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Full Diamond Pave White Gold Flower Brooch
Located in Southampton, PA
Embellished with exquisitely set and fascinatingly arranged diamonds amounting approximately to
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gold Diamond Pave Cluster Flower Pendant Brooch
Located in Southampton, PA
Designed in a wonderfully harmonious and lavish manner, this astonishing brooch is crafted with
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Pave Leaf Brooch with Oval Madeira Citrines
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Leaf brooch features pave diamonds with oval Madeira Citrines and diamond accents
Category

2010s American Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Hummingbird Pavé Diamond Platinum Brooch Pin
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Miami, FL
pave-set with 5.00 carats of high quality diamonds weighing graded F-G color and VVS clarity
Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Diamond

Van Cleef Arpels Pave Diamond Ribbon Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels diamond brooch from 1968 is an exquisite piece of jewelry, beautifully
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Pave Diamond Gold Safety Pin Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Narberth, PA
, the design consists of a fully functional safety pin with a sparkling pavé diamond encrusted surface
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Dove of Peace Diamond Pave Gold Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Brilliantly glistening and enchantingly bright, this prestigious brooch from Cartier is a tasteful
Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

E. Wolfe Co. Diamond Pave Gold Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Southampton, PA
An extraordinarily accurate and artistically brilliant depiction of a butterfly, this brooch from E
Category

Late 20th Century British Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hammerman Brothers Diamond Yellow Gold Pave Platinum Brooch
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Southampton, PA
of diamonds totaling 0.50ct against splendid platinum produce a mesmerizing allure in this majestic
Category

Late 20th Century American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Pave Diamond 18 Karat Gold Tremblant Wheat Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
grains One grain is pavè set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing in total approximately 0.20
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Pave White Gold Rose Brooches and Earrings Set
Located in Southampton, PA
21.50 carats of diamonds. Brooch Dimensions: 1.88" x 1.65" Earrings Dimension: 1.25" x 1.25"
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Pavé Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
brooch is luxuriously embellished with scintillating diamonds that weigh 0.49 carats in total. Included
Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A mesmerizing and memorable sight with a delightfully feminine spirit, this fabulous brooch from
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mauboussin Ruby Full Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Swan Brooch
By Mauboussin
Located in Southampton, PA
Boasting a nifty ruby as a striking eye and mesmerizing diamonds amounting approximately to 3.50
Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Pave Frog with a Tahitian Pearl White Gold Brooch
Located in Greenwich, CT
Diamond Frog Brooch, pave set with approximately 1.00 carat total weigh of round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamond Pave and White Pearl Platinum Crab Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
décor, this splendid brooch from Tiffany & Co. is an item of immense aesthetic value. Depicting a crab
Category

1990s Unknown Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Pave, Sapphire, Emerald and Pearls Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Southampton, PA
brooch will attractively accentuate any ensemble of yours. The brooch is beautifully decorated with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Bulgari White Gold Diamond Pavé, Aquamarine and Sapphire Dolphin Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Beautifully crafted in shimmering 18K white gold, this gorgeous dolphin brooch is Bvlgari's
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, White Diamond, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Full Diamond and Sapphire Pave Flower Platinum Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Opulence and timeless elegance are entwined in this spectacular brooch designed by Tiffany & Co
Category

Late 20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Diamond Pave and White Pearl Platinum Crab Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
décor, this splendid brooch from Tiffany & Co. is an item of immense aesthetic value. Depicting a crab
Category

1990s Unknown Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

David Webb Diamond Pavé Yellow Gold and Platinum Flower Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Southampton, PA
of diamonds that boast grade F color and VS1 clarity. The brooch weighs 31.2 grams and measures 2.00
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

White Gold Full White Black and Brown Diamond Pave Floral Brooch
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
manner, this sublime brooch is made of shimmering 18K white gold and adorned with exquisitely arranged
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Spritzer Fuhrman Pave Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Gold Circus Mouse Brooch
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
brooch. The head, ears and bow tie are pave single cut round diamonds, weighing 1.10 carats total. The
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Bow Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
brooch is luxuriously embellished with scintillating diamonds that weigh 0.49 carats in total. Included
Category

Late 20th Century French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Angela Cummings Tiffany Co. Pave Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ginkgo Brooches
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Leaves are pavè set with round brilliant cut diamonds. Weighing in total approximately 1.00 carat - F
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Angela Cummings 1.75 Carats Pave Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Flower Brooch
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Pavè set with round brilliant cut diamonds weighing in total approximately 1.75 carats - F/G color with
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Large Bow Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Prestigious elegance is embodied into this classy brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels whose compelling bow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Michael Bondanza Pave Diamond Onyx Emerald Platinum 18 Karat Gold Heron Brooch
By Michael Bondanza
Located in Philadelphia, PA
platinum beak pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carat; G to J color
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Plat...

