of brilliant white diamonds (G color, VS
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Iconic Sapphire Diamond and Yellow Gold Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond and Sapphire Bee Brooch by Herbert Rosenthal, measuring 7/8
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Large Yellow Gold Diamond Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Herbert Rosenthal Bee Brooch, measuring 1 inch in length and 1 3/8 inches Wing tip to
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rosenthal 1970s Honey Bee Diamond Ruby Gold Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosenthal 1970s diamond ruby and gold honey bee brooch. Mounted in 18-karat gold, the wings set
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold

Tiffany Co. Ruby Diamond Gold Bee Pin Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
Tiffany & Co.'s rendition of the bumble bee. Set with 18 rubies weighing .60 carats and a
Category

1990s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Herbert Rosenthal 18K Gold 2.35ct Ruby Diamond Fly Bee Insect Pin Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Montclair, NJ
crafted from solid 18k yellow gold. The brooch features a fly/bee insect design and drenched with fine
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Ruby Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Troy, MI
Charming stylized Herbert Rosenthal bee pin is compromised of 18k yellow gold with a diamond
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Quality 18k Gold 7.28ctw Invisible Set Ruby Diamond Emerald Bee Fly Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a breathtakingly designed and very well-made brooch crafted in solid 18k yellow
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Herbert Rosenthal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Bee Brooch Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Herbert Rosenthal 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Bee Brooch Pin This authentic brooch by
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Rosenthal Diamond Bee Pin Brooch
By Joel Arthur Rosenthal
Located in Troy, MI
pendant. Wear this vintage 18 karat yellow gold diamond encrusted pin as an accessory and show your
Category

2010s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Luxle 0.93 Carat T.W. Diamond Bee Brooch with Emerald in 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Working best for your trendy looks, this Luxle brooch crafted in 18K White Gold has a captivating
Category

2010s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Collectable Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Ruby Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Troy, MI
Charming stylized Herbert Rosenthal bee brooch is compromised of 18k yellow gold with a diamond
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bee Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Delightful Bee Brooch Pin featuring an enchanting bee intricately crafted in 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Collectable Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Ruby Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Troy, MI
Charming stylized Herbert Rosenthal bee pin is compromised of 18k yellow gold with a diamond
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Gem set Gold Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Herbert Rosenthal 18K Yellow Gold Bee Brooch, measuring 7/8 inch in length and 1 inch
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold, Diamond Ruby Tiffany Co. Bumble Bee Pin Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Adorable eighteen karat 18K yellow gold Tiffany & Company Bumble Bee Pin Brooch with diamond back
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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18k Gold And Diamond Bee Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 18k gold and diamond bee brooch you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. You can easily find a 94 antique edition and 20 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a 18k gold and diamond bee 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 19th 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 gold and diamond bee brooch over the years, but those made by Herbert Rosenthal, Cellini and Sabbadini are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cabochon cut and mixed cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a 18k gold and diamond bee brooch, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 18k Gold And Diamond Bee Brooch?

Prices for a 18k gold and diamond bee brooch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $100 and can go as high as $39,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,764.

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.