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David Webb Yellow Gold Crouching Tiger Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
18KYG Crouching Tiger with black enamel stripes with two pear-shaped emerald eyes approximately
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. 18k White Gold Chalcedony Polar Bear Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany White Chalcedony Polar Bear and Diamond Cubs with Sapphire and Black Enamel in 18K White
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Van Cleef Arpels Gem Set Gold Lion Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
further decorated with a Black enamel nose, this is the larger of the Lion Clip Brooches produced by VCA
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Cartier Art Deco Tutti Frutti Flower Vase Brooch, circa 1930s
By Cartier
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
has round brilliant cut and step cut diamonds, accented with swinged black enamel work. Cartier
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum

18 Karat Gold Moonstone Enamel Pair of Penguins Attributed to Fasano
By Fasano
Located in North Hollywood, CA
carats, with Black enamel bodies set in Yellow Gold with Diamond eyes. These are done in 18K Yellow Gold
Category

1990s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold

Cartier Paris, 18 Karat Gold, Ruby and Diamond Dog Clip
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
black enamel cylinder, one round ruby eye and black enamel nose, signed Cartier, Paris, no 73, with
Category

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Russian Demantoid and Diamond Double Headed Eagle Pin, circa 1890s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
diamond. The eagle itself is made in gold with black and blue enamel. Further suspending a bright Russian
Category

Antique 1890s Russian Russian Empire Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Plique-à-Jour and Diamond Moveable Winged Insect Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
enameling grace the thorax and head. Gorgeous old Rose Cut diamonds adorn the head, body, and line the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold

14 Karat Diamond Cross Pin Pendant
Located in Houston, TX
weight of 2.50; they are G-H in color and SI-1 in clarity. There is also black enameling along the edges
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Fred Emerald Diamond Gold Leopard Pin
By Fred
Located in Stamford, CT
Fred Emerald Diamond 18k Gold Leopard Pin with diamond collar and Emerald eye. Black enamel spots
Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Bat Pin
Located in Houston, TX
18K yellow gold and sterling silver bat pin. The wings are enameled in black with diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

11.54 Carat Amethyst and Pearl Yellow Gold Jewelry Suite, Antique
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
by eight collet set seed pearls and a black enamel decoration, bordered with sharp engraved details
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Charming French Bulldog Stickpin
Located in New York, NY
enamelled in brown, cream and black with rose diamond eyes. Rare and collectible stickpin circa 1920. 2.5" x
Category

Vintage 1910s American Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Diamond Star pendant brooch, 15k gold, Onyx and black enamel
Located in NEWARK, GB
yet uplifting with the gorgeous rose cut diamond studded star to the centre, highlighted with black
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Enamel Black and Green Blue Brooch Pin Detailed with Lacquer and Rhinestones
Located in San Diego, CA
Enamel Black and Green Blue Brooch Pin detailed with Lacquer and Rhinestones. 46mm x 44 mm in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French More Jewelry

Materials

Base Metal

Antique Diamond Star Fob Watch, 18k Gold, Blue Enamel, Bow Brooch
Located in NEWARK, GB
enamel and Rose cut diamond fob watch. A rich 18kt yellow gold case with deep cobalt blue Guilloche
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Hedges Co. 1900 Enameled Pansy Pendant Brooch In 14Kt Gold With Diamond
By A. J. Hedges Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian enameled convertible flower brooch designed by A. J. Hedges. An exceptional three
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Flower Pendant Diamond 14k Gold Black Enamel Mourning Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian black enamel diamond pendant/brooch crafted in 14k yellow gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Crane Theurer 1900 Art Nouveau Enamel Flower Pendant 14Kt Diamond And Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
glossy glass enamel, with colors gradations of purple, black, yellow and white. The enamel work is
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, ...

Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Black Enamel Band Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
black enamel. Weight: 2.03g Size: 18.75 (US 8.75) IMPORTANT: As a buyer, you are fully responsible
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian 14 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
diamonds. It is adorned with black enamel which is of average condition. Weight: 4.33g Size: 18.25 (US 8
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Antique French Enamel Turquoise Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
against the black enamel background. Small diamonds add a touch of sparkle that enhances the textured
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Georgian Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

1990s Marina B “Fujiyama“ 18 Karat Gold Sapphire Diamond Enamel Cocktail Ring
By Marina B
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
0.95ct, RW-W, VS-SI - Sapphires: 6pcs., multicolour, TW 2.00ct, VS-SI - Black enamel (has minor scratches
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

David Webb 1970 New York Swirl Enamel Ring 18kt Gold Platinum with Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
parts in .900/.999 platinum for the settings of the diamonds. Embellished with applications of black
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

PAUL DITTSHEIM 1905 Enameled Lady Pocket Watch In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
top with a movable ring to wear in a chain, a brooch or a fob. Dial: White enamel, analog with red
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

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

VEVER Paris 1920 Deco Platinum Necklace-Brooch With Jadeite, Diamonds Onyx
By Vever
Located in Miami, FL
-up with European rose cuts diamonds and black onyxes. This kind of jewelry is typical of the Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, White Diamond, Platinum

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Chandelier Pendant or Brooch 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Incredible large size antique diamond and enamel pendant necklace / brooch with stunning Old World
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Vintage Attwood Sawyer Gold Tone Enamel Crystal Leopard Bangle Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
is crafted in base metal and is gold plated. It is adorned with black enamel and clear crystals
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Bangles

