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Multi Gem Bouquet Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gem Bouquet Brooch A floral basket brooch in yellow and white gold, set with diamonds
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s David Webb Multi-Gem Fu Dog Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with Cabochon Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires and
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 18K Green Enamel Coral Cabochon Ruby Diamond Large Frog Pendant
Located in Winter Springs, FL
18K yellow gold and layered in beautiful green enamel and set with approximately .50cttw in G-H color
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Tiffany Co Cabochon Emerald Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
12 round-cut diamonds and a cabochon emerald. Approximate Length: 1.50" Metal Type: 18-karat gold
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Walt Disney Productions 18 Karat Gold Enamel Sapphire Donald Duck Brooch
By Walt Disney
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a playful Donald Duck pin brooch. It is crafted in 18K gold, features enamel, sapphires
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Cartier Paris Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-carat gold bird set with cabochon-cut turquoises and brilliant-cut diamonds (app. 2 carats
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Diamond, Emerald and Mother of Pearl Flower Pendant and Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Diamond, emerald and mother of pearl flower pendant and brooch in 18k yellow gold. The flower is
Category

Mid-20th Century European Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl

Handmade Gold Pin with Carved Lapis and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
1960's Elaborate Handmade Carved Lapis and Diamond Pin. Very Impressive Can be made into a
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Romantic Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White gold brooch with diamonds 1960
Located in Milano, IT
Splendida spilla d'epoca realizzata nel 1960 in oro bianco 18 carati con 24 diamanti per circa 0.50
Category

20th Century European Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

White gold brooch with diamonds 1960
White gold brooch with diamonds 1960
$1,911 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Designer Toliro Emerald and Diamond Convertible 18 Karat Brooch Pendant
Located in beverly hills, CA
. Completed with a hinged diamond bail that can be hidden to allow the piece to be worn as either a brooch or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

French Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Floral Clip
Located in New York, NY
Very elegant 18kt textured Leaf Clip with excellent Ruby, Sapphire Diamond -fully cut stones
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Burch of Zurich Modernist Brooch
By Meinrad Burch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, by Meinrad Burch, Zurich, Switzerland. This spectacular modernist brooch from the
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Brooches

Materials

Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb White Enamel Tiger Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Designed by David Webb in 1965, this 18K gold and white enamel tiger brooch is set with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Van Cleef Arpels Classic Vintage Brooch/ Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Classic Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, ruby, sapphire & emerald brooch/pendant. Spectacular
Category

Vintage 1960s American Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Ruby Seed-Pearl Enamel Royal Crown Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A chic and elegant brooch from the 1960’s depicting a royal crown. Studded with round brilliant cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Turquoise Flower Earrings and Brooch Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Approximate diamond weight: 2.80 carats Approximate Height: 1.65" Circa: 1960's Metal type: 18k yellow gold
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Retro Tiffany and Co 18K Yellow Gold Cornucopia Sapphire Flower Pin
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
gorgeous pin is crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pin has natural sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

David Webb Coral Gemstone Flower Brooch-Pendant
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A chic David Webb brooch-pendant of floral design, centering round sapphires, the petals composed
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Verdura Ceylon Sapphire Brooch, 100.00 Carats
By Verdura
Located in New Orleans, LA
brooch is beautifully unified by a diamond-studded ribbon motif that elegantly weaves through its design
Category

20th Century American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum

Tiffany Co Enamel Circus Performer Brooch Designed by Donald Claflin
By Donald Claflin for Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Signed: Tiffany & Co Metal Type: 18-karat gold and platinum
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1960´s diamond pin brooche Double Feather with a Rubi Bow
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage 1960´s diamond pin brooche Double Feather with a Rubi Bow Mounted in 18k gold fully set
Category

Vintage 1940s Spanish Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Enamel Two Parrot Bird On A Branch Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage pin brooch depicting two parrots sitting on a branch. It is crafted in 18K gold
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Gold, Enamel

1960s Ruby Diamond Gold Bee Pin
Located in Berkeley, CA
Diamond encrusted Bee with captivating ruby eyes sits on your jacket lapel or on a stunning dress
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Retro White Gold 0.40 Carat Natural Diamond Flower Pin Circa 1965
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 18K white gold flower pin circa 1965, set with 24 natural round brilliant diamonds totaling
Category

Vintage 1960s North American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Yellow and White Gold Brooche Rose Flower Design with Diamond
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This Vintage Gold Brooch is a charming and timeless piece of jewelry, featuring a delicate rose
Category

Mid-20th Century French Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

A playful and beautifully detailed vintage figural brooch depicting a fox mid-s
Located in Winter Springs, FL
course. Expertly crafted in 18K yellow gold and decorated with glossy red, yellow, and black enamel, the
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Abstract 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Platinum and Diamond Pin Retailed, Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
An abstract pin in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum, set with Diamonds. Circa 1960, Retailed by Harry
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 1960s David Webb Coral Flower Pin with Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k gold with carved Coral leaves and a rosette of Round Brilliant cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Sapphire Emerald Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Silver Top Butterfly
Located in Derby, NY
Cabochon 4.14 cttw ,19 Emerald Mixed Cut 3.52 cttw 18K/Silver Yellow Gold Jewelry Type : Brooch/Pendant
Category

