Skip to main content

1960 Diamond Gold Brooch

to
64
1,521
1,195
555
204
177
1,483
410
291
261
219
1
1,543
2
5
1,515
2
1
823
719
4
421
168
61
58
17
to
115
90
75
45
20
246
153
114
17
14
12
8
5
5
1
1,534
12
1,070
458
Sort By
HERMES Gold Snail Brooch
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold clip brooch representing a little snail with a small cabochon cut turquoise and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Diamond and Gold Bee Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k and Platinum, by Tiffany & Co., France. This woefully fat bumble bee brooch from
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

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

1950s Cartier Paris Diamond Gold Flower Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
anyone. Featuring an everlasting blooming flower of diamonds and gold that is perfectly assembled. Signed
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rubies, Diamonds, Onyx, Rose Gold and Silver Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
covered by the seller (customs duties included). Beautiful dragonfly brooch/pendant in 9 kt rose gold and
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

H. Stern Sapphire Diamond White Gold Brooch
By H. Stern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
H.Stern Sapphire and Diamond white gold brooch, circa 1960s. The 1960s were a time of great change
Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Emerald Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in London, GB
A French emerald and diamond set flower brooch, central round brilliant cut diamond, surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

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

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Emerald 1960s Frascarolo Happy Dog Diamond Gold Enamel Brooch Pin
By Frascarolo
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
Italian brooch rendered in 18-karat textured yellow gold simulates a stylized version of a
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

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

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Tiffany 18 Kt. Yellow Gold Diamonds Sapphires Vintage Floral Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. yellow gold brooch signed by Tiffany & Co. The brooch has a floral style and is setted with
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Beautiful Emerald and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold emerald and diamond brooch with pendant attachment, Circa 1960s. The
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lovely Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Sapphire Gold Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cleef & Arpels. The round cut diamonds and sapphires are perfectly placed to accent the fluted gold
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Hammerman Diamond Emerald 18K Gold Strawberries Enameled Brooch Pin
By Hammeran Brothes
Located in Miami, FL
18K Yellow Gold with White Gold Accents, composed by (30) round-cut, prong-set, Diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel

Aurelio Teno Diamond Sapphire Gold Sculptural Brooch
By Aurelio Teno
Located in London, GB
. His jewelry was exhibited at the Diamond International Awards, New York, 1966. Literature: cf. Jose
Category

Vintage 1960s Spanish Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

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

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Buccellati 1960s Diamond Ruby and Gold Dragonfly Brooch
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
An Italian Mid-20th Century 18 karat white and yellow gold brooch with rubies and diamonds by
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Knot Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 18K gold diamond brooch from Van Cleef & Arpels features fluid, graceful lines
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Mid Century ruby diamond 14 yellow gold enamel bee brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This charming Mid-Century 14k yellow gold brooch from the 1960s features vibrant rubies, sparkling
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Butterfly Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
simple yet elegant design. Made of 18K gold and adorned with 0.16ct of diamonds, the brooch beautifully
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Platinum 18k Gold Pave Diamond Horse Brooch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
1960s horse brooch, handcrafted in platinum with 18k yellow gold accent on the mane, tail, nose and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Dankner Diamond 14 Karat Gold Radial Pendant Brooch
By Henry Dankner Sons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
karat gold With maker's mark and fully signed Dankner Circa: 1960's Measures: 1 3/8 x 1 3/8 inches
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Sapphire Flower Brooch
Located in London, GB
, mounted in white gold. Estimated total diamond weight 7.80ct. Circa 1960's
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Vintage Gold Enamel Toucan Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Toucan brooch, finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with ruby and diamonds eye, orange, green and blue
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. 18k Yellow Gold, Turquoise, Sapphire Diamond Brooch Vintage
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold, Turquoise, Sapphire & Diamond Brooch Vintage Here is your chance to
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Diamond weight is 8.24 carats, 18 Kt Gold, Platinum Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, Made in France
Category

Vintage 1960s French Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Platinum

Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
The brooch set with a circular cultured pearl, within an openwork old-brilliant-cut diamond frame
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Baroque Pearl, Diamonds, 9 Karat Rose Gold Locust-Shaped Brooch
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
body is realized with a baroque pearl embedded in 9k rose gold locust-shaped structure. The diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Diamond Emerald Ruby and Gold Fox Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Brooch, Circa 1960. Signed: VCA Or © 94.845, along with the French gold hallmarks. Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Buccellati Natural Pearl Diamond 18K Gold Flower Vintage Brooch Pin
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Indulge in the magnificence of this vintage Natural GIA saltwater pearl and Diamond 18k white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