Materials

Enamel

Victorian 14 Karat Gold Enamel Porcelain Lady Miniature Portrait Dangle Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
pearls and black enamel (average condition - can be seen in photos). Weight: 6.57g Length: 5.5cm
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Lund Blockley. A Gold Enamel and Pearl Full Hunter Fob Watch C1880
Located in Mayfair, London, London
and Diamond Brooch. C1880 Dial: A beautiful white enamel dial with black Roman Numerals and outer
Category

Antique 18th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Georgian 18th Century French Enamel Miniature Portrait Paste Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
diamond brooches, also costume jewellery: Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, David Webb and etc
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Base Metal, Enamel

Opal Cameo Gem-Set Brooch Pendant, Wilhelm Schmidt, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Renaissance Revival Opal Cameo Gem-set and Enamel Brooch Pendant, ca. 1880s A beautiful and rare
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold

Scarce Baroque Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring Bow Circa 1700
Located in London, GB
, the grooves inlayed with black enamel with white enamel dots, typical ornamentation of the late 17th
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Baroque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

VICTORIAN 1880 Industrialism Dangle Earrings In 14Kt Gold With Agate Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
and embellished with applications of black enamel. They are mounted in the center with two natural
Category

Antique 1880s English Neoclassical Dangle Earrings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rose Gold Cuff Bracelet with Rose-Cut Diamond Medalian
Located in Northampton, MA
set in silver atop a black enameled background with yellow gold leaves exposed and gleaming. Was this
Category

2010s American Artisan Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Tiffany Co. 1918 Art Deco Watch Necklace in Platinum with 4.03ctw Diamonds
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Miami, FL
manufactured 14 carat brooches, scarf pins, sleeve buttons, studs, and bracelets, accented with enamel. Later
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

"Webster" Diamond Ruby Frog Pendant in Yellow Gold with Tourmaline Bead Chain
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
massive swag brooches, humorous figural pieces (poodles!) and pieces with blue and green enamel. Our frog
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Cameo Porcelain Double Portrait Pendant Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
black enamel applied on porcelain. Both portraits are adorned with a seed pearl drop. Size: 5x4,7cm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Chanel Long Pearl Necklace Circa 1980s
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
jeans and a t shirt or a little black dress. Depending on if it is worn long or twisted tight three
Category

Vintage 1980s French Artist Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Mixed Metal

Maison Gripoix Vintage Flower Collar Necklace
By Maison Gripoix
Located in New York, NY
VIntage Gripoix Gold Tone with Black and White Flowers Collar. It is a very classic style that
Category

1990s French Artist Choker Necklaces

Diamond and Enamel Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A diamond and enamel brooch in the form of a butterfly, the body set with diamond, the wings set
Category

2010s British Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau enamel, pearl and diamond brooch, with opalescent shaded enamel sinuous curling
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Enamel

Edwardian Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Bar Brooch
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian enamel, pearl and diamond bar brooch, set with three enamel pansies, each with a small
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel

Conch Pearl, Diamond and Enamel Brooch and Pendant
Located in London, GB
A conch pearl, diamond and enamel brooch/pendant, the pink pearl measuring 14.3 x 11.3 mm
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum, Enamel

Victorian Enamel and Diamond-Set Duck Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian enamel and diamond-set duck brooch, the brooch in the form of a swimming mallard duck
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Late Victorian Enamel and Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian enamel and diamond bee brooch, the thorax and wings set with rose-cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique Enamel and Diamond Pansy Brooch
Located in London, GB
An antique enamel and diamond pansy brooch, the old-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.25 carats claw
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Enamel and Diamond Pansy Brooch
Located in London, GB
An antique enamel and diamond pansy brooch, a round old-cut diamond estimated to weight 0.15 carats
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Late-Victorian Diamond and Enamel Jockey Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late-Victorian diamond and enamel horse and jockey brooch, the horse set with single-cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Enamel Flower Brooch
Located in London, GB
pink enamel petals surrounding a further lively diamond. This brooch is emblematic of the early
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Early Victorian Blue Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Locket
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian blue enamel, pearl and diamond locket, to the centre a 18th century miniature
Category

Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

French Fin De Siècle Enamel and Diamond Peacock Fan Pin
Located in London, GB
A French fin de siècle enamel and diamond peacock fan pin, consisting of nine multicolour enamelled
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

A late Victorian diamond and blue enamel stick pin
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond and blue enamel stick pin, the old-cut diamond estimated to weigh 1/3 of a
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

15k Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Egyptian Revival Scarab Brooch
Located in London, GB
wire frame to ruby set snakes and enamelled wings set with alternate rose-cut diamonds and rubies, all
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel

Late Victorian Pair of Enamel Flower Scatter Pins
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian pair of turn of the century enamel, pearl and diamond scatter pins, one in the for
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Austro-Hungarian Plique-a-Jour Butterly Brooch
Located in London, GB
An Austro-Hungarian enamel, diamond and ruby butterfly brooch, the thorax bearing a round cabochon
Category

Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Early 20th Century Wasp Brooch
Located in London, GB
An early twentieth century diamond, enamel and crystal wasp brooch, the black and yellow enamel
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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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.