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Gold Platinum Diamond Ruby Sapphire Green Demantoid Flower Basket Pendant Brooch
Located in Munich, DE
worn as a pendant on a chain. 6 round old mine cut diamonds of circa 0.25 carat are set in platinum
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, P...

Diamond Gold Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in Brisbane, AU
A handmade 18 karat yellow gold 6 stone diamond cross pendant brooch. The 6 old mine cut 3.63mm to
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Enamel American Flower Brooch in Tiffany Co. Style
Located in PARIS, FR
Enamel American flower brooch in Tiffany & Co’s style in rose and yellow gold 14 karats. Antique
Category

Antique 1890s American Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Enamel

8.50 Carat Georgian Brooch with a Natural Pearl
Located in New York, NY
over 161 separate Rose-Cut, Old European, and Old Mine white diamonds, amounting to 8.50 Carats total
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

7.00 Carat Old Miner, French Cut Square Emerald Art Deco Platinum Pin
Located in New York, NY
Classic Art Deco brooch combining the breadth of Old Miner, French Cut, Square Cut, and Emerald Cut
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Georgian Key to My Heart Rare 18 Karat Acrostic Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
totalling approx .45 Ct – 1old mine cut diamond of approx .15 Ct Measures: key is 40 x 18 mm. - heart is 9 x
Category

Antique Early 1800s British Georgian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, 18k Gold

Black Starr Frost Amethyst Four Leaf Clover Art Nouveau Gold Brooch Pendant
By Black, Starr Frost
Located in Munich, DE
BS&F around 1900 to 1910 in 14 karat gold with one round old-mine cut diamond of circa 0.15 carat in
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Gold Clip
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco design with 178 old-mine-cut diamonds, 8 marquise-cut diamonds and 16 baguette-cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Art Deco Brooch in Platinum and 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A classic art deco diamond brooch fashioned in platinum. Three old mine cut diamonds, approx
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Antique Platinum Natural Pearl and Diamond Pin
Located in Nashua, NH
Antique Platinum Natural Pearl and Diamond Pin. The pin is set with 5 old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Diamond and Black Onyx Platinum Pin, Presented in an Walker and Son Box
Located in New York, NY
& Son Jewelers & Silversmiths. This striking antique pin, contains 43 old mine cut diamonds, the center
Category

20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Art Nouveau Turquoise Diamond Pendant Silver in 18 Carat Gold, circa 1901 – 1915
Located in Kendal, GB
A beautiful antique Art Nouveau pendant from the Edwardian era decorated with glistening old cut
Category

20th Century European Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Silver, Gold

American Mixed Metals Multi-Toned Gold and Diamond Leaf Pin, circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
not enough to melt it). It is accented by 5 old mine cut diamonds of approximately .05cts apiece
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Mixed Metal

Antique 18k Gold Pastel Enamel Triple Flower Pin
Located in METAIRIE, LA
largest Flower Containing a total of 3 Old Mine cut Genuine Earth-Mined Diamonds totaling approximately
Category

Antique 1870s French Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Brooch and Bracelet Set, 6.8ct Old cut diamonds, 18K Gold jewelry set
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Grading Results: Stone Type: diamond Shape: Old mine Carat: 2ct (Approx.) Stones quantity: 44 Color: H
Category

20th Century Art Deco Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Brooch and Bracelet Set, 6.8ct Old cut diamonds, 18K Gold jewelry set
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Grading Results: Stone Type: diamond Shape: Old mine Carat: 2ct (Approx.) Stones quantity: 44 Color: H
Category

20th Century Art Deco Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Lavalier Pendant Brooch
Located in METAIRIE, LA
Pearls with a total of 96 Genuine Earth-Mined Rose cut Diamonds totaling approximately 1.50 carats
Category

