Skip to main content

1960 18k Gold Diamond Brooch

to
95
1,197
503
1,683
1,543
1,360
80
32
25
7
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
132
105
83
65
28
Sort By
Mid-century 18k Gold Clip-on Earrings and Brooch with 2.05 Cts in Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
. Period: 1960-70s Style: Mid-century Creator: Unknown Metal: 18K Gold Stone: Diamond Brooch Diameter
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.11 Carat Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Rabbit Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1960's solid 18k yellow gold rabbit pin with with ruby eyes and diamond tooth and accents
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

1960s Enamel Ruby Diamond Gold Large Owl Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
feathers above the head are beautiful white diamonds. There was no detail spared as the feathers show great
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Emerald Ruby Diamond Mask Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Two-Color Gold, Diamond and Emerald and Ruby Mask Brooch of Chinese inspiration. 18 kt. yellow
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Mario Buccellati 1960s Colored Diamond and Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
An Italian 18 karat gold "Butterfly" brooch with diamonds and rubies by Mario Buccellati
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1960 s Diamond Coral Pearl Carved Obsidian Elephant Pin Brooch Signed E. Pearl
Located in Boca Raton, FL
diamonds equal approximately .75 carat total weight. The brooch is fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold and is
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

1960 s Gold, Diamond and Enamel "Cool Cat" Pin
Located in Chicago, IL
A real Hep Cat brooch! 18K yellow gold, with Black and White Enamel, Emerald Eyes and a Diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1960s Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Gold and Platinum Lion Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Largest size "Lion ébouriffé" gold 750 and platinum brooch. Nose in black enamel and paved with
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

1960s French Ruby and Diamond Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat yellow gold, ruby and diamond brooch, French, circa 1960, of stylized floral design set in
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

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

Cartier France Coral Diamond Gold Seashell with Starfish Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning and unusual gold seashell from which a coral starfish emerges. The starfish is centered
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gecko Brooch with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
A gecko diamond brooch with rubies eyes set in 18k yellow gold. The hand made brooch circa size
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French 1960s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bear Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18k yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This piece of vintage jewellery represents a bear
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

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

1960s Amethyst Gold Brooch
Located in London, GB
A mid twentieth century amethyst and gold brooch, mounted in 18ct gold, with diamonds accents
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Rosenthal 1960s Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bee Vintage Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
total - transparent medium red Completed by hinged pinstem with locking closure Stamped 18k for 18-karat
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Gem Set Ruby Diamond Gold Fish Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s 18k Yellow Gold fish brooch by Tiffany and Company, nicely detailed and set with
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Buccellati Sapphire and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, white gold and sapphire brooch. Buccellati. Circa 1960. Designed as two
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

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

Whimsical Mid-20th Century Diamond, Gold and Enamel Owl Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold and enamel brooch with diamonds. This whimsical, three dimensional
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Schlumberger Tiffany Co. 10.90 Carats Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dynamically formed flower with pavè diamond petals, polished gold stamen extensions
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

David Webb French Jade Gold and Diamond Brooch Pendant
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetically pleasing and executed in rich 18K yellow gold, this 1960s vintage brooch highlights a
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Designer Turquoise Diamond 18K Gold Flower Pin Pendant Enhancer
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite estate designer pin / pendant is finely crafted in solid 18K yellow with white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Turquoise Diamond and Gold Bird Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef and Arpels 18 karat yellow gold, turquoise and diamond bird brooch. Circa 1964
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

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

Baroque Pearl, Diamond And Gold Brooch, By M:BUCCELLATI 1960s
By Buccellati
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a textured yellow gold foliate spray with two flower heads, one set with lasque-cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

TIFFANY CO. SCHLUMBERGER Ruby Diamond Gold Triple Bud Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in New York City, NY
Wondeful estate 18K yellow gold, ruby and diamond brooch by Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger, circa
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1.41 Carat Diamond and White Gold Horseshoe Pin Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
exceptional, fine and impressive diamond pin brooch has been crafted in 18ct white gold with an 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb Vintage Diamond and Gold Pisces Pendant/Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Platinum, 18 karat yellow gold & diamond Pendant/Brooch by David Webb depicting the astrology sign
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Starburst Cross Pendant Brooch 36 Diamonds
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Brooch Pendant is set with 36 Diamonds, six of those have an average diameter 3.20mm and the
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

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

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Boucheron Eglantine Diamond and Enamel Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A diamond and enamel Eglantine brooch by Boucheron c.1960. Set in 18k yellow gold and platinum the
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Mid Century Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Branch Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Mid Century Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Branch Brooch. Featuring 18 round
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

