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18k Gold Diamond Butterfly Pin

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Pink Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Gold Brooch Pin Simply Wonderful
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Pink Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Brooch. Encrusted with Hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: round brilliant = 5.06cttw Yellow Sapphires
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi Colored Natural Diamond Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi-Colored Natural Diamond Butterfly Brooch Pin Metal: 18k yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch Clip
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18 karat (stamped) yellow and white gold, set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...

1900s Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and stylish c. 1900 silver over 18K gold openwork brooch / pin designed as a large
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond

1970 s Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Butterfly Vintage Pin/Pendant
Located in Boca Raton, FL
1970's diamond butterfly pendant and pin fashioned in 18 karat white gold. The butterfly features
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rhodochrosite Ruby Diamond White and Yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Stunning 2.5" by 1.76" 18K white and yellow gold butterfly with rhodochrosite wings, ruby eyes and
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Jade and Diamond Butterfly Pin or Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
green jade while its perimeter and body are framed by rose cut diamonds. Life this lovely piece to the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Brooches

Materials

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

Late Victorian Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch Clip with Diamond and Sapphire
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
collection. The brooch is made of 18 karat (tested) yellow gold and platinum and set with diamonds and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 15.95 Carat Total Diamond and Yellow Topaz Butterfly Pin, Silver Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
authenticity and current appraisal value. Metal: Silver with 18K yellow gold pin and hook Gemstones: Topaz and
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Silver, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Wood Diamond Yellow Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch Clip VCA
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
brooch. Made of wood and 18 karat yellow gold and accented with round brilliant cut diamonds (F color
Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Black Rhodium Multi Diamond Butterfly Pin
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This pin is ravishing and unique. This butterfly shaped pin is made of 18K yellow and rose gold and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Colored Enamel Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond & Colored Enamel Butterfly Pin Brooch Metal: 18k yellow gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Butterfly Stick Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Butterfly Stick Pin? An ornate butterfly
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Garnet and Ruby Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Birmingham, AL
Beautiful Estate Butterfly Brooch! Made in 18k yellow Gold the butterfly has Ruby Eyes, Diamond
Category

20th Century Unknown Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a lovely antique Victorian openwork butterfly pin brooch crafted in 18K gold and adorned
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Zircon, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver Plate

Van Cleef Arpels Butterfly Pin/Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold with blue and yellow enamel and diamonds on the butterfly pin
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Diamond and Sapphire, Ruby and 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
estate jewelry collections This impressive antique butterfly brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Intini Jewels Butterfly 18 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Moth Pin Scarf Clip Brooch
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
stunning 0.31 carat ruby and framed with 18 karat yellow gold details. A delicate and sparkling butterfly
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Platinum and 18 Karat Diamond and Gemstone Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Baltimore, MD
Platinum & 18K Diamond & Gemstone Butterfly Brooch Pin Metal: Platinum & 18k yellow gold Weight
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

Estate Butterfly Pink Sapphire 18karat Gold Pink Brooch Pin pendant
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite Estate Pink Sapphire butterfly pin and pendant is crafted in solid 18K white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Demantoid Garnet Tsavorite and Diamond Tremblant Butterfly Statement Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Diamond and Demantoid Garnet Tsavorite Gold Butterfly Mid Century Modern
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium

Ambrosi Diamond Gold Papillon Pin
By Ambrosi
Located in Southampton, PA
Ambrosi of Italy presents this exquisite 18K white gold and diamond pin. Always a fashion staple
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Butterfly Brooch with Moving Wings Tourmaline Ruby Diamond 18k Gold
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gold Weight: 15.7 Grams Stamps: 18k Closure: Bar Pin, Spinner Clasp Measurements: 40.5 x 37.6 mm
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Coral Diamond 18 Karat Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin Clip B&P s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels popular coral and diamond butterfly clip brooch crafted in 18 karat yellow and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Alex Soldier Citrine Gold Butterfly Hand-Textured Pendant Necklace Pin on Chain
By Alex Soldier
Located in New York, NY
lovely butterfly pendant/pin is suspended on 18 inch gold chain (included in price) and finished with
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18K Butterfly Brooch with Diamonds, Sapphires, Emeralds and Rubies
Located in Aspen, CO
Charming antique butterfly brooch set with an oval sapphire, 10 emeralds, 30 rose cut diamonds and
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Enamel Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Butterfly Brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels, 18K Yellow Gold, Blue Guilloche Enamel and set
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A sentimentally charming piece by Van Cleef & Arpels, this 18K yellow gold necklace is beautifully
Category

Late 20th Century French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K and Silver Opal, Ruby, Pearl And Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A true one-of-a-kind treasure, this exquisite butterfly brooch is masterfully handcrafted in 18K
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Buccellati Pearl Emerald Diamond Gold Butterfly Lapel Brooch
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
alluring Buccellati butterfly lapel brooch features dual white gold pins, one of which is secured with a
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond-Set Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, Swiss. Set with excellent quality diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Brooches

