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Italy Mid Century 1960 Enamel Brooch 18Kt Gold With 4.42 Ctw Diamonds Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
the shape of a stylized orchid with gem set pistils, crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Jade Rose Brooch and Matching Earrings 18K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
and little rose buds. Made in 18K yellow gold and White Gold for the Rose. Brooch measures 7cm it is
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

1960s Italian Diamond Gold Feather Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold and diamond brooch, Italian. Circa 1960. Designed as an openwork feather
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond 18 Carat White and Yellow Gold Detachable Brooch, circa 1960 s
Located in London, GB
shaped diamonds and 40 round brilliant cut diamonds, all meticulously claw set on an 18 carat white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Gold Frog Pin Brooch
Located in Austin, TX
A whimsical 18K yellow gold frog pin set with diamonds. diamond approximate 0.37 carats. weight
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Genie Brooch With Coral Turquoise Diamond 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Vintage Genie clip brooch with coral turquoise diamond in 18k yellow gold. The 1960s vintage
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow-White Gold Crab Brooch Cancer sign with Diamonds Rubies, Sapphires
Located in Crema, Cremona
18K yellow and white gold crab brooch with Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires. The brooch is also a
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

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

Platinum, Gold and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 15 karat yellow gold, platinum and diamond flower brooch. Circa 1960. Designed as a rope work
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1960 Paris Clover Brooch in 18kt Yellow Gold One VS Diamond
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
yellow gold of 18 karats, with textured surfaces. Suited at the reverse, with a hinged vertical double
Category

Vintage 1960s French Post-War Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Diamond Gold Bow Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A Bulgari diamond bow brooch in 18k yellow gold. The brilliant cut diamonds weigh ca. 3.5ct and are
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Chaumet Paris 1960 Jeweled Bee Brooch 18Kt Yellow Gold with 1.14 Ctw in Diamonds
By Chaumet
Located in Miami, FL
yellow gold of 18 Karat and secured to reverse with a hinged pin and barrel trombone clasp fitting for
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage French 1960 Coral and Diamond Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
invoice. Made in solid 18 karat yellow gold with white gold accents, weighing 44.70 grams. Large brooch is
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Diamond Gold Doggie Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
Cute yellow gold brooch marked "750" on the back. Looks like a Scottish Terrier with emerald eyes
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Gubelin 1960 Swiss Retro Brooch in 18Kt Gold with 11.02 Cts in Diamonds Citrines
By Gubelin
Located in Miami, FL
the beginning of the 1960's. This sculptural swirl brooch was crafted in solid 18 karats yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Brooches

Materials

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

1960 s Tiffany Co. Diamond Turquoise 18 Karat Gold Sea Urchin Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Completed by a double pin stem with one locking closure Stamped 18K for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

McTeigue 1960 s 2.16 CTW Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Circle Brooch
By McTeigue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
round brilliant cut diamonds Prong set in white gold basket and graduated in size Weighing approximately
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Tiffany Co 18K Gold Diamond Sapphire Open Work Spray Flower Pin Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Montclair, NJ
This large, breathtaking, vintage Tiffany & Co. brooch is very well crafted in solid 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

George Lederman 1960 s Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Pig Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
brilliant cut diamond prong set in white gold Weighing approximately 0.06 carat - eye clean and bright
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Mauboussin Leaf Brooch Gold and Diamonds
By Mauboussin
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
MAUBOUSSIN yellow gold brooch decorated with diamonds weighting approximately 6 carats, dimensions
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Sapphire Gold Clip Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
polish, making it a wonderful addition to any collection. Finely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, it is
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier, 18K Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Duck Brooch, GIA, IAJA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier brooch is like a cute character straight out of a cartoon world, with a lively and
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby and diamond circular gold cluster brooch circa 1960. The stepped design comprises a concentric
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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

Tiffany Co. Diamond Gold Floral Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Darnestown, MD
Tiffany and Co. eight swirling petal flower brooch centered with 7 diamonds weighing approximately
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Pery Et Fils 1960 Paris Pendant Brooch 18Kt Gold 22.53 Cts In Diamonds Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
solid yellow gold of 18 karats and embellished with a great selection of one-hundred-forty-six natural
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

Ruser Diamond Gold Platinum Pinwheel Brooch
By William Ruser
Located in Darnestown, MD
through 1969. This gold, diamond and platinum brooch is a clear indication of why his work was so well
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Hammerman Brothers Gold Diamonds Spray Brooch
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Darnestown, MD
Gold Spray Brooch by Hammerman Brothers in 18 karat gold and diamonds. Total diamond weight is
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1960s Coral, Diamond and Gold Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite 1960s coral, diamond and gold floral brooch, featuring a carved coral section depicting a
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Clip or Brooch with Fine Diamonds, circa 1960
Located in Aspen, CO
Diamond clip in 18K yellow gold and platinum possessing 4 cts of fine white diamonds - all near
Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Diamond Gold Flower Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A French 18 karat gold flower brooch with diamonds by Cartier. The brooch is composed of highly
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

