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Retro Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Beautifully designed butterfly brooch graces any outfit. The diamonds are set in platinum and the
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Yellow/White Gold Diamond Ruby Butterfly Pin
Located in Houston, TX
18K yellow and white gold small butterfly pin. There are fifty (50) round diamonds totaling 1.25
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co Diamond Butterfly Brooch Pin in 18K Yellow Gold
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Boston, MA
A vintage Tiffany & Company diamond butterfly brooch in 18 karat yellow gold. Accented by five
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Marilyn Cooperman Topaz Tourmaline Diamond Gold Butterfly Pin
By Marilyn F. Cooperman
Located in Miami, FL
Marilyn Cooperman - 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond, Topaz and Tourmaline Butterfly Pin Featuring 11 Mixed
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Butterfly Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
astonishing 18K yellow gold brooch that boasts the adorable motif of a butterfly while embellished with
Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

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

David Webb Enamel Diamond Emerald Gold Butterfly Pin
By David Webb
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
At almost 3 inches by 2 inches this wonderfully colorful brooch is nothing short of impressive. David Webb is famous for their enamel work and this piece is a great example of guil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Wood Butterfly Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Diamond Wood Brooch Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 9 round brilliant
Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Diamond Butterfly Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpel Ruby Diamond Butterfly Pin 18 Karat Gold
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Magnificent! Finely detailed Blue Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Revival Butterfly Brooch
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Yellow Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gracious and feminine butterfly pin created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1990's. Made of yellow
Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Butterfly Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Van Cleef and Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Butterfly Pin. 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18K white and yellow gold diamond butterfly pin, stamps K18, RBC cut diamonds weighing approx. 3.50
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Vintage Diamond, Emerald and 18K Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Norwood, NJ
Gold, 18 karat diamond and emerald brooch pin in the form of a butterfly. 18 round diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold

Mario Buccellati Turquoise Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Pin
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18K white and yellow gold, featuring a turquoise cabochon body; the wings enhanced by 12
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Butterfly Brooch Pin Blue Sapphire and Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
). The brooch is one-of-a-kind. It was handmade in 18 carat white gold in Italy in our own workshop by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
to the luxurious radiance of 18K yellow gold, Van Cleef & Arpels presents this adorable pin
Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Enamel Emerald Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Butterfly Brooch Pin by Cartier. With 13 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald Yellow Gold Fluttering Butterfly Brooch Pendant
By MAYORS
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
whimsical eighteen karat yellow gold (18k) butterfly brooch. The three dimensional construction with
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

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

Amethyst, Diamond and Coral Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Amethyst, diamond and coral butterfly brooch in 18k yellow gold. Circa 1970's. Made in France. The
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Butterfly Enamel and Diamond Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Beautiful vintage butterfly enamel & diamond brooch in 18K yellow gold. This brooch features pretty
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Italian 1970 Colorful Butterfly Enameled Brooch 18kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The wings are embellished with applications of
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

18 Karat Gold Tsavorite Diamond Butterfly Brooch by Tiffany Co., 1989
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Zurich, CH
Gracious 18 karat gold tsavorite and diamond "Butterfly" brooch by Tiffany & Co., 1989. Crafted in
Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Beautiful Objet d art 2 Tone 18K Yellow and Rhodium Finish Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Tustin, CA
Beautiful and very graceful, large solid 18 karat brushed rhodium finish and yellow gold three
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Rhodium, 18k Gold

Retro Ruby and Diamond Cluster Earrings, 18 Carat White Gold, Pin and Push On
Located in London, GB
butterfly fittings. Set in 18 carat white gold hallmarked London 1975, sponsor mark not clear. 14 x round
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Clip Brooch Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Diamond Mother Of Pearl Brooch Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 9 round
Category

2010s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

1.0 Carat Diamond and Mother of Pearl Butterfly Broach 18 Karat White Gold 13 Gm
Located in New York, NY
Antique Butterfly Shaped Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pin/Broach, with Mother of Pearl Set with 4 pieces
Category

Early 2000s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
Located in London, GB
Antique, Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings in 18K gold with later added pin and
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Late Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Ethiopian Opal Sugarloaf Earrings with Diamond in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
: 8.70g, 18K rose gold. Butterfly pin and push. E357
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Guava Quartz Sugarloaf Earrings with Diamond in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
vibrant gems. Guava Quartz Sugarloaf Earrings with Diamond in 18 Karat Rose Gold Guava Quartz: 4.91
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Modern Faberge Filigree Butterfly Vermeil Sterling Egg 750 Edition
By Modern Fabergé
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Malachite Stand Franklin MInt, 1977 Emergence of Spring Filigree Butterfly Egg, 925 Vermeil Stand (18k Bee
Category