60 Ct Natural Opal Fancy Cognac Diamonds 18K Gold, 1960
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Fine Natural Opal weighing 60 Carats with two Fancy Cognac Diamonds on each side. The colour of the
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

1960s Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Gold Owl Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
beautifully detailed 14k yellow gold owl brooch is adorned with approximately 0.50 carats of emeralds
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold

Yellow Gold with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires flower brooch
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage Yellow Gold Brooch with Precious Stones 18K gold brooch (750°/°°) featuring a flower whose
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Buccellati Turquoise Diamond Bouquet Brooch
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
A gracious turquoise and diamond flower bouquet brooch by Buccellati, circa 1960.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold

26.22 Carat Turquoise and 1.15 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 26.22 carat turquoise and 1.15 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Gold Seahorse Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A magnificent and important brooch with a sweet theme. Two seahorses, their tails entwined in an
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Enamel Ruby Diamond Gold Insect Brooch Attributed to Cazzaniga
By Cazzaniga
Located in Firenze, IT
Circa 1960s, 18k, Rome, Italy. This one-of-a-kind jeweled brooch attributed to Cazzaniga of Rome is
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Tiffany Co. Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Butterfly Brooch Pin
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Circa 1960s Tiffany & Co. Butterfly pin made of 14k yellow gold features diamond and sapphire
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Plique a Jour Butterfly Enamel Amethyst Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s plique a jour enamel amethyst and diamond butterfly gold brooch. The lacy butterfly wings
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1.23 Carat Ruby and 0.95 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
transitional modern brilliant round cut diamonds. The yellow gold petals of the floral brooch are embellished
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Leaf Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A sapphire leaf brooch with baguette diamond stem, in 18k and platinum. Atw sapphire 16.00 cts, atw
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1960s Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Gold Cat Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
yellow gold and accented with 10 round brilliant-cut diamonds of an estimated 0.27 carats, 2 round-cut
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Vintage French Diamond 18K Gold Textured Lace Brooch Pin
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Feel out of this world, with this expertly made Tiffany & Co. Diamond Brooch. This collectible
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman, 18K Gold Diamond Brooch, Certificate
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
full-cut diamonds total approx. 8.22ct, G-I/VS. With Oscar Heyman Certificate.
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond

Turquoise and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
diamonds of overall G/H color and VS1-SI1clarity. The brooch measures 1 3/8 inches tall by 1 3/4 inches
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

1960s Turquoise and Diamond Cat Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat yellow gold, turquoise and diamond cat brooch, circa 1960, designed as a whimsical cat
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

TIFFANY CO. SCHLUMBERGER Diamond Ruby Gold Starfish Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in New York City, NY
Rare and unusual 18K gold, diamond and ruby brooch by Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger, circa 1960s. It
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1965 Andrew Grima Modernist Tourmaline Diamond Gold Brooch
By Andrew Grima
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An early Geometric Brooch by Andrew Grima. The 18k yellow gold brooch with multiple gold rods
Category

Vintage 1960s English Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Georges Braque Enamel Diamond Gold Tithonos Pin Brooch
By Georges Braque
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
(tested) yellow gold and green enamel and accented with a round brilliant cut diamond. It measures 2-3/4
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s European 18k gold and diamond wreath brooch
Located in London, GB
A charming 18k gold brooch made in Europe in 1960s in the shape of a wreath. It is the perfect size
Category

Vintage 1960s European Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ruby and diamond brooch is crafted in solid 18K white gold, weighing 27.39 grams and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Hammerman Lapis Diamond Sapphire Gold and Platinum Turtle Brooch
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
textured 18k yellow gold. Brightened by white, clean diamonds embedded throughout the head, limbs and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Sapphire Diamond and Ruby Flower White Gold 18 Carat Brooch
Located in London, GB
A vintage double headed flower brooch, set with round brilliant and eight-cut diamonds, with rubies
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

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

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

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

1960s Diamond and Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.32 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow and white gold 'leaf' brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s British Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid Century Diamond Sapphire Jade 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Mid Century Diamond Sapphire Jade 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch. Featuring eight pear cabochon
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.75 Carat Diamond Bow Tie Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage diamond bow brooch is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. Features a bow of
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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

1960 Diamond Gold Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 1960 diamond gold 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 1759 vintage or 1 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a 1960 diamond gold brooch from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. Creating a 1960 diamond gold brooch has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Van Cleef Arpels, Tiffany Co. and Cartier are consistently popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and cabochon cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 1960 diamond gold brooch, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 1960 Diamond Gold Brooch?

Prices for a 1960 diamond gold brooch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $361 and can go as high as $375,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,721.

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.