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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

1960s Cartier Paris 5.00 Carat Round Diamond Yellow Gold Spray Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
Diamonds are scattered about from the center in the 18 karat yellow textured gold. The 61 round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Brooch with Garnet and 2.40ct Diamonds, Western Europe.
Located in Chorzów, PL
old brilliant cuts with a total weight of 2.40ct. Brooch set in 18-karat gold. Comfortable and secure
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold

1960s Ruby Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Owl Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and fluted features throughout Accented by white gold eyes bead set with diamonds Weighing
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Bulgari Persian Turquoise and Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, mounted on 18 karat yellow gold. Made in Italy, circa 1960s.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Iconic Yellow Gold and Diamond Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Herbert Rosenthal 18k Yellow Gold Bee Brooch, measuring 3/4 inch in length and 1 inch
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fine Natural Jade Ruby Diamond gold Clip, circa 1960
Located in Aspen, CO
18K gold clip centering fine carved jadeite jade which is further accented with cabochon natural
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold

Midcentury Turquoise and Diamond Bee Brooches
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
These larger-than-expected bees framed in 18 karat yellow gold and decorated with antique cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Emerald and Diamond Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
scintillating diamonds... Set in rich 18K yellow gold, the craftsmanship of this piece is unparalleled; the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Coral Diamond Gold "Cosmos" Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, coral and diamond “Cosmos” brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels. Circa 1960
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Vintage Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Brooch Pendant Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karats rose gold. Representing a vegetal decor, this elegant rose gold vintage brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 1.23 Carat Ruby and 0.95 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold and 18 karat white gold brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewelry
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Two Diamond Gold Star Design Clip Brooches
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These Mid-Century stunning star brooches offer an abundance of round fine diamonds weighing a hefty
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond and Ruby Thoroughbred Horse Brooch Yellow and White Gold
Located in London, England
An English diamond and ruby thoroughbred horse brooch in 18-karat yellow and white gold, circa 1963
Category

Vintage 1960s British Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Retro Diamond and Ruby Safety Pin Brooch Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A rather quirky diamond and ruby safety pin set in 18k yellow gold. This unique piece is channel
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

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

18K and Platinum, Diamond Pave Large Bird Vintage Brooch by McTeigue, c. 1965
By McTeigue
Located in Aspen, CO
and tail are sculpted from 18k gold, showcasing intricate feather detailing. The bird clutches a
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Mid-Century Fred Paris Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Brooch
By Fred Paris
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Mid Century Fred Paris Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Brooch. Featuring one round
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

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

1960s French Vintage Citrine and Diamond Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 carat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. In the form of a bouquet, each of the 9
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

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

1965 5.75 Carat Ruby and 2.55 Carat Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 5.75 carat ruby and 2.55 carat diamond, 18k white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960s Enamel and Diamond Tiger Brooch
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
inches tall. Rendered in 18 karat yellow gold, the piece is decorated with black enamel stripes, red
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

1960s Retro 18 Karats Yellow Gold Dog and His Diamond Necklace Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 carats yellow gold, owl hallmark. Representing an adorable little dog sitting, this
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Three Coral and Diamond Brooches
Located in New York, NY
A collection of three beautiful coral and diamond brooches of undulated design, mounted on 18kt
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold

1963, Georges Braque "Thalia" 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Brooch
By Georges Braque
Located in Paris, FR
Express Shipping insured during the Lockdown Georges Braque (1882-1963) Thalia 18k Gold, diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Gold Cabochon Emerald Diamond and Ruby Frog Pin Brooch
Located in Dallas, TX
18k Beaded Yellow Gold Frog Pin/Brooch has 24 diamonds ranging from 4.5-5mm. There are 18 emeralds
Category

Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. 1.30 Cts Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Bow Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a bow comprised of ridged gold ribbon with round brilliant cut diamonds. Weighing
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Retro Emerald Diamond Coral Enamel Bird Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18-karat yellow gold retro emerald, diamond, coral, and enamel brooch from the 1960's- 1970's
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Estate 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Platinum and Diamond Cameo Brooch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful & unique vintage platinum and 18K yellow gold brooch with a green and white carved cameo
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Coral Diamond Rose Petal Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Platinum, Gold, and Carved Coral and Diamond Rose Brooch. Made in Italy, circa 1965 Topped by a
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Cabochon Turquoise and Diamond 18 Carat White and Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in London, GB
, the brooch is finished with an 18 carat gold secure pin fastening and weighs 33.7 grams. Circa 1960's.
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Boucheron Penguin Enamel Pearl Diamond Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in New Orleans, LA
gold. Hallmarked Boucheron, 18K gold, London, 1960 1" wide x 1 1/4" high
Category

