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Edwardian Platinum, Natural Unheated Sapphire, and Diamond Pin
Located in Princeton, NJ
An exceedingly rare and highly coveted platinum, natural unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, and old-mine
Category

Antique 1890s French Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Silver Gold Pin Pearl Diamond
Located in Geneva, CH
Antique Silver Gold Pin Pearl Diamond. Late 19th-Early 20th Century. Dimensions: 1.80 x 1.25
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

1800 s Natural Pearl and Diamond Pin
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Natural pearl and old mine cut diamond brooch set in silver topped gold.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold Plate

14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Stick Pin #19546
Located in Washington Depot, CT
round old mine cut diamond set in classic 14K white gold (excluding clutch). Approximate total diamond
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

“Crown” 14 Karat Lapel Pin with Pearls Diamond
Located in Vero Beach, FL
tube closure for the back pin. Pin contains Five (5) Old Mine Cut diamonds measuring approx. 1.30 m.m
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

10 Karat White Gold Diamond Filigree Stick Pin #19187
Located in Washington Depot, CT
from 10K white gold with a sparkling old mine cut diamond! Approximate total diamond weight: .05 cts
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 18k/Sterling Silver Diamond Monogram Pin/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
", encrusted in old rose and mine cut diamonds. The fancy scripted letters overlap in an ornate fashion and the
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Edwardian Emerald and Diamond Jabot Pin
Located in London, GB
during the early stages of the 20th century with the head showcasing a single old cut diamond at the
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 1.40 Ct Diamond Barrette Hair Clip 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
hair Set with 1.40 Ct of old mine cut Diamonds, the three bigger are .60 CT, Diamonds rated as G/H VVS
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Silver Gold Pin Pearl Diamond
Located in Geneva, CH
Antique Silver Gold Pin Pearl Diamond. Dimensions: 1.90 x 1.50 centimeters. Height (including pin
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Victorian Blue Enamel Pendant Locket with Diamond star
Located in MELBOURNE, VIC
. The star is encrusted with 17 round faceted old mine cut high quality diamonds with estimated weight
Category

Early 20th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Silver Gold Diamond Pearl Jewelry Set
Located in Queens, NY
pair of flower motif earrings and flower and leaf motif brooch, with Old Mine diamonds, Swiss, German
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Figural Enamel, Diamond, Demantoid Garnet Stick Pin in 14K Gold
Located in Boston, MA
stone are white old mine cut diamonds, weighing 0.04 carats total. Complementing them are a green old
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Carved Quartz and Diamond Leaf
Located in Riverdale, NY
Victorian Carved Quartz and Diamond Leaf Brooch/Pendant from the mid 19th Century. Exceptional
Category

Antique 1860s American High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Topaz, 14k Gold

Antique 14KT Two-Tone Gold Victorian Era Five Diamond Filigree Stick Pin
Located in New York, NY
showcases a delicate filigree design in two-tone gold, highlighted by five I-J VS-SI mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Edwardian Diamond Cross Stitch Patterned Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
dispersed throughout the piece accenting the design and in the center is an old Mine Cut diamond weighing
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 14k Diamond Snake Motif Stick Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
depicts a twisted snake with a .05ct old mine cut diamond held within the serpent's mouth. The body of the
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Era 18KT Yellow Gold/Platinum Diamond Lapel Stick Pin
Located in New York, NY
. Featuring a buckle design and 0.70CT-tw old mine cut diamonds, this distinctive accessory effortlessly
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 15kt / Sterling Topped Diamond Starburst Pin / Pendant 3.0ctw
Located in Narberth, PA
gold and topped in sterling silver, this beautiful piece is comprised of 40 Old Mine Cut diamonds that
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver

Edwardian Pearl + Diamond Bar Pin 3ctw
Located in Narberth, PA
and topped in platinum, this piece features 24 Old Mine Cut diamonds and a single white pearl. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Mixed Metal

Victorian Gold Enamel Flower Brooche 0.12 Carat Natural Euro Diamond, circa 1920
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Enamel Flower Brooche 0.12 Carat Natural Euro Diamond Circa 1920. 5.9
Category

Vintage 1920s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Edwardian 0.85 TCW Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Cluster Pin
Located in Towson, MD
old mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.85 carats, all displaying matched I/J color and I1
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau 18k/Platinum Sapphire Diamond Butterfly Pin/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
feature two bezel-set old mine cut diamonds, which have an approximate total carat weight of 1ctw. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.40ct Diamond and Turquoise Purse, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
. A mix of old cut and rose cut stones have been used with the largest of the diamonds being a pair of
Category

Antique 1870s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Double Pin, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
rows of diamonds and sapphires. The old cut diamonds total to 0.40 carat, while the french cut blue
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 14k Sterling Silver Diamonds Natural Pearls Enamel Pin/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning diamond and pearl brooch from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Crafted in 14k gold and
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Antique Natural Oriental Pearl Diamond Edwardian Platinum c. 1907
Located in Aspen, CO
cut diamonds. The estimated diamond weight is .30 cts. In addition there are 10 old cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s North American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Victorian Wheat-Pattern Seed Pearl Diamond Stick Pin in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
. A small mine-cut diamond accents the design, adding a touch of period sparkle. The mine-cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

