Skip to main content

Brooch Black Enamel And Diamonds

to
67
704
466
367
343
163
727
151
142
128
96
8
157
561
107
53
21
50
29
15
18
61
67
44
18
4
467
385
8
189
79
60
45
38
to
8
1
99
43
36
16
9
117
107
79
52
43
32
31
17
10
8
3
2
1
836
24
560
267
Sort By
Cartier Paris 1939 Diamond Ruby Coral Gold Falconry Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
, round diamond, and a round ruby. With with black enamel and mounted in 18 k gold and silver. Hallmarks
Category

Vintage 1940s French Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

David Webb Leopard Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New Orleans, LA
jeweler's nature-inspired designs. Crafted of 18k yellow gold with black enamel spots, the feline is perched
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Cartier Ladybug Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Darnestown, MD
What could be more charming than a Ladybug brooch made by Cartier? It is red and black enamel with
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Raymond Yard Rabbit Waiter Brooch
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New Orleans, LA
black enamel detailing creating a slick shine on his bow tie, shoes and nose. A total of 1.14 carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Cartier Coral Hand and Flower Pin Brooch, circa 1937
By Cartier
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
flower made of gold, diamond and black enamel. This brooch was made in the late 1930s in France by
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

David Webb Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Tiger Pin Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Stamford, CT
1960 David Webb Tiger pin authenticated by David Webb. Black enamel stripes. Diamond and Emerald
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Vintage Diamond Emerald Lion Cub Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
diamond emerald brooch. With its black enamel nose, emerald eyes, and diamond face, this frisky lion cub
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Owl Amethyst Citrine Diamond Emerald Brooch Clip
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Century. Citrine, Amethyst, Mother-of-pearl, Diamond, Emerald and black enamel mounted on yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Panda Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Panda Brooch finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with black and white enamel, with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1980s Irish Four Clover and Ladybug Gold Irish Lapel Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This delicate lapel brooch stamped crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and green enamel, weighs 12
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

MARCUS CO. 1910 Edwardian Brooch In Platinum With 3.12 Ctw Diamonds Emeralds
By Marcus Co.
Located in Miami, FL
colorless diamonds and vivid green Colombian emeralds. The brooch is fitted at the reverse with a concealed
Category

Vintage 1910s North American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

David Webb Panther Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb brooch designed a panther sitting on the tree brunch ready to hunt with black and
Category

Late 20th Century American Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Custom Made Equestrian Motif Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
) in the 1920's in Paris. It is made of platinum with some yellow gold details, black & white enamel
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Brooches

Victorian Onyx Diamond 14 Karat Gold Mourning Flower Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is black onyx carved as a stylized poppy flower Opaque matte black in color with slight
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Brooches

1860 s Victorian 12.70 Carats Ruby Fancy Green Colored Diamond 18 Karat Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
black enamel accents, exhibiting minor loss, consistent with age Completed by a pin stem with closure
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

David Webb Crouching Tiger Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A TIGER BROOCH, BY DAVID WEBB Designed as a crouching tiger with black enamel and round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Carving Emerald Ruby Diamond Art Deco Style Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
lucious red rubies with black enamel. This magnificent masterpiece, handcrafted in white gold. Brooch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Cartier 1940 Paris Art-Deco Ladybug Pin Brooch 18Kt Yellow Gold Coral Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
lapis lazuli and black onyx, with and without diamonds and with black enamel. Note: A similar ladybug
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

DAVID WEBB "Majestic Unicorn Brooch"
By David Webb
Located in Houston, TX
A black enamel unicorn brooch in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum with diamonds and rubies
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold

Erté 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Onyx Alien "X" Alphabet 9 Brooch
By Erté
Located in Philadelphia, PA
an "X" position with diamond accents and black enamel throughout Onyx is opaque glossy black With a
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Floral Giardinetti Brooch
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
lattice. Black enamel vines add one more layer of detail and extra hints of distinction. Look closer and
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Lacloche Frères Brooch Platinum Carved Gemstones
By LaCloche
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
“leaves” are diamonds and black enamel. Separate round cut bezel set diamonds randomly staged between the
Category

Vintage 1920s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum

Polish Antique Gem-Set Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
shaped, old-cut diamond, the abdomen is set with old-cut diamonds, with black enamel stripes either side
Category

Antique 1870s Polish Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold

David Webb Leopard Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, platinum, diamond, emerald and black enamel brooch by David Webb. The
0.62Ct Emerald and 18k Yellow Gold Mourning Brooch - Antique Victorian
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. This impressive Victorian mourning brooch has
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Enamel Diamond Emerald Pearl 14 Karat Gold Queen Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
detailed with enamel features of black eyeliner, pink lips, and rosy skin exhibiting little to no loss
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

18 Karat Gold Panther Double Clip Brooch
Located in Aspen, CO
black enamel spots, an emerald eye, a red enamel nose, and fine white diamonds are pave set into his
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Lacloche Floral Art Deco Clip Brooch, circa 1928
By Lacloche Freres
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Art Deco Lacloche Ruby Diamond and Enamel Clip Brooch, ca. 1928 A striking and beautifully
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Christian Dior 1980s Art Deco Brooch by Henkel Grosse
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
An elegant 1980s Art Deco style brooch by Christian Dior. The diamond shape brooch has black enamel
Category

Vintage 1980s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Bar Pin
Located in Lucerne, CH
mm in diameter. 12 small rose cut diamonds and black enamel. Very lovely item. Early Art Déco
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Delightful Askew London Saucy Dog Brooch Pin
By Askew London
Located in Montreal, QC
Signed Askew London Cheeky Dog set with Sparkling Faux Diamonds, enhanced with Black, Red and White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Silver Plate