20th Century English Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Pearl and Diamond Brooch Pin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Large pearl and diamond brooch in 18-karat white gold. Gracefully spread over the bee's wings are
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Italy 1960 Mid Century Pendant in 18kt Gold with Diamonds and Carved Coral
Located in Miami, FL
-century period, circa 1960. The mounting has been created with intricates organics motifs in solid 18
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

1.82 Carat Ruby and 2.10 Carat Diamond and Yellow and White Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1960's 1.82 carat ruby and 2.10 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

French, 1960s, Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Bouquet Retro Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. Delightful retro jewel, this brooch represents a
Category

Vintage 1960s French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

Citrine, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Nesting Bird Brooch Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in London, England
A beautifully unique French nesting bird brooch set in 18k yellow gold. The brooch is
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

Sabbadini Diamond Wood 18 Karat Yellow Gold Large Turtle Brooch
By Sabbadini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
marks for 18 karat gold Signed Sabbadini and inscribed Made in Italy Circa: 1960s Measures: 1 x 1 7/8
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Sabbadini Diamond Wood 18 Karat Yellow Gold Large Turtle Brooch
By Sabbadini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
marks for 18 karat gold Signed Sabbadini and inscribed Made in Italy Circa: 1960s Measures: 1 x 1 7/8
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Webb Ruby and Diamond Snowflake Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, diamond and cabochon ruby brooch by David Webb. The brooch is designed as
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

Large 18K Enamel Gem set Brooch by Hammerman Brothers
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Chicago, IL
Large, detailed Horse head Clip brooch by hammerman brothers. 18K yellow gold Guilloche enamel
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Yellow Gold Flower Brooch and Earrings Suite, Cir
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
A Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and gold flower brooch and earrings suite, with a brooch with two
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Coral Diamond Gold Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
textured yellow gold. Fully signed and numbered as a guarantee of authenticity, this brooch was most
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold

Corletto Blue Enamel Diamond Yellow Gold Beetle Bug Brooch Pin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
, crafted with 18 karat gold, pearls, gemstones and diamonds along with enamel work. He was known for his
Category

20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

CARTIER whimsical amethyst, diamond, emerald turtle brooch.
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, amethyst, diamond and emerald turtle brooch. Cartier. Circa 1960. The
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

1960s Tiger Diamond Italian Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
This magnificent circa 1960’S solid 18k yellow vintage pin brooch features a large Tiger figure
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Tiffany Co. Sea Anemone Brooch 18k, circa 1960s
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, by Tiffany & Co., New York City. Finely made and well designed, this delightful
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Beautiful Diamond Leaves Brooch, 1980s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A stunning three leaves diamond brooch made in the classic Art Deco style. The brooch is set with
Category

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires and Pearls Gold Pendant/Brooch
Located in Lisboa, PT
19.2kt – 800‰ pendant or/and brooch in yellow gold, set with 79 old cut diamonds, 9 emeralds, 9
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Vintage Enamel Diamond 18 Karat Gold Prancing Dog Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, eye clean and white Completed by pin stem and plunging barrel closure Tested as 18 karat gold Circa
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

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

1960s French Retro Rose Shape Articulated Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karats yellow gold, mercury head hallmark and platinum, young girl's head hallmark
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Mid-Century Diamond Blue Enamel Snail Brooch Yellow White Gold Portuguese 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century diamond and turquoise-blue enamel snail brooch in 19.2kt yellow and white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Portuguese Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond, Ruby and Enamel Alligator Pin Brooch, 18 Karat Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
1960s Diamond, Enamel and Ruby Accents featured on this alligator pin brooch Ruby accents - make
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Large Jeweled Gold Lion Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A large 18 karat yellow gold, sapphire, diamond, ruby and turquoise lion brooch. The brooch has a
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

GUBELIN Gold Sail Boat Clip Brooch
By Gubelin
Located in Chicago, IL
18K Yellow Gold Sail Boat Brooch by Gubelin, Signed and Numbered and accented with a few small
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

TIFFANY CO. Diamond and Tsavorite Pansy Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Amsterdam, NL
18 carat gold and 51 brilliant cut diamonds (circa 2.1 carats) set in platinum, the heart of the
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Jeweled Hummingbird Bird Brooch Yellow Gold with Diamonds Rubies and Emeralds
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Finely made 18k yellow gold hummingbird brooch featuring etched wings with a diamond body, ruby
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

4.90 Carat Aquamarine and 3.29 Carat Sapphire Diamond and Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1960s 4.90 carat aquamarine and 3.29 carat sapphire, 0.75 carat diamond and 18
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

Frascarolo Milano Enameled Pelican Brooch 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds Ruby
By Frascarolo
Located in Miami, FL
of a whimsical happy standing pelican, carefully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

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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.