HAMILTON INCHES Victorian 15k/Silver Diamond Crescent Pin/Hairpin
Located in Narberth, PA
pin are 15 old mine cut and 2 old rose cut diamonds. The diamonds are bead set and are graduated, with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Edwardian Platinum Pin of Diamonds Natural Pearl, c. 1907
Located in Aspen, CO
cut diamonds. The estimated diamond weight is .30 cts. In addition there are 10 old cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s North American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Victorian Diamond Moonstone 18 Karat Gold Antique Greek God Dionysus Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color with frosted finish With textured fur and prong set diamond eyes and mouth Old mine and rose cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Jade, Diamond and Sapphire Hat Pin
Located in Riverdale, NY
Art Deco Jade, Diamond and Sapphire Hat Pin from circa 1920. An antique 19th Century Chinese carved
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Sapphire, Platinum, Steel

1920 Edwardian 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Seed Pearl Starburst Pin / Pendant
Located in Lexington, KY
collection of seed pearls and an Old Mine Cut diamond at the center. This lovely Edwardian pin has a
Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Gold, Sterling Silver, Diamond, and Demantoid Garnet Serpent Pin
Located in Princeton, NJ
the crescent shape is composed of sterling silver and old-mine cut diamonds. The pin mechanism itself
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Art Deco 14k/Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Flower Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
in size and rich in color. The center of the flower features an old mine cut diamond, which is held
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Victorian Pearl Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Snake Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.16 carat - eye clean and bright The other is flush set with
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Victorian 2.00 Total Carat Diamond Wing Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
with an ornate center. Incredible old Mine Cut diamonds adorn the entire piece, creating an overall
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Race Horse, Essex Glass Diamond Stick Pin
Located in Brighton, GB
diamonds, adding a touch of luxury to this vintage treasure. Crafted during the Edwardian era, this stick
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Deco 18k Gold Sapphire Diamond Milgrain Etched Flower Stick Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Bead Set - H Color - SI1 Clarity -0.08ctw
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9K Yellow Gold Banded Onyx Diamond Jockey Cap Stick Pin in Fitted Case
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A gold, diamond and banded onyx stick pin, comprising a cabochon of banded onyx, set with a diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

his beautiful antique Crescent Moon is 1870 ca Glorious Victorian workmanship ma
Located in Napoli, IT
gold and Silver Set with 15 graduated in size old mine cut Diamonds and tiny rose cut Diamonds to
Category

Antique 1870s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Art Deco J.E Caldwell Blue Enamel Flag Stick Pin
By J.E. Caldwell Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
pin is crafted in 18K Yellow Gold. The pin features a flag that has blue enamel on it with old cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond and ruby brooch in rose and white gold 1940s
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous vintage ribbon brooch circa 1940 in 18K rose and white gold. Decorated with 9 rosette-cut diamonds of about 0.15 carat and 6 brilliant-cut rubies of about 0.50 carat. Questa...
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl 4.60 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
natural salt water pearl of 7,9 mm – 3 rows of old mine cut diamonds and more 3 old mine cut diamonds on
Category

Antique 1860s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Pendant and Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Details: 2.00ct total weight, Old Mine Brilliant, Natural Diamonds, J/K Color, SI Clarity Pin Measurements
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Opal Old Mine Diamond Natural Pearl Pendant Brooch Gold Victorian
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING AND RARE ANTIQUE VICTORIAN FIRE OPAL, OLD MINE CUT DIAMOND AND NATURAL PEARL
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Old Mine Diamond Pearl Heart Pendant Brooch 14 Karat Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
center is a sparkling Old Mine Cut Diamond. The diamond and pearls are set in a wonderful 14 Karat Gold
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

1900s GIA Mughal Carved EMERALD Old Mine Rose Cut Diamond Pt 14K Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
is profusely set with numerous antique old mine-cut and rose-cut diamonds in a classical Edwardian
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1880’s Victorian Seed Pearl 0.10ctw Old European Mined Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in Sewickley, PA
. At the center glimmers an old European cut H color SI1 clarity natural diamond, weighing
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 1900s Demantoid Garnet Opal Old Mine Diamond Butterfly Pendant/ Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Diamond Details: .75ct total weight, old mine brilliant, G Color, VS Clarity Opal: Natural, Oval and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Old Cut Diamond Convertible Star Brooch / Pendant
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Late Victorian old cut diamond star brooch/pendant, set in silver and gold
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian Old Mine Diamond Pearl Clover Shamrock Pendant Necklace Belle Epoque
Located in New York, NY
pin stem to be worn as a brooch if desired. DIAMONDS 3 Old Mine Cut Diamonds The largest diamond is
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 15K Gold Silver 10.8ctw Old Cut Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, silver, and yellow gold brooch and pendant, comprising one large old mine cut
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Silver 3.33ctw Old Cut Diamond Bangle Brooches
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
comprising one large rose cut diamond, and forty old mine cut and rose cut diamonds, set in silver, with an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond Drop Earrings Brooch Set in Silver on 18K Gold
Located in London, GB
5 old mine cut diamonds in an elegant vertical design. A single diamond crowns each earring, flowing
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Georgian Diamond Portrait Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
cushion-shaped diamonds. A rare survival in great condition, this superb pendant/brooch would be the
Category

Antique 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Victorian diamond pendant/brooch, circa 1880.
Located in London, GB
Victorian diamond pendant/brooch. Centrally set with a cushion shape old mine diamond in an open
Category

Antique 1880s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

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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.