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18 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Flower Brooch / Pin This elegant 18K yellow gold
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Cosmos Pendant Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels The Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Diamond Flower Brooch with 3 Interchangeable Centers
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent hand made Floral Brooch Pave set in 18kt White Gold with full cut clean & white
Category

Vintage 1950s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

1960s, Diamond Malachite Coral and Jade Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
crafted in 18k white gold. The body of the brooch is an oval malachite panel overlaid with a floral
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Jade, Malachite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Floral Mother of Pearl White Gold Diamonds and Sapphire Brooche
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Fine and classic white 18kt gold brooche with 26 of 0.03ct diamonds total 0.78ct and mother of
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cartier London Sculpted Hand Holding Floral Brooch Cabochon Sapphires
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier London Sapphire and Diamond sculpted hand Floral Brooch yellow and white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Mother of Pearl Dragonfly Brooch in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 9.3 grams Natural Diamond: .25 carats Diamond cut: Round Brilliant Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Coral and Diamond Rose Brooch French Designed
Located in MIAMI, FL
Gorgoues large Coral and Diamond brooch. Vibrant red color is seen in this floral brooch. Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Diamond Ring Set Vintage 18k Gold Estate Jewelry
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A set of two Tiffany diamond rings made of 18k gold; one of the rings features sapphire. The rings
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

KURT WAYNE Articulated Crab Brooch In 14Kt Gold With Onyxes, Rubies Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Marcus in Dallas, Texas. Traditionally, the jeweler used 18K gold and precious stones – emeralds
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond and Blue Topaz Giardinetto Brooch, circa 1950
Located in Firenze, IT
three brilliant-cut diamond floral clusters with surrounding foliage, diamonds approx. 1.85ct. total
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold

Invisible Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Flower Brooch and Pendant
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This outstanding flower brooch and pendant is handcrafted in solid 18K white gold weighing approx
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Invisible Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch and Pendant
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This outstanding flower brooch and pendant is handcrafted in solid 18K white gold weighing approx
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Beautiful Grey Hand Carved Jade with Diamonds Pendant Brooch
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Floral shape this beautiful grey hand carved jade with diamond motif around and star design in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Silver

Midcentury Vintage Brooch Carved Amethyst and Nephrite 18 Karat Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
gold floral motif. with 3 round diamonds .06pts. There are three (3) carved amethyst flowers and three
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Made Contemporary 18 Karat Brooch With .9 Carats Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Fairfield, CT
This exquisite French-made contemporary brooch merges grandeur and artistry. Crafted from 18 karat
Category

Mid-20th Century French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Art Deco Diamond Onyx Geometric Openwork Brooch Platinum 1920s/1930s French
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco diamond and onyx geometric openwork brooch in platinum and white gold, French, 1920s/1930s
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

1930s Cartier Paris Citrine Gold Movable Petals Flower Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A chic retro floral pin, with opening/closing mechanism, centering a citrine bead, topped by a
Category

Vintage 1930s French Brooches

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold

CARTIER Flower Brooch
Located in Darnestown, MD
This Cartier floral brooch is cheerful and colorful. Diamonds add a touch of sparkle to the pearls
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

1860s French "Tremblant" Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Antique floral diamond brooch made in gold and silver. Circa 1860. The brooch consists of fourteen
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 85.49 Carat Citrine and Yellow Gold Brooch, Circa 1850
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
large Victorian brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pierced decorated oval frame of this
Category

Antique 1850s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Antique 13.81 Carat Diamond and Platinum Flower Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
antique diamond brooch has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting. The brooch has been
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Pietra Dura 18 Karat Gold Flower Bouquet Mosaic Victorian Oval Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a lovely Victorian oval floral mosaic pin brooch crafted in 18K gold. The piece features
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold

Tiffany Co 1950s 18 Karat Gold Italian Flower Pin with Diamond and Ruby Accent
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
-prong frames. The vibrant 18 karat yellow gold has hand-etchings on each petal and leaf. The immaculate
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 1880 Hand Glove Stick Pin in 18 Karat Gold with Two Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian period, back in the 1880. It was crafted in the shape of a hand glove in solid yellow gold of 18
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Diamond Hair Barrette, circa 1900
Located in Aspen, CO
with yellow gold. This Edwardian barrette is 3 inches in length with an unusual asymmetrical floral
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Diamond and Ruby Spray
Located in New York, NY
diamond center stone. Beautiful craftsmanship and quality set in 18K gold. 3" x 1.75". Italy 1950's
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Leo deVroomen Amethyst Emerald and Diamond Blue Enamel Pin
Located in Dallas, TX
emeralds and faceted diamonds accent the petals of the floral motif. From the Skibell Estate Collection
Category

Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Menorah Jade Enamel Pendant with Moons 5 Carats TW 18 Karat Gold Sapphires
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
. Large Jade is hand carved of floral lilies and framed by gold 18 karat yellow gold Gemstones set in
Category