Art Deco Circular Multi-Gem Pictorial Brooch by Lacloche Freres
By Lacloche Freres
Located in London, GB
approx 22 buff top calibré-cut sapphires 1.65cts approx Platinum with areas of applied black enamel
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum

René Lalique Art Nouveau Diamond, Crystal and Gold Floral Hat Pin
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau 18 karat gold and enamel hat pin with diamonds and crystal by René Lalique
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Crystal, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Dog on Leash in House Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
swings lightly with any movement. Black enameling acts as the dog's nose while delicate cutouts highlight
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Boucheron Style Art Deco Plique-a-Jour, Turquoise, Diamond and Pearl Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
embellished with diamonds, and plique-à-jour enameling. This piece also comes in what appears to be its
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Emerald Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Weevil Beetle Insect Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
alternating with black enamel stripes Thorax is comprised of central cushion cut emerald, transparent and
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

West African Fulani Custom Made 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Ruby Sculpture Art Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
wearable art using a double stick pin closure on the back. The body is hand painted meticulously with black
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Nubian Prince Stick Pin In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 2.28 Ctw In Diamonds And Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
prince in solid yellow gold of 18 karats. The head is carved from natural black Ebony wood and display a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Revival Brooches

Materials

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

Lively Opal Diamond Gold Bee Pin
Located in Miami, FL
clarity. The diamonds are positioned within black enamel frames to create color contrast. The body is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

David Webb Chrysoprase Coral Lapis Lazuli Ruby Diamond Pendant Pin
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
4.64 carats, Coral beads and Black Enamel. It's a unique work of art by David Webb, collectible piece
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Diamond Emerald David Webb Tiger Broach in 18K Gold Platinum
By David Webb
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18K Yellow Gold Tiger Broach with Black Enamel Stripes, signed "David Webb". Beautiful Diamond
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Kappa Sigma Badge, Platinum 14 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pearls Fraternity Pin
Located in Greensboro, NC
alternating pattern.  It bares the black enameled symbols of crossed skeleton keys, a skull and cross bones
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

David Webb South Seas Cultured Pearls
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
South Sea cultured pearls, collet-set brilliant-cut diamonds, black enamel, 18K gold, and platinum
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

1940 Cartier Yellow Gold Leaf Clip
By Cartier
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. yellow and white gold clip with 2 old-cut diamonds, carved nephrite and black enamel. This
Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Parrot Pin
Located in Houston, TX
Charming 18kt yellow gold parrot pin with 3.60 carats total weight diamonds, red and black enamel
Category

Unknown Brooches

Frascarolo Black Enamel, Diamond and Ruby Jaguar Pendant Brooch
By Frascarolo
Located in New York, NY
Frascarolo Jaguar Pendant and Brooch in black enamel on 18k gold, with lapis lazuli and diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

1950 s Diamond Black Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Crescent Pendant Brooch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond and black enamel vintage crescent can be worn as a pendant or brooch. The pendant features
Category

Mid-20th Century American Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique 14K Pearl Diamond Enamel Brooch Pendant
Located in Henderson, NV
by rose-cut diamonds adding a subtle sparkle. The design is accentuated with black enamel scalloped
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Frascarolo Enameled Convertible Panther Pendant Brooch 18Kt Gold 3.02 Ct Diamond
By Frascarolo
Located in Miami, FL
panther body is decorated, with applications of red and black hot enamels. Diamonds: The panther's face
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian 1900 Enameled Purple Pansy Flower Brooch In 14Kt Gold With Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian enameled Pansy flower brooch. Beautiful three-dimensional five-petals pansy flower
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Tiger Bracelet/Brooch
Located in Southampton, PA
shaped like a tiger ready to pounce. The tiger is encrusted with ~8ct of diamonds and accented with black
Category

20th Century More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1905 Art Nouveau Pansy Flower Enamel Pendant Brooch 18Kt Gold Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian enameled Pansy convertible brooch. An extremely beautiful piece, created in America
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Crane Theurer 1900 Art Nouveau Enamel Pansy Pendant Brooch 14Kt Gold Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
of purple, black and white. The enamel work is exceptional and meticulous, far exceeding the details
Category

Antique Early 1900s North American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Diamond Pearl Enamel 14K Yellow Gold Antique Flower Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
iridescent matte enamel over linear engraving Transparent pink, purple, yellow, and black - minimal loss
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

David Webb Gold Pegasus Black Enamel Ruby Eyes Diamond Pin Pendant Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
1970s, presenting 2.4 cts of brilliant-cut diamonds, black enamel ornaments, and ruby eyes, on 18kt
Category

20th Century American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Pearl Rose Cut Diamond Black Enamel Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
pearl and rose cut diamonds. It is adorned with black enamel. Weight: 3.57g Size: 15.75 (US 5
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Korloff 18 Karat Gold 0.20 Carat VS Diamond Black Enamel Modern Band Ring
By Korloff
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
adorned with black enamel and “Korloff” logos. Weight: 5.19g Size: 17.75 (US 7.5) Cannot be resized
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Brooch Black Enamel And Diamonds", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Brooch Black Enamel And Diamonds For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of brooch black enamel and diamonds. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Enamel, these items were constructed with great care. Our selection of items includes 25 vintage examples as well as 3 contemporary versions. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. The designs in our inventory of brooch black enamel and diamonds bearing Modern or Victorian hallmarks are very popular. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but David Webb, Black, Starr Frost and Birks produced popular versions that are worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for round cut brooch black enamel and diamonds and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and brilliant cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of brooch black enamel and diamonds, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Brooch Black Enamel And Diamonds?

On average, brooch black enamel and diamonds at 1stDibs sell for $6,950, while they’re typically $1,350 on the low end and $34,200 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.