Antique Early 1900s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Emerald Diamond Pendant or Brooch, circa 1860
Located in London, GB
transitional cut (old mine) diamonds of approx 0.25ct each (0.75cts in total). Mix of old mine and rose cut
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Gemolithos, Victorian, Early 19th Century Diamond Cross Brooch-Pendant
Located in Munich, DE
Gemolithos, Victorian, early 19th century diamond Cross brooch-pendant, silver and gold, est
Category

Antique 1840s Unknown Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
cut (old mine) diamonds 0.70ct. Mix of old mine and rose cut diamonds in an 18 carat yellow gold with
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian 10.50 Carat Heart Multi Opal 1.45 Carat Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
each set onto multi prong work Set with 26 in number old mine cut Diamonds varying in sizes to fit the
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver

19th Century 18K Gold Silver Ruby and Diamond Dragon Brooch on Cuff Bracelet
By Donna Vock
Located in New York, NY
We found this amazingly detailed gold silver and rose cut diamond dragon brooch likely from Great
Category

Antique 1830s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Platinum Brooch
Located in Istanbul, TR
A perfect designed old mine cut Platinum Brooch . Approx. total 11-12 Carat Perfect Colored G-H
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Nouveau Old Mine Cut Diamond Pin
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully crafted diamond pin features 6 Old Mine Cut Diamonds in a twisted 14K yellow gold
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold

Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Rectangular in shape with lots of open work details. 45 old mine cut diamonds, bead set- G-H color, VS-SI
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Pearls Old-Mine Diamonds Crescent Brooch, 1930
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Pearls Old-Mine Diamonds Crescent Brooch. Created around 1930. Fine and delicate Pearls Old-mine
Category

Vintage 1930s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian old mine-cut diamonds silver and gold brooch pendant circa 1890. * SPECIFICATIONS: The
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Old Mine Cut Diamond Tweezer Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Diamond Tweezer Brooch featuring a fancy yellow mine cut diamond weighing approximately .35cts
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Tiara Convertible Brooch Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in Geneva, CH
Antique Tiara convertible Brooch Old mine cut Diamonds on Silver and Gold. Tiara frame in yellow
Category

Early 20th Century European Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Deco Old Mine Rose Cut Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in London, GB
Cut Diamonds and 44 Old Mine Cut Diamonds • Total Carat Weight: 5ct approximately Hallmarks: French
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Ruby Emerald Sapphire Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Circle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
as old mine cut diamonds - approx. 2.00-2.40ctw. The piece measures 1.5" x 0.75". Not hallmarked
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
European Cut, Old Mine Brilliant Cut and Rose Cut diamonds weighing approximately 2 carats total, J-K color
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

GIA Certified Victorian Pink Topaz Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch
Located in MIAMI, FL
old mine cut diamonds, forming a halo around the 8 prong set pink topaz. These old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Sapphire Gold Posy Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian old mine-cut diamond ruby sapphire and gold posy brooch circa 1890. DETAILS: GEMSTONES
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Filigree Antique Brooch Pin Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautiful Art Deco diamond pin handcrafted in platinum. The brooch features Old Mine cut diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Swirl Brooch Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
a swirl motif and is set throughout with sparkly old mine cut diamonds. Set to the centre is the
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 18k Gold Platinum 4.80ctw Old Mine Diamond Milgrain Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
completely drenched with approximately 4.80 carats of old European and mine cut diamonds. The diamonds are
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Pearl Brooch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This vintage brooch is set in 14 karat yellow gold and includes 15 Old Mine cut diamonds with a
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond White Gold Platinum Brooch
Located in London, GB
is set with an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.50ct. There is also 192 old mine cut and
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Victorian old mine cut diamond 18k rose gold and silver flower brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian flower brooch unfurls with the rich character of old mine cut diamonds, each stone
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Cartier New York GIA Certified 11.24 Carat Old Mine Cushion Diamond Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Brooch featuring a matching pair of important Old
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Celestial Crescent Pin Brooch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Celestial Crescent Pin Brooch. This
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver on Gold Brooch and Pendant, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
Beautiful antique flower brooch/pendant featuring 31 old mine cut diamonds with a total approximate
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Edwardian Old Mine Cut Diamond Pin
Located in Towson, MD
One platinum and 14 karat yellow gold estate pin set with thirty Old Mine cut diamonds, with J/K
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Black Enamel Cluster Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Genuine Diamonds - Cushion & Round Old Mine Cut - Buttercup Prong Set - J/L Color - VS2/SI2 Clarity
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Old Mine Diamond Shell Pearl 14 Karat Gold Antique Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an open stylized shell with center pearl With old mine cut diamonds bead set throughout
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Silver Salamander Brooch Pin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
silver. The brooch features 13 Old Mine and Old European cut diamonds weighing approximately .25 CTW and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage Classic Set Old Mine Diamonds Bow Brooch in Platinum and Gold
Located in New York, NY
Vintage platinum and 18 karat yellow gold diamond bow brooch Mid century period Old mine diamonds
Category