TIFFANY CO. 18k Yellow Gold, Ruby Diamond Cat Clip Pin Brooch Vintage 1960s
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 1960s 18k Yellow Gold, Ruby & Diamond Cat Brooch Here is your chance to
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

1960s Diamond Ruby Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s bird brooch with diamonds rubies and 18 karat gold. Designed as a perky bird perched on a
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

French Retro Floral Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Yellow gold brooch, 18k, 750 milièmes, eagle head and punch plate, punch dog's head. Brooch in
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Cartier Turquoise Diamond Gold Starfish Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamonds. The 18k gold is expertly textured to represent the starfish. Signed Cartier Paris and numbered
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Cartier Turquoise Diamond Gold Starfish Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamonds. The 18k gold is expertly textured to represent the starfish. Signed Cartier Paris and numbered
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

FABULOUS DIAMOND PEARL GOLD BROOCH
Located in New York, NY
Classic Nesting Birds nestled on a golden bough. Bejeweled with round full cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

18 White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Brooch
Located in Banbury, GB
Gorgeous, 1960's brooch, composed of 18k white gold, approx. 32ct aquamarine. This fine brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

French Gold Diamond Rose Flower Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French gold and diamond rose clip brooch circa 1960 by G R Le Compte. Designed as a rose flower set
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rosenthal 1960 s 1.28 CTW Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Bee Brooch
By Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
hinged pinstem with locking closure Stamped for 18 karat gold With maker's mark for Herbert Rosenthal
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Rosenthal 1960 s 1.28 CTW Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Bee Brooch
By Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
hinged pinstem with locking closure Stamped for 18 karat gold With maker's mark for Herbert Rosenthal
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Diamond Emerald and Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Love Bird Brooch 1960s
Located in Towson, MD
A whimsical and romantic design, this 1960s love bird brooch is masterfully crafted in 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold and diamond brooch. Circa 1960. Designed as a polished ropework knot
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960 s Rosenthal 1.35 Carats Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
closure. Stamped 18K for 18 karat gold. Maker's mark for Herbert Rosenthal. Circa: 1960s. Measures: 1 x 3
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Modern Diamond and 18k Yellow and White Gold Brooch 1960s/70s
Located in Towson, MD
This captivating 1960/70s swirl brooch showcases the bold artistic vision that defined mid-century
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

0.15Ct Sapphire 0.18Ct Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Owl Brooch - Vintage 1969
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, flanked above by three eight cut diamonds, pavé set within the 18k white gold settings. The brooch is
Category

Vintage 1960s English Brooches

Materials

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

18K Gold and Platinum Baroque Pearl Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Parrot Brooch
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Retro Composition: 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Primary Stone: Baroque Pearl Brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...

1960 s Vintage Coral Pave Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
karat gold Brooch is numbered and tested as 18 karat gold Circa: 1960s Measures: 1 7/8 x 1 3/4 inches
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

1960s EMIS Lapis Lazuli Diamond Gold Brooch
By Emis
Located in New York, NY
An 18K yellow gold, lapis lazuli and diamond brooch, Emis. Circa 1960 Designed as a floral spray
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Diamond Gold Palm Tree Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This Charming vintage pin, palm tree inspired pin is handcrafted in solid 18K yellow gold, weighing
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. 1960s Diamond Ruby Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Bee Bug Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
purplish red Completed by hinged pinstem with locking closure Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Sapphire Scarab Pendant Brooch 18K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This lovely vintage Scarab Pendant Brooch has 3 large Sapphire stones form the head (approx. 0.40
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Sapphire Scarab Pendant Brooch 18K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This lovely vintage Scarab Pendant Brooch has 3 large Sapphire stones form the head (approx. 0.40
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold, White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow and white gold, lab grown ruby and diamond brooch, attributed to Marc Koven
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

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

Large 18K Yellow Gold 0.10ct Ruby Diamond Detailed Textured Giraffe Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
This incredible and very well made brooch/pin is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. It features a
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Textured Gold Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold and diamond brooch. Designed as a many petaled highly textured flower
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This breathtaking floral motif diamond brooch/pendant is crafted in solid 18K white gold, weighing
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

David Webb Diamond Gold Platinum Flower Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, platinum and diamond brooch. David Webb. Circa1960. Designed as a gold
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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1960 18k Gold Diamond Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 1960 18k gold diamond brooch 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. Find an antique version now, or shop for 1442 vintage or 1 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a 1960 18k gold 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. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing 1960 18k gold diamond brooch — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany Co. each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and cabochon versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a 1960 18k gold diamond brooch, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 1960 18k Gold Diamond Brooch?

On average, a 1960 18k gold diamond brooch at 1stDibs sells for $6,500, while they’re typically $571 on the low end and $375,000 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.  

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.