20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

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

1960s Multi Color Enamel Diamond Gold Parrot Pin
Located in New York, NY
Made of 18k yellow gold, this pin features lovely enamel inlays and accentuated by dazzling diamond
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Ct Diamond 15 Ct Ruby Floral Broach 52.8 GM 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
brilliant cut and baguette diamonds This exquisite vintage 1960’s pin is in pristine condition. Diamond and
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Large Diamond 8.9 CT Floral Bouquet Broach 31.2GM
Located in New York, NY
precious bunch of flowers realized in diamonds and 18 Karat White gold. The flowers/buds on this enchanting
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Enamel and Diamond Jockey Lapel Pin
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An absolutely charming enhancement for your lapel, this darling pin is made of 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

VCA 18 Karat Woven Wire and Asymmetrically Set Diamond Clip
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and super chic for that late afternoon Cocktail at The Ritz. 18kt Woven Gold Pin with 19
Category

Vintage 1960s French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18 Kt White Gold Diamond 13 Ct Pink Sapp Floral Bouquet Broach 23.2 GM
Located in New York, NY
pin is in pristine condition. Diamond and Pink sapphire Retro Floral Bouquet Gold Brooch Pin Estate
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 2.68 Carat Sapphire and 1.24 Carat Diamond White Gold Jewellery Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 2.68 carat sapphire and 1.24 carat diamond. 18 karat white gold brooch and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Vintage Cartier 18 Karat Mid-Century Modern Gold Lovebird Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Whimsical and collectible 18k yellow gold lover bird pin in heart by Cartier circa 1960. Cartier is
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

18-Karat Diamond and Enamel Turtle
Located in New York, NY
Charming dimensional enameled turtle in 18K from Italy circa 1960s. Sparkling pave diamonds accent
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Big Rose Pin
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Big Rose Pin, features 8.00 carats of baguette and round diamonds. 3 1/2"
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Adorable Lapis Diamond Frog
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold & Lapis Frog sprinkled with bezel set full cut Diamonds - and just for fun a Ruby
Category

Late 20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Gilbert Albert Black Coral and Diamonds pendant necklace
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Paris, FR
Black Coral and Diamonds turned into a mini sculpture to wear. Set on 18K Gold by Gilbert Albert in
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Gold brooch with Diamonds depicting oriental subjects with lantern.
Located in Bologna, IT
Spilla in oro bianco 18k (75071000) , marcata "750", realizzata seguendo un disegno raffigurante
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Bee Pins
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
globe. Set in 18K yellow gold Circa 1960 1" wide x 1 1/4" length each
Category

20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

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

White gold wreath brooch with diamonds and blue sapphires
Located in Milano, IT
Disegnato con grappoli di fiori e foglie che si alternano a forma circolare. Realizzata nel 1960 in
Category

20th Century European Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Buccellati Diamond 18K Gold Convertible Necklace and Brooch Pin
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Buccellati  18K Gold Diamond Necklace Timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship of
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch, circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Italian craftsmanship. Meticulously crafted in 18K yellow gold, the piece features an elegant leaf motif
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamonds, Sapphire Emeralds Earrings And A Brooch Jewelry Set
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds, Sapphire & Emeralds Earrings And A Brooch Jewelry Set. Circa: 1960's. Impressive 18k
Category

Vintage 1960s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Vintage Tiffany Co 18K Yellow Gold Sunburst Brooch with Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An eye-catching mid-century brooch crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, designed in a sculptural
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Mid-century 18kt yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch with Diamonds, Pearls Onyx
Located in Aventura, FL
Gold White Gold Stones: Natural White Pearls, Natural Black Onyx Natural Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow ...

18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
two radiant flanks of tapered baguette-cut diamonds set in 18K white gold. The ruby's striking
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bulgari La Dolce Vita 34 Carat Pave Diamond Gold Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
A lavish and luxurious 34 carat la dolce vita style diamond and gold brooch from Bulgari. This
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Italian 1960 Retro Convertible Pendant in 18kt Gold with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
-century period, circa 1960. It was crafted, with retro organic patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Modernist Gold and Keshi Pearl and Diamond Convertible Brooch Necklace, 1960s
Located in Cincinnati, OH
designed pendant/brooch enhanced with 8 round white diamonds on a detachable 13 1/2 twisted 9-strand Keshi
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

NARDI Venice 1960 Tutti-Frutti Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold Diamonds Color Gems
By Nardi
Located in Miami, FL
rare ring was carefully crafted in the in solid yellow of 18 karats with accents in white gold for the
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Pery Fils VCA Diamond Earrings Brooch Floral Set Gold 1960s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels (Pery & Fils Workshop) Diamond Brooch and Earrings Floral Suite in 18kt yellow
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Emerald Turquoise and Diamond Paisley Pendant and Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Paisley Pendant & Brooch Measurements: 2 inches long 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, Yellow Gold

Combination Pearl Necklace and 1960s Diamond Brooch Clip
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
with a removable platinum and 18 carat white gold dahlia flower with hallmarks featuring dog and eagle
Category

20th Century French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k 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.