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ALDO CIPULLO 1970 Maltese Pendant-Brooch In 18Kt Gold Diamonds Lapis Lazuli
By Aldo Cipullo
Located in Miami, FL
solid 18 karats yellow gold with high polished finish. It is embellished with a great selection of
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

7.47 Carat Zambian Emerald and 14.50 Carat Diamond Brooch / Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
brooch has been crafted in 18k white gold. The symmetrical convex setting of this vintage brooch is
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Mid Century 1960 Designer Clip-On Earrings in 18kt Gold with 2.43 Cts in Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
-century period, circa 1960's. These clip-on earrings has been crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

DAVID WEBB 18k Yellow Gold, Platinum Diamond Maltese Sautoir Necklace 1960s
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
David Webb Vintage 1967 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond Platinum Sautoir Maltese Pendant Necklace
Category

Vintage 1960s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18KT Set of Pearl Diamond Earrings and Brooch by Fordley
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Texture and Movement... Set of 18 KT Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings with matching Brooch 18
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s Multi-Gemstone Brooch Pendant Sautoir Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with a center Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 28.00 carats
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

AUGUSTIN JULIA PLANA 1960 Pendant-Travel Watch In Solid 18kt Gold With Lapis
Located in Miami, FL
solid in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with textured finish. The pendant is fitted at the reverse with
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Bulgari Gold Platinum Earrings and Clip Brooches Set Coral Jewelry
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular Bulgari vintage gold and platinum set, featuring coral and diamonds. The set consists
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Gilbert Albert 1970 Swiss Modernist Pendant Brooch In 18Kt Gold Shell And Pearls
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Miami, FL
-kind pendant-brooch designed with brutalism and organics patterns in the late 1960's. It was crafted in
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

GARRARD CO. Pearls Necklace 18Kt Gold 7.42 Cts In Diamonds GIA Burmese Ruby
By Garrard Co. Ltd.
Located in Miami, FL
crafted with classic patterns in solid white gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The main mount
Category

Vintage 1960s English Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 1960s David Webb Carved Coral Brooch Pendant Sautoir Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in white enamel over 18k yellow gold with carved Coral, Round Brilliant cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Onyx Diamond Drop Lever-Back Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a lovely pair of vintage drop lever-back earrings. It is crafted in 18K gold. The piece
Category

Mid-20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Ladies Wristwatch, Universal Genève, 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
By Universal Genève
Located in Berlin, DE
Enchanting ladies watch from Universal Genève, 18 Karat Gold, with Diamonds. Mechanical manual
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.46 Carat Diamond Openwork Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage twist design openwork cocktail ring. It is crafted in 18K gold. The piece
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.55 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1960. The piece features 28 rose cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Sapphire Diamond Drop Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of vintage drop stud earrings. It is crafted in 18K gold and silver. The piece
Category

20th Century Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Mid Century 18 Karat Gold 1.00 Carat Ruby 0.80 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Mid Century cluster ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1960. It features: - 1 ruby, oval
Category

Mid-20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

David Webb 14.4 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Dome Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in Stamford, CT
. 18k yellow gold cocktail setting. This beautiful rich blue sapphire is certified by the GIA as a
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Rare Hans Hansen Sapphire Ruby Diamond and Gold Bracelet circa 1965
By Hans Hansen
Located in New York, NY
A rare, vintage, cabochon sapphire, ruby, diamond, and 18 karat gold bracelet, by Hans Hansen, c
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Modern Bracelets

Materials

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

David Webb Cocktail Ring 18kt Gold Platinum With 17.18 Cts Diamonds Sapphire
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
and sharp geometric patterns and carefully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and platinum. It
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18...

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Lady Cameo Diamond Pearl Amethyst Locket Pendant Collier
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning locket pendant collier necklace crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1960. The piece
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Mid Century 18 Karat Gold Black Onyx Left Facing Lady Cameo Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1960. It features an onyx cameo
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

1960s Vintage Frascarolo 18 Karat Gold Ruby Enamel Tiger Cocktail Ring
By Frascarolo
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
. The piece is crafted in 18K gold. It features rubies and enamel (white, black, red). Signed: “FC
Category

20th Century Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Turquoise Rock Crystal Bead Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
brooch for dual wear. Chain Measurements: 14" long Pendant Measurements: 2.25" long Metal Type: 18
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Rock Crystal, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Silver Garnet Vertical Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage vertical cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold (shank) and 925 fine silver (head
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Garnet, Gold, Silver

David Webb Diamond Gold Swirling Ribbon Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular 1960s David Webb brooch in platinum and 18K gold formed as a swirl of ribbon with one
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Buccellati Vintage No Heat Blue Sapphire 18k Gold Floral Square Brooch Pin
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
crafted in  Luxurious 18K yellow gold. Measuring approx. 33 mm x 25 mm,  this brooch features 1 Natural
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