Materials

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

Retro Tiffany Co. Diamond 18 Karat Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a sculptural butterfly with open wings Accented by a round brilliant cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Ruby Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, England
A stunning butterfly brooch set in 18ct rose gold and silver, featuring sprung set fluttering wings
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Marlene Stowe Diamond Butterfly Brooch 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum
By Marlene Stowe
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautiful diamond butterfly pin by designer Marlene Stowe. The butterfly is crafted in 18 karat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Diamond Set Butterfly Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, platinum, Tiffany & Co., New York. This delightful Tiffany butterfly pin is the
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

French 1900s Butterfly Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Neck Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
thin chiseled gold butterfly is set on the antique brooch. The clasp is a pin with a safety hook
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Brooches

Materials

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

Gem-Set Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, American. Set with excellent-quality diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

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

Asprey Butterfly Diamond Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, circa 1997
By Asprey
Located in London, England
A breathtaking diamond butterfly brooch set in 18k yellow gold, signed Asprey, circa 1997. This
Category

1990s British Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

AUSTRIAN 1930 Guilloche Enamel Butterfly Brooch 18Kt Gold, Sapphire Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Vienna Austria in the shape of a butterfly. It was masterfully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats
Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silv...

A Round Brilliant Diamond And Three Colour Gold Butterfly Brooch Circa 1960s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and unusual diamond and gold butterfly brooch c.1960s, the body in white gold pavé set
Category

Vintage 1960s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18kt Oxidized Pink Sapphire Diamond Butterfly Suite
Located in New York, NY
Matching Pink Sapphire & Diamond Earrings set in Oxidized 18kt Gold with matching Butterfly Pin set
Category

1990s American Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cream and Blue Enamel Diamond Butterfly Brooch
By Moira
Located in London, GB
A cream and dark blue guilloche enamel butterfly brooch, set with a single brilliant-cut diamond to
Category

2010s British Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1989 Tiffany Co. 4.22 Carat Sapphire Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Gold Butterfly
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
barrel clasp Stamped 750 for 18 karat gold Fully signed Tiffany & Co. 1989 Measures: 1 3/8 x 1 1/8
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Jean Vitau Gemstone Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Jean Vitau
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
favorite flower brooch! This sweet butterfly is decorated with 24 yellow sapphires, 39 diamonds, 15 blue
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Sapphire Emerald and Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful butterfly brooch crafted in 18ct yellow gold. It features Sapphires
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Masriera Plique-a-Jour Enamel Pearl Diamond Butterfly Pendant
By Masriera
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
wears slightly shorter, as it gathers gently in the center. 18k yellow gold.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Butterfly Pendant Brooch Sapphires Emeralds Rubies Diamonds, 1930
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Butterfly Pendant and also a Brooch with fine Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds. The fine
Category

Vintage 1930s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond and Sapphire Butterfly Brooch circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Victorian diamond and sapphire butterfly brooch c.1890s, the wings of delicate openwork
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Tremblant Gemstone Butterfly
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
person. Made of 18 karat rose gold, the wings and body are decorated with cat’s eye quartz, rose cut
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 1990s 6.7 Carat Burmese Ruby 4.0 Carat Diamond Butterfly Brooch Platinum
Located in Lisbon, PT
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Butterfly Brooch in Platinum and White Gold, 1990s. This brooch is
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Boucheron Yellow Red Enamel and Diamond Butterfly Brooch Prov. Earl Mountbatten
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Boucheron Period 1960s Origin French Gemstones 7 x round brilliant diamonds Setting 18ct yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Diamond Dancing-Fairy Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
a pin and clasp. Made in 18k white gold and ready to be worn! Pendant/Brooch Length: 2.5 inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1990s Diamond and White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive pair of 0.24 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold stud earrings; part of our
Category

1990s Unknown Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Neo Classic Carved Agate Eros Cameo 18k Yellow Gold Silver Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Neo Classic Carved Agate Eros Cameo 18k Yellow Gold Silver Brooch. Featuring one carved
Category

Antique 1860s Neoclassical Brooches

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Fire Agate, Gold, 18k G...

1900s 2.08 Carat Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive pair of antique 2.06 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold stud earrings
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Coral Ruby Emerald Diamond Gold Floral Lapel Brooch/Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, weighing approx. 42.4 grams. Designed as a naturalistically inspired
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

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18k Gold Diamond Butterfly Pin For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 18k gold diamond butterfly pin you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a 18k gold diamond butterfly pin 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. A 18k gold diamond butterfly pin from Van Cleef Arpels, Tiffany Co. and Alberto — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. 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 mixed cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 18k gold diamond butterfly pin, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 18k Gold Diamond Butterfly Pin?

On average, a 18k gold diamond butterfly pin at 1stDibs sells for $6,684, while they’re typically $395 on the low end and $135,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.