Vintage 1950s American Post-War Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Old Mine European Yellow Diamond Headpiece Brooch Platinum
Located in Lisbon, PT
jewel with only the pin and roller clasp brooch fitting. Main Colored Diamond: Old Mine-cut; estimated
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum, Silver

Victorian 6.50 tcw Old Mine Cut Diamond 14k Gold Silver Starburst Brooch 1870s
Located in Towson, MD
with sixty-one old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 6.50 total carats, with H–J color and SI
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in Fairfield, CT
This exquisite Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 19th Century Old Mine Cut Diamond Crescent Moon Star Brooch Pendant Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique 19th century Old Mine-cut diamond crescent moon and star brooch/pendant in yellow gold
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 19th Century Old Mine Cut Diamond Crescent Moon Star Brooch Yellow Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique 19th century Old Mine-cut Diamond crescent moon with star brooch / pendant in yellow gold
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Gold 2.40 Carat Old Mine Diamond Flower Dangle Bar Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
old mine cut diamonds and 10 handmade six-petal flowers that dangle in an alternating pattern from
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Gold Old Mine Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Butterfly Net Ivy Brooch
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Composition: 14K Yellow, Rose & Green Gold Primary Stone: Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s American Aesthetic Movement Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century Old Mine Cut Diamond Pin
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow gold pin set with nineteen Old Mine cut diamonds, approximately 1.5 carats
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Old European and Mine Cut Diamond Large Crescent Pin Brooch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique Old European and Mine Cut Diamond Large Crescent Pin Brooch Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Diamond Brooch Old Mine For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact diamond brooch old mine 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. Our collection of these items for sale includes 454 vintage editions and 2 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a diamond brooch old mine may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. A diamond brooch old mine from Tiffany Co., Cartier and René Boivin — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. See these pages for an old mine cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also antique cushion cut cut and old european cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our diamond brooch old mine for sale are for women, but there are 217 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Diamond Brooch Old Mine?

The price for a diamond brooch old mine starts at $251 and tops out at $150,000 with these brooches, on average, selling for $5,103.

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.

Questions About Diamond Brooch Old Mine
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mine cut diamonds are up to 300 years ago. Mine cut diamonds were popular around the 18th century during Victorian times and are still in high demand today. You’ll find a wide selection of mine cut diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because the old mine cut is no longer used on diamonds, diamonds with this cut are rare and so you can often get quite a lot of money for them. Nevertheless, it is still dependent on the quality of the individual diamonds and on the color, clarity, cut and carat number.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Old mine cut diamonds are usually worth less than old european cut diamonds. Because they are generally 10-15% less expensive, they are often larger than other cut diamonds for engagement rings.
  • Like any other diamond, an old mine cut diamond's worth depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the 4C's (color, clarity, cut, carat), the overall beauty and "make" of the stone, the demand, supply, etc. On average however, old mine cuts are typically priced slightly lower (around 5-10%) than modern cut diamonds.