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Estate Vintage 18K Platinum Diamond Emerald Tulip Brooch
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully made vintage brooch circa the 1960’s done in rich 18K yellow gold and platinum. It
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 18k Diamond En Tremblant Plique a Jour Enamel Butterfly Brooch
Located in Winter Springs, FL
in 18K yellow gold and centered with an approximately .50ct fancy yellowish green Vs clarity diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Handmade 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Lion Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
worn either as a pendant or as a brooch, it's made in 18k yellow and features 3 round full cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ruby Enamel Ladies Face Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.02 carat ruby and blue enamel, 18 karat yellow gold brooch; part of our
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Spray Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
ruby and 18 karat gold spray brooch; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections. This fine and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

18k Yellow Gold Herbert Rosenthal Ruby Eyes Small Bee Pin/Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Lexington, KY
Rosenthal Ruby Eyes Large Bee Pin/Brooch  18k yellow gold .05 carat ruby(each) Herbert Rosenthal Stamped
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ben Rosenfeld Diamond Ruby Duck Brooch 18K Yellow White Gold, Mid-Century, 1960s
By Ben Rosenfeld
Located in Lisbon, PT
Ben Rosenfeld Mid-Century Duck Brooch in Diamond, Ruby and Gold, London, 1961. A delightful example
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Brooches

Materials

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

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

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Spitzer Furman Diamond Gold Textured Star Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1960's Mid-Century textured gold Spitzer & Furman star brooch. A piece that effortlessly
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

David Webb 1960s Jade Aquamarine Diamond Enamel Gold Brooch Pendant
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
aquamarine stone. A round diamond set at the center adds a refined focal point. The gold element is further
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 2.02 Carat Sapphire and 0.28 Carat Diamond, 18k White Gold Brooch (1968)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 2.02 carat sapphire and 0.28 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Oval-Shaped White Gold and Diamond Brooch
Located in Milano, Lombardia
beautiful combination of white gold and diamonds, this brooch offers both elegance and refined craftsmanship.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Coral 18K Gold Chinese Monk Shou Lao Large Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
that signify wisdom and longevity. The natural coral brooch is framed with natural round diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Open Work Leaf Brooch
Located in London, GB
approximately 0.36ct combined, all mounted in 18 carat white gold four claw settings. The brooch is completed by
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

David Webb 18K Platinum Diamond Cabochon Ruby Tadpole Frog Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Winter Springs, FL
The original frog brooch by David Webb done in 18K and platinum and finished with green enamel
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Ribbon Brooch with Old Cut Diamond in White Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
Lovely Ribbon Brooch in White Gold 750. Prong set with one fine old cut Diamond of 2.03 ct and J
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb 1960 New York Pendant-Brooch in 18kt Gold with 2.42 Cts in Gemstones
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
mark, the gold assay hallmark and signed, "WEBB 18 K". David Webb (1925-1975), was an American jeweler
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

1960s French Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold 18 Karat Elephant Brooch Clip
Located in Geneva, CH
The exquisite 1960's French diamond ruby yellow gold 18K Elephant brooch clip. This stunning
Category

Vintage 1960s French Aesthetic Movement Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Buccellati Vintage Diamond Flower 18k Gold Spray Pin
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage 1960s Buccellati flower pin brooch spray pin is crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold. It
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Bulgari Vintage Bring Back the Brooch 34 Carat Pave Diamond Gold Floral Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Vintage diamond brooch boasting 34 carats of the finest round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Vintage Bring Back The Brooch 34 Carat Pave Diamond Gold Floral Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Vintage diamond brooch boasting 34 carats of the finest round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rubies and Diamonds Brooch Pendant, 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
Description of the - 18 K white gold - Germany, around 1960 - On the reverse side punched "Möller
Category

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Sapphire Diamond Cat Brooch 18 Karat Yellow White Gold
Located in London, GB
A vintage sapphire and diamond set cat brooch in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, circa 1960
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Length: 2.95 inches Metal Type: 18 karat Yellow Gold Weight: 15.5 grams Center
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Continental Diamond Gold Leaf Motif Brooch
Located in New York, NY
1960s , Continental European made 18k gold brooch, set with approx. 0.50ctw H/VS-SI1 diamonds. The
Category

Vintage 1960s European Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

La Triomphe Lapis Lazuli Diamond Gold Floral Brooch
By La Triomphe
Located in Darnestown, MD
layered appearance to the surface. A central round lapis lazuli is surrounded by nine diamonds. The brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Vintage French Ruby and Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
and impressive vintage brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The brooch has been realistically
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Fishing Hook Unisex Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
medium red Completed by hinged pinstem with locking closure Tested as 18 karat gold Circa: 1960s Measures
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 1.15 Carat Ruby 0.80 Carat Diamond, 18k White Gold Heart Bar Brooch 1968
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, fine and impressive vintage brooch has been crafted in 18k white gold. This impressive brooch displays
Category

