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Antique Victorian 18K Gold Diamond Enamel Brooch Depicting a Classical Lady
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian yellow gold, diamond, and enamel brooch, comprising three rose cut diamonds, and hand
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Enamel, Rose, White and Yellow Gold Goose Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1970's enamel, 9 carat rose, white and yellow gold bird brooch in the form of
Category

Vintage 1970s English Brooches

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Large Diamond Enamel Polo Race Horse Jockey Brooch in 18k Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
face and diamond riding clothes of black, and white enamel. Mounted on his diamond & Black Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Large Diamond Enamel Polo Race Horse Jockey Brooch in 18k Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
face and diamond riding clothes of black, Blue and white enamel. Mounted on his diamond horse, he is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Deco Buddha Jabot Brooch Pin Rose Cut Diamond Platinum Enamel
Located in New York, NY
The Rose Diamond Platinum Enamel Buddha Jabot Pin Brooch is an Art Deco Masterpiece. The seated
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Gold Koala Brooch Luxury Fashion Pendant
Located in New York, NY
For all animal, and nature lovers, here's our charming & unique Enamel, & Diamond Koala pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Large Edwardian Diamond Enamel Race Horse Jockey Brooch
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
a moonstone face and diamond riding clothes of black, turquoise and white enamel. Mounted on his
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

French 19th Century Coral Enamel Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
thread of black enamel. The clasp is a pin with safety hook. Total length: about 3 cm, width at widest
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

Ruby, Diamond, Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladybug Luxury Brooch/Pendant
Located in New York, NY
ladybug brooch/pendant! This brooch features the ladybug's body adorned with green & black enamel fully
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Yellow White Gold Penguin Luxury Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
For all animal, and nature lovers, here's our charming & unique Black, White Enamel & Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond, Spinel, Enamel 18 Karat Yellow White Gold "Insect" Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
For all insect, and nature lovers, here's our charming & unique Enamel & Diamond insect pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Large Majestic 18k Yellow Gold Italian Enameled Ruby Diamond OWL Brooch
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
gold and adorned with Italian enamel, rubies, and diamonds. This owl is a beautiful representation
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pansy Flower Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
metallic enamel Transparent and opaque - with minimal loss Accented by transitional cut diamonds Prong set
Category

Vintage 1950s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Gemstone and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Gemstone and Diamond brooch. This brooch has diamonds, rubies, emerald, sapphire and black enamel
Category

Mid-20th Century French Artist Brooches

Materials

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

Estate Silver and 14 Karat Enameled 2.00 Carat Diamond Flower Pin/ Brooch
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Estate silver and 14K enameled 2.00 carat diamond flower pin/brooch. Showcasing 52 round diamond
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian 14k Gold Large Heart Amethyst Diamond Enamel Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
wonderful rich and antique character. The outer frame is also further adorned with fine black enamel work
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Platinum 3.5-4ctw Pave Diamond Enamel Blue Marlin Detailed Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
sapphire at its eye and further decorated with gorgeous blue and black enamel at its fins for a wonderful
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum, Enamel

Sakura Cherry Blossom Diamond Carved Coral Enamel 18K White Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
, with diamond centers and buds and dramatic black enamel sinuously curved branches. Set in a substantial
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romantic Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

French 19th Century Diamonds Enamel 18 karat Yellow Gold Locket Pendant Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
heart-shaped pendant. The jump ring and front are also black-enameled and set with rose-cut diamonds for
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

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

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

French Art Deco Lapis Diamond Enamel Platinum 18K Vintage Buddha Jabot Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
geometric segments glossed with black enamel - some loss Bead set with single cut diamonds throughout
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Platinum Van Cleef Arpels Art Deco Black Enamel Diamond Clip
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
black enamel reverse Stones: Round and baguette-cut white diamonds Weight: 22.15 grams Serial No.: 35274
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Ruby, Diamond, Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Colorful Frog Luxury Fashion Brooch
Located in New York, NY
For all animal, and nature lovers, here's our charming & unique Enamel, Diamond, & Ruby frog brooch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Theo Fennell 1980s Diamond Enamel Polo Pony Articulated Player Horse Brooch Gold
By Theo Fennell
Located in Lisbon, PT
articulated rider. The player’s shirt and helmet are detailed in glossy black enamel, with a number "1
Category

Vintage 1980s English Modern Brooches

Materials

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

French Antique Sardonyx, Pearl, Enamel and Gold Cameo Brooch
Located in London, GB
grey background, in a gold frame with a black enamelled surround, set with natural half pearls and rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Fox Brooch Diamond Enamel Emerald 18K Gold Italy 1970
Located in Berkeley, CA
character. The eyes in emerald navette, nose in pave diamond with a tiny piece of black onyx at the end of
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Gold Enamel Flower Brooch with Center Rose Cut Diamond, Circa 1900
Located in Chatham, CA
Antique Victorian 14K yellow and rose gold with enamel, stylized floral infinity brooch - clawed
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Rare Egyptian Revival Pharoah Brooch Lapis Diamond Ruby Pearl Enamel Art Deco
Located in New York, NY
with yellow, blue and black enamel. The brooch depicts a Pharoah hand carved in Lapis Lazuli. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold

Fairy Lady Art Nouveau Enamel Brooch Pin Necklace Silver and 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel - Necklace Brooch Sterling Silver (oxidized or black rhodium) and
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling ...