20th Century Unknown Egyptian Revival Brooches

Materials

Jade, Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Set of Peridot Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch Matching Chandelier Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Gold Impressive Brooch Pin and Pendant This vividly colored floral motif brooch is crafted in solid 18K
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Ruby

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Flower Multi-Sapphire Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Dive into the lavish allure of this Sapphire Beads 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Flower Multi-Strand
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Diamond Floral Pendant, circa 1915
Located in Stamford, CT
18 kt gold. The center diamond is a .25 Old European, the surrounding .20 are transitional stones
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Invisible Set Genuine Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch/Pendant 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Invisible Set Genuine Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch / Pendant This lovely floral piece can be
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, White Gold

19th Century Diamond Silver Gold Tiara
Located in Geneva, CH
Diamond Tiara designed as a floral spray, the central flower en tremblant, with circular-cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Rose Gold Cuff Bracelet with Rose-Cut Diamond Medalian
Located in Northampton, MA
earring dangles. All of which might explain my deep regard for this lovely 18K rose gold cuff bracelet
Category

2010s American Artisan Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Belle Epoque 18 Karat Gold Seed Pearl Floral Engagement Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a lovely Belle Epoque engagement ring crafted in 18K multi tone gold. Circa 1880. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Turquoise Seed Pearl Floral Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
It is a lovely pair of Victorian floral drop earrings crafted in 18K gold. The piece features
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold

Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring, Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive natural pearl and 0.20 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold floral
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Spanish Colonial 1785 Dangle Earrings 17kt Gold Silver with Diamonds and Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
brooches, rings and buckles. While gold was in abundance, gemstones were not, so they used various
Category

Antique 1780s Spanish Baroque Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Light Blue Enamel Floral Motif Oval Locket Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian floral motif oval locket pendant crafted in 18K yellow. Circa 1880. The piece
Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Late 18th Century 18 Karat Gold Man Miniature Portrait Garnet Floral Enamel Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Georgian miniature portrait ring crafted in 18K yellow gold. The piece features a
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Victorian Coral Pearl Gold Demi-Parure
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18 karat yellow gold pink coral pearl and rose diamond brooch and ear pendants compose
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Yellow Gold and Gem Set Suite
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Tiffany & Company Earrings and Brooch Suite, 18K Yellow Gold and set with Round
Category

Vintage 1970s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Retro Gold Bracelet Geometrical Three Tone
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A wide and shiny Retro gold bracelet, made of 18k yellow, white and rose gold. This impressive
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

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

French Napoleon III Fine Pearl Gold Dangle Earrings and Pendant Parure
Located in Poitiers, FR
a pair of dangle earrings and a brooch pendant. The rose gold pendant is in a long diamond shape
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Dangle Earrings

Materials

Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels White Gold and Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic floral Van Cleef & Arpels brooch crafted in 18 karat white gold and set with an estimated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Gold Pansy Brooch
Located in London, GB
in excellent condition. Marked 18K, tested as 18ct gold. This antique, gold and diamond pansy brooch
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Early Victorian Diamond Spray Brooch
Located in London, GB
grams. Unmarked tested as 18ct Gold and Silver. Victorian brooch in excellent condition. A beautifl
Category

Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

A Victorian Multi-colour Gem And Diamond Clover Leaf Brooch
Located in London, GB
antique brooch is in excellent condition. Unmarked tested as 18ct Gold and Silver. A pretty, floral
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Edwardian Enamel Flower Brooch
Located in London, GB
in total, entwined with gold tendril decorations, all mounted in yellow gold with gold brooch fitting
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in London, GB
floral and scroll decorations, set with old European-cut diamonds estimated to weigh carats in total
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Late Victorian Aquamarine, Diamond and Pearl Pendant
Located in London, GB
carats, claw-set to a gold collet, surrounded by a pearl and diamond floral frame with diamond-set ribbon
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Early 20th Century Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in London, GB
fittings, This necklace is in fine condition. Unmarked, tested as 18ct gold and silver. A gorgeous
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, Silver, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Floral Brooch/Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond floral brooch/pendant, to the centre an old European-cut diamond estimated to
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Ruby and Diamond Giardinetto Pendant/Brooch
Located in London, GB
openwork mount, with detachable brooch fitting for the basket, hallmarked 18ct gold London 2014 with the
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Late Victorian Diamond-Set Tiara
Located in London, GB
Very Good condition. Unmarked, tested as Silver (front and frame), 18ct Gold (back of tiara, brooch and
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Diamond Gold Floral Sunburst Brooch
Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB
Beautifully crafted 18-carat gold and diamond brooch in a floral style. Outer petals in rose-gold
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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18k Gold Floral Diamond Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 18k gold floral diamond 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 220 antique edition and 32 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a 18k gold floral diamond brooch may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but 2.5 Carat and 3 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. Finding an appealing 18k gold floral diamond brooch — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef Arpels, Tiffany Co. and Bulgari each produced a popular version that is worth a look. 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. When shopping for a 18k gold floral diamond 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 Floral Diamond Brooch?

The price for a 18k gold floral diamond brooch starts at $650 and tops out at $198,500 with these brooches, on average, selling for $5,600.

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.