Two Color Gold Enamel/Diamonds and Emerald Mask Pendant Clip-Brooch
Located in San Antonio, TX
Two Color 18k yellow and white gold Enamel Mask Pendant Clip Brooch with approximately 2 cts of
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel

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

MAUBOUSSIN Emerald and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Mauboussin
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
A beautiful period brooch, with a lovely mix of platinum and textured yellow gold, topped by a
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Meister Zurich Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Rose Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
plunging barrel clasp Stamped 750 for 18 karat gold Maker's mark for Meister Zurich Circa: 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Large Whimsical 18K and Gem set Monkey brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Wonerful, large hand made Monkey form brooch of 18K yellow gold, set with Diamonds and sapphires.
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1960s 18 carat gold sapphire and diamond flower brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
The design of this outstanding Van Cleef & Arpels 18 carat gold brooch from the 1960s centres
Category

Vintage 1960s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

HAMMERMAN BROTHERS VINTAGE Diamond Flower Brooch
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: Pre-Owned (Great condition) Metal: 18K Gold(Au 70-75%) Weight: 40.1Gr Main Stone
Category

Vintage 1960s American Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. .56 Carat Diamond Textured Gold Flower Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1960's 3-D Tiffany & Co textured diamond flower pin. 7 round full cut diamonds, approx
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Pave Diamond 18 Karat Gold Tremblant Wheat Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a single strand of stylized wheat With articulation throughout polished gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Pierre Sterlé 1960s Diamond Sapphire Emerald 18 Karat Gold Flower Brooch
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Philadelphia, PA
1960’s Signed Modele Sterle Paris for Piere Sterlé ans stamped 18K Measures 2 3/4 x 1 3/4 Inches
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Buccellati Yellow Diamond Emerald Gold Flower Brooch Pin
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
A charming Vintage piece from Buccellati, Crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold With its famous Rigato
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Vintage Diamond Feather Brooch Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautifully detailed vintage diamond set feather brooch set in 18k yellow gold. The brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

American Mid-20th Century Diamond Gold Platinum Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An American Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold and platinum brooch with diamonds. The brooch has 138
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Mid-20th Century Diamond Gold Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold flower brooch with diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels. The 3
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.85 Carat Diamond White Gold Pendant Brooch Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1960's 1.85 carat diamond pendant necklace brooch in 14k white gold. 1 pear shape K-L I
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Sapphire and Gold Bumble Bee Brooch
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautifully designed and perfectly handcrafted 18K green gold with white gold accents Bumble Bee
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Piaget Gold and Diamond Flower Suite, Circa 1960
By Piaget
Located in London, GB
diamond set flower brooches, both with gold mesh opening and closing petals and diamond set stamens
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Large Gold, Diamond and Ruby Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
18K yellow textured Gold, Clip Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, set with 7 Cabachon Burma Rubies
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

David Webb Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Tiger Pin Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Stamford, CT
1960 David Webb Tiger pin authenticated by David Webb. Black enamel stripes. Diamond and Emerald
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century Rosenthal 4.50 Ct. Diamond Bee Pin in 18K Gold
By Rosenthal
Located in Houston, TX
A Mid-Century Rosenthal 18K yellow gold oversized bee pin with a prong-set diamond body and ruby
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Leaf Brooch Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Leaf Brooch Pin This gorgeous vintage brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Schlumberger Paris Diamond Platinum Gold Flame Pin Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Paris Flame Pin Brooch by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Enamel and Diamond Flower Brooch 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in MIAMI, FL
Gorgeous design crafted in 18k yellow gold. This floral brooch shows detail throughout. The
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Emerald Diamond Gold Large Model Lion Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Be fearless with this iconic lion brooch from Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautifully made in 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Cazzaniga Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Insect Brooch
By Cazzaniga
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, Cazzaniga, Rome, Italy. This one-of-a-kind jeweled brooch by Cazzaniga of Rome is
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

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

Estate Enamel 2 Carat Diamond Gold Flower Brooch
Located in Napoli, NA
- Excellent METAL: 18k Gold GEM STONES: Diamond 2 cts H Color Vvs1 Clarity DESIGN ERA: Circa 1960 WEIGHT
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Dog Poodle French Brooch 18 Karat Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald
Located in MIAMI, FL
Gorgeous brooch for the dog lover. This Poodle brooch is crafted in 18k yellow gold with French
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1960 18k Gold Diamond Brooch", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.