Vintage 1960s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

1960s Angel Skin Coral and Diamond Gold Bark Branch Brooch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Features a large teardrop piece of coral set in a typical 1960's 18k yellow gold bark mounting with
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Diamond And Emerald Large Gold Brooch
Located in Cairo, EG
Vintage 18k yellow and white gold large brooch with an estimate brilliant diamond weight of 4
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Turquoise Emeralds Diamonds Rubies 14 Karat Yellow Gold Frog Brooch
Located in Marcianise, IT
Extraordinary antique frog-shaped brooch, a piece of fine jewelry crafted in 18-karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Artisan Brooches

Materials

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

1963 Georges Braque Cut Diamond Gold Scamander Brooch
By Georges Braque
Located in Paris, FR
Express Shipping insured during the Lockdown Beautifull 18K Gold Brooch by Georges Braque (1882
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Bee Pin in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Houston, TX
18K yellow gold pin depicting a bee with pavé round diamonds and cabochon emerald eyes. The back
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Carat White Gold Old Cut Diamond Coral Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
This unique Vintage coral design brooch was handmade from solid 18 carat white gold. The piece is
Category

Vintage 1960s English Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

1960s Seaman Schepps GIA Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat Gold Brooch Pin
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
This Vintage 1960's Seaman Schepps lapel brooch of natural inspiration weighing 19.35 grams exposes
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 1960s David Webb Diamond Ribbon Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1.00 Carat Pave Round Diamond White Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's diamond butterfly brooch. Set with 123 round pave set diamonds with a total carat weight of
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Brooch from ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION Gold with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Brooch From ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION White and Yellow gold 18kt with Diamonds ct 8.59
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Magnificent Pearl and Diamond Set Gold Flower Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, French. This stunning jeweled flower is exquisite! Its compelling look is the
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Green Tourmaline and 18k Yellow Gold Double Horse and Jockey Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The brooch has been modelled in the form of two horses and
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Tourmaline, Yellow Gold

French 1960s Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. A vintage jewel, this antique brooch features a
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 1960s David Webb Gold and Pearl Sun Brooch with Diamond Hearts
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with a Pearl center stone and hearts with pave-set
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

1.70 Carat Emerald Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Sailboat Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Set sail on a journey of elegance with our Emerald, Diamond and Pearl yellow gold 1960's sailboat
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Leaf Design Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Leaf brooch, crafted in 18k yellow gold, composed of marquise cut diamonds, round brilliant cut
Category

Mid-20th Century European Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Leaf Design Brooch
Diamond Leaf Design Brooch
$13,500 Sale Price
25% Off
Vintage Jade Brooch From ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION Gold with Diamonds Rubies
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Jade Brooch From ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION White and Yellow gold 18kt with Diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Classical Roman Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold

1963 Georges Braque Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold "Hermes" Brooch
By Georges Braque
Located in Paris, FR
Express Shipping insured during the Lockdown Exceptional 18K gold and Brilliants Cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Bulgari Large Agate Diamond Flower Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A large flower petal brooch in carved agate and gold, highlighted with diamonds, by Bulgari, circa
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Agate, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold

Sannit and Stein Onyx Emerald and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cat Brooch 1958
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cat brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate
Category

Vintage 1950s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Yellow Gold, Platinum

French Vintage Brooch Wild Rose Clip Pin 18k Gold Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
floral design brooches. It’s a three-dimensional 18k gold Wild Rose brooch. This colorful French flower
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

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

Herbert Rosenthal Vintage Yellow Gold Ruby 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 3/4 inch
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Boucheron, France 1960s Gold, Diamond, and Enamel Cat Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
A whimsical Mid-Century gold, diamond, and enamel brooch in the form of a cat with a diamond-set
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

18 Karat Pink Gold Antique-Style Diamond Flower Brooch
By Micheletto Olivo
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This exquisite brooch, crafted in 18 karat pink gold, features a vintage-inspired flower design
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18kt White and Yellow Gold Flower Brooch with 0.90ct Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt White and Yellow Gold Flower Brooch with 0.90ct Diamonds Beautiful and elegant flower
Category

20th Century Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1960s Green Enamel Dragon Brooch with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with red and green enamel. The brooch also features
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

French 1960s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Textured Ribbon Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Massive vintage yellow gold brooch, featuring
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

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

1969 Ben Rosenfeld Horse Brooch – 18ct Yellow Gold, Diamond Ruby
Located in London, GB
finely detailed horse motif is rendered in solid 18ct yellow gold, featuring a textured finish that
Category

Vintage 1960s British Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

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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.