1963 Georges Braque Cut Diamond Gold Tereus Brooch
By Georges Braque
Located in Paris, FR
Beautifull 18K Gold Brooch by Georges Braque (1882-1963), inventor of cubism. Signed "Bijoux de
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Frascarolo Vintage Enameled Diamond Lion Brooch Pin
By Frascarolo
Located in Miami, FL
inspired in a Roaring Lion Head motif. This 18K gold brooch is ready to lunge forward as it looks through
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Brooch
By Birks
Located in Huntington Woods, MI
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Statement Brooch created by Birks Jewelry of Canada. The brooch was
Category

Vintage 1960s Canadian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Midcentury 18k Gold Sapphire Diamond Jellyfish Brooch
Located in METAIRIE, LA
Vintage Mid-Century Circa 1960 Made in Italy To be used as a Brooch / Lapel Pin, Scarf Pin, Fur
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

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

Carvin French 1.75 Carat Diamond 18k Gold Brooch
Located in Shaker Heights, OH
French Designer "Carvin" 18k Gold Yellow andPlatinum 950 1.75 Carat Diamond Brooch is of the
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Mid Century Diamond Emerald and Sapphire 18K Gold Lion Brooch circa 1960
Located in Goettingen, DE
Mid Century Diamond Emerald and Sapphire 18K Gold Lion Brooch circa 1960 Very attractive gold
Category

Mid-20th Century European Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow White Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Amazing butterfly brooch with pave set with Diamonds and ruby cabochon . Handmade 18k Yellow and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow White Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Amazing butterfly brooch with pave set with Diamonds and ruby cabochon . Handmade 18k Yellow and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Designed as a stylized feather set with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vourakis Diamond Emerald Earrings Brooch Set in 18k Gold
By Vourakis
Located in Holmdel, NJ
This stunning, 1960-1970's diamond and emerald earrings and brooch set by Vourakis is crafted in
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Boucheron 18k Gold 0.5 Carat Diamond Flower Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in Goettingen, DE
Vintage Boucheron 18K Gold Diamond Flower Brooch This representative diamond brooch is designed as
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl and Diamond Sagittarius Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl and Diamond Sagittarius Brooch Grams 13.7 Consisting of a central
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold

Chaumet 18k Yellow Gold Coral and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
A flower shaped brooch by Chaumet Paris, with textured 18k yellow gold stem and petals, the heart
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

1960´s 18 Karats Yellow Gold Flowers Brooch with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in SEVILLA, ES
A 1960´s 18 Karats Yellow Gold Flowers Brooch with 2.80 carats of Diamonds ( G - VS1 ) and 2.50
Category

Vintage 1960s Spanish Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold and Lapis Lazuli Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A chic and original example of 60’s French jewelry. An 18k gold rope, studded with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Diamond Gold Feather Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The curved feather decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approx. 1.6carats.
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Sterlé Paris Diamond Gold Shell Brooch
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
Polished periwinkle shell mounted with 18k gold on the side and point and set with diamonds. It is
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Branch Brooch with Apple Blossom, Austria, 1960
Located in Heerlen, NL
- 18K. white gold branch brooch, Quartz leaf with saphirres and diamonds - Wenen 1960 with
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Gold and Diamonds French Vintage Bird Brooch
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
One lovely vintage brooch. The bird is very cute. Made in France circa 1960. Made in yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Flower Pin Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Diamond weight is 10.88cts. Brooch dimensions: 2.4" x 2". Made of 18K Yellow Gold Platinum. Signed
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18K Gold Kutchinsky Squirrel Brooch
By Joseph Kutchinsky
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold with Emerald Eye and Acorn Nut, and Diamond Studded Tail. With signature.
Category

Vintage 1960s English Brooches

Ruby Diamond Gold "Tweety Pie" Brooch
Located in London, GB
This amusing brooch has French control marks and its eyes are set with Rubies and Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Wander Diamond Gold Ribbon Brooch
By Wander
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Wander gold and a diamond ribbon brooch set in 18kt white and yellow gold with 4 carats of diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cellino Leaping Ruby Diamond Gold Fish Brooch
By Cellino
Located in New York, NY
Graceful and well-detailed leaping fish brooch. Made and signed by CELLINO. 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Large Diamond Sapphire Gold Brooch
Located in Fuengirola, Malaga
Large detailed 18 karat white gold and yellow floral brooch set set with 26 clean white brilliant
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Emerald Diamond Gold Frog Brooch
Located in Berlin, DE
Finest jewelry in 18 K yellow gold, enchased. With brilliant-cut diamonds eyes. 28 emeralds adorn
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Frascarolo gold, diamonds and enamel panther brooch
By Frascarolo
Located in Roma, IT
A yellow gold, diamonds, ruby, red and black enamel brooch by italian Frascarolo.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Stunning Rose Gold and Diamond Retro Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Retro style 18kt rose and white gold brooch with a fringe made of eight rectangular-link flexible
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Coral Diamond Gold Brooch Pendant, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
in 18 K yellow gold. Total weight: 23,37 g. Dimensions: 2.56 x 1.3 in ( 6,5 x 3,3 cm )
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.56 Carat Sapphire and 1.41 Carat Diamond Brooch, circa 1960
By Buccellati
Located in Essex, GB
, with approximately 1.41 carat of diamonds. Circa – 1960. Measurements – The brooch is 28 x 25mm
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

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

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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.