Late 20th Century Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Estate Jade, Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Located in Derby, NY
orange Natural Type A Jadeite Jade with 4.35 cttw in diamonds set in 18Kt white gold. The natural pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Pearl, 18k Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
altered at some point with a gold pin and butterfly fasteners for pierced ears Romantic and so unique
Category

Antique 19th Century European Early Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Van Cleef Arpels French Diamond Enamel Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Yellow Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized butterfly with enamel glossed wings accented by pavè set diamonds. Featuring
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

SSEF Certified Natural Burma, Myanmar Ruby, Pigeon Blood Diamonds Earrings
Located in London, GB
. 1950's retro earrings with modern pin and butterfly set in 18 ct yellow gold with white gold top. Set
Category

Vintage 1950s British Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Sunita Nahata 6.48 Carat Citrine Stud Earring in 18KYG with Tsavorite Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
, 1.30mm size, round shape, G color, VS clarity. Gold: 4.39g, 18Karat Yellow Gold. Butterfly Pin and Push
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

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

SSEF Certified Natural Burma, Myanmar Ruby and Diamonds Cluster Earrings, Retro
Located in London, GB
with modern pin and butterfly set in 18 ct yellow gold with white gold top. Set with 2 Oval cut rubies
Category

Vintage 1950s British Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

GCS Certified Colombia Emerald 2.60 Carat and Diamonds Cluster Earrings, Retro
Located in London, GB
push on pin and butterfly set in 18 ct yellow gold with white gold top. 2 Natural Emeralds with GCS
Category

Vintage 1950s British Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Sunita Nahata Garnet 15.70ct. Earrings in 18KRG with Mix Gemstones Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
clarity. Gold: 7.926g, 18K Rose Gold. Butterfly Pin and Push Back. E432
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Rhodolite, Blue Topaz, Tourmaline, Multi-gemstone, Garnet, Whi...

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

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Coral

Art Deco .40 Ct Old Mine Diamond Platinum 18 KT Stud
Located in Napoli, IT
mount and 18 Kt white gold for the pin and butterfly fasteners (new replacement) Perfect pair in lovely
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1900s French Ruby and Sapphire Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A 1900s French ruby and sapphire gold butterfly brooch, the butterfly set with oval faceted rubies
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Turn-of-the-Century Gold Butterfly Brooch/Pendant
Located in London, GB
A turn-of-the-century gold butterfly brooch/pendant, the thorax set with a round faceted ruby, the
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Butterly Mother-of-Pearl and Diamond Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels pin crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The wings are comprised of
Category

2010s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Enamel 18k Gold Butterfly Pin
Located in Dallas, TX
This charming Arts & Crafts style enamel butterfly pin is crafted from 18 karat yellow gold. The
Category

Early 2000s Arts and Crafts Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Emerald Diamond Gold Butterfly Pin
Located in Vail, CO
Diamond and emerald butterfly pin, designed as a stylized butterfly with pavé-set diamond wings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Brooches

Materials

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

Watermelon Tourmaline Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
ruby cabochon eyes. Handmade 18k Yellow Gold. Total diamonds: 0.25 carats. Weight: 5.57 gr. Measure: 3
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Sapphire Diamond Gold Butterfly Pin
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Santa Fe, NM
A Tiffany Co. 18K yellow gold butterfly pin set with diamonds and blue sapphires. The reverse
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Angela Cummings Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin
By Angela Cummings
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Angela Cummings 18K matte brushed gold and diamond butterfly brooch. Double layered design
Category

1990s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Multi Color Sapphire Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 18k gold butterfly brooch set with approximately 1.10ctw of G-H/VS1-SI1 diamonds and multi color
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Gemset Butterfly Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Sterling silver on 18 karat yellow gold Edwardian butterfly pin consisting of 1 marquise cut
Category

20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Retro, Diamond Embellished Butterfly Pin, 18kt
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold butterfly pin embellised with diamonds & multi color stones.
Category

Vintage 1940s More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pavé Diamond Gold Butterfly Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Large lightweight butterfly clip pin, with pav�© diamond center, mounted in 18k yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roberto Coin Sapphire Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin Set
By Roberto Coin
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of 18k gold pins set with sapphires and approximately 1.80ctw of G/VS diamonds. The pins
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1970s Coral Nephrite Jade Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 18k yellow gold brooch in the form of a butterfly, set with coral, nephrite and approx. 0.60ctw
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Coral, Jade, 18k Gold

Gem Set Butterfly Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat white gold butterfly brooch consisting of round cut diamonds, blue and pink sapphires, and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite and Diamond Butterfly Pins
Located in Dallas, TX
with 18K white gold with 52 pink sapphire at 2.25ctw and 17 round brilliant diamonds 0.17ctw (G color
Category

1990s Unknown Modern More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Wh...

18 Karat Gold Butterfly Jadeite Jade Brooch or Pin with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and unique butterfly brooch, made out of GIA certified jadeite jade and diamonds. 18K W/Y
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 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.