Antique Enamel and Seed Pearl 12k Yellow Gold Mourning Brooch, circa 1835
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
wording 'In Memory Of'. The center of the brooch is ornamented with further black enamel incorporating a
Category

Antique 1830s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique 19th Century Black Enamel and Diamond Bow Pin
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking Victorian bow pin in black enamel and old mine cut diamonds. Mounted in 14K gold with
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

18 Karat Yellow Gold Zebra Enamel and Diamond Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a striking, sculptural zebra brooch, likely crafted from yellow gold with black enamel
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Enamel Striped Tiger Brooch with Diamond Eyes in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
artfully crafted with alternating red and black enamel, creating a vibrant and visually striking pattern
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Jadeite, Enamel and Diamond Figural Jabot Pin
Located in New York, NY
decorated with a leaf and fruit motif, accented by black enamel and tiny rose-cut diamonds, mounted in
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Enamel, Platinum

Signed Fred Paris Enamel Gold Leopard Brooch in 18K
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat yellow gold, enamel, diamond and emerald leopard brooch by Fred, Paris, designed as a
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Moira of London Rare Art Nouveau Enameled Brooch in 18Kt with 1.51 Ctw Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
surface is embellished with applications of hot enamel; opalescent bluish white, vivid red and black. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Polo Pony Diamond Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
green, white and black enamel, the polo player bears the number "1" and "BOEHM" on his back. The entire
Category

20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco Diamond, Onyx and Enamel Brooch, France The oval-shaped brooch set throughout with old
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

J.E. Caldwell Enamel Natural Pearl Diamond Gold Swan Brooch Pin
By J.E. Caldwell Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k (tested) yellow gold and black & white enamel and accented with round brilliant cut diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1950s American Brooches

Materials

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

Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Diamond, Chrysoprase Black Enamel Jabot Pin
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
square sugar loaf chrysoprase cabochons, forty-four rose cut diamonds, and black enamel, set in platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

David Webb Black Enamel 18 Karat Gold Emerald Eyes Tiger Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Enameled Gold Diamond and Emerald Black Panther Brooch Spectacularly made by David Webb
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Edwardian 18 Karat Gold Enamel Grape Motif Ornamented Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
gold. It features green and black enamel. Weight: 4.34g Size: 5x2.7cm IMPORTANT: As a buyer, you are
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

Exquisite Jade Art Deco enamel pin-brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
accented by a band of black enamel around the edges and further enhanced by pagoda ends and a wide
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Marcus and Co. diamond brooch, American, circa 1915.
By Marcus Co.
Located in London, GB
Marcus and Co. diamond brooch. Set to centre with one round old cut diamond in an open back grain
Category

Vintage 1910s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond

Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite And Enamel Flower Pin In Multi Tone Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
CTTW, round black, and diamonds weighing 0.21 CTTW.
Category

Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, Gold, Enamel

Antique Labradorite Diamond Enamel and Gold Monkey Head Stick Pin, Circa 1920
Located in London, GB
diamond eyes, in rub over settings, with a white enamel collar and black enamel bow tie, on a gold
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Labradorite, Gold, Enamel

Tiffany Co Enamel Circus Performer Brooch Designed by Donald Claflin
By Donald Claflin for Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co Enamel Circus Performer Brooch Designed by Donald Claflin This rare Tiffany & Co
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 3.50ct Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
enhanced by black enamel work, encircling the ruby and forming a striking outer rim. This stunning brooch
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.08ct Diamond and Emerald Lion Brooch, C.1970s
Located in London, GB
an X. Black enamelling has been used to create the lions nose and the body of the lion has been
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

David Webb Gold Necklace Black Enamel Diamond Coral Stud Estate Jewelry
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
designer’s spirit. The necklace consists of the H-shape black enamel elements adorned with diamonds. These
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 3.13 Carat Diamond and 15k Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
seven stone diamond bar brooch is further ornamented with six panels of impressive black hot enamel
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Dog Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This charming Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Dog Brooch features an endearing depiction of a Saint
Category

20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Playing Card Brooches and Gold Cuff by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
revered French jeweler Cartier. Each pin is crafted of red, white, blue and black enamel to form the
Category

20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Antique 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Champagne Diamond Mourning Brooch
Located in New York, NY
black enamel and seed pearls. Weight: 9.4 Grams  Stone: 0.46 ct. Diamond (5 mm), Pearl (1 - 1.55 mm
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel

Kenneth Lane Whimsical Green Enamel with Ruby-Like Accent "Alligator" Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
-green enamel accented with ruby-like stones and finished with faux diamond eyes. This large gilded gold
Category

Vintage 1980s American Artisan Brooches

Cartier 1930 Art Deco Enameled Jabot In 18kt Gold With Diamonds And Turquoises
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
millegrain settings, applications of black enamel and natural earth mined gemstones. Fitted with a pin bar
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Carlo Arthur Giuliano 18kt gold and silver Ruby, Garnet, Diamond brooch
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in Braintree, GB
finely detailed with black, white, and blue enamel decoration in the firm’s signature Renaissance-revival
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver

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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.