Henry Dunay Platinum 2ctw Pave Diamond Hippopotamus w/ Crossed Arms Pin Brooch
By Henry Dunay
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely charming brooch designed by Henry Dunay that was crafted from solid
Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Flower Brooch French Made Pave Set 18k Yellow Gold ~5.48ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Vintage Diamond Flower Brooch French Made Pave Set 18k Yellow Gold ~5.48ctw This 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Detailed Textured Swordfish Pave Diamond Eye Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
your collection of jewelry. Enjoy :) --Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Single Cut - Pave
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Sabbadini 2.97 Carats Pave Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Bee Brooch
By Sabbadini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a stylized bee with spread wings. Set throughout by round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Retro 1940s Tarantula Spider Old Cut Pave Diamond Brooch Silver Yellow Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
A Retro old cut diamond tarantula spider brooch in silver and yellow gold, 1940s. This Victorian
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

18 Karat White Gold Large Pave Diamond Flower Pin 35 Carat Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Stunning flower brooch encrusted with numerous round cut diamonds crafted in 18k white gold. It has
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Teone Diamond Pave and Invisible Set Ruby White Gold Bow Pendant/Brooch
Located in Southampton, PA
Beautifully crafted in shimmering 18K white gold, this gorgeous brooches by Teone is absolutely
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

14k White Gold Multi Color Natural Gemstone Diamond Pave Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a magnificent brooch that is crafted in solid 14k white gold featuring a beautiful
Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Diamond Pave Pearl Yellow Gold Humming Bird Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
& Arpels brooch will most certainly make a standout ensemble out of any outfit of yours. This vintage piece
Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Diamond Pave Pearl Yellow Gold Humming Bird Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
& Arpels brooch will most certainly make a standout ensemble out of any outfit of yours. This vintage piece
Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960 s Vintage Coral Pave Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a stylized cockatiel bird with a cabochon breast and platinum plumage
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Art Deco Platinum 3.09ct Pave Diamond w/ Dangle Circle Wreath Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
cut diamonds neatly pave set throughout its circular frame, while the open center features a lovely
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Pave Emeralds and Onyx Lion Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The exquisite “Lion Ebouriffe” brooch from Van Cleef & Arpels takes the form of a seated lion and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

David Webb Diamond Pave and Emerald 18K Yellow and White Gold Leapon Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Southampton, PA
Take a walk on the wild side with this yellow and white gold Leopon brooch embellished with
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

Womens 18K White Gold Full White Black and Brown Diamond Pave Floral Brooch
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
manner, this sublime brooch is made of shimmering 18K white gold and adorned with exquisitely arranged
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Pavé Diamond Elephant Pin / Brooch 8.00 Carat Total Weight in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
8.00 Carats Total Weight Diamond Elephant Pin / Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold Beautiful Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruser 1960s 18 Karat Two-Tone Flower with Pave Set Diamond Leaves Brooch
By William Ruser
Located in New York, NY
William Ruser 18K Gold diamond flower brooch with round-cut diamond set leaves. Diamonds total
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Pave and Lapis Bow Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Add a wonderfully feminine touch to your style with this beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels brooch that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Jockey Riding Galloping Horses Brooch with Pave Set Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Round Diamonds 2.53 carats Tourmaline 0.17 carat Ruby 0.24 carat Blue Sapphire 0.02 carat Black
Category

2010s Indian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K and Platinum, Diamond Pave Large Bird Vintage Brooch by McTeigue, c. 1965
By McTeigue
Located in Aspen, CO
Exquisite brooch featuring a bird in flight, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The body
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 14k Two Tone Gold 0.45ctw Pave Set Diamond Heart Safety Bar Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G/H Color - VS2-SI2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

18 Karat Gold Pink Sapphire Diamond Ruby Pave Fish Pin Scarf Clip Piscis Brooch
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
Grandiose and unique brooch modeled in the shape of a pink fish and embellished with pavé of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Gold and Platinum Pave Double Cat Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman 18kt yellow gold and platinum double cat brooch contains a 189 round diamonds weighing
Category

2010s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum

1970 s Rosenthal 1.25 Carats Pave Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Mushroom Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and highly texturous while base is pavè set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing in total
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

1897 E. Wolfe Co. Enamel Pave Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Horse Jockey Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Horse is pavè set throughout by round brilliant cut diamonds and accented by ruby cabochon eyes
Category

Antique 1890s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Art Deco 1930 Classic Brooch in Platinum with Pave of 13.02 Cts in VVS Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art-deco gem-set brooch. Gorgeous piece from the late American art deco period, circa 1930's
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Antique Frog Brooch Pave Set Opal Diamond Lapel Pin for Him 8.55 carat
Located in New York, NY
Antique Frog Brooch Pave Set Opal Diamond Lapel Pin for Him 8.55 carat in sterling silver which is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage White Gold 2ct Round Brilliant Cut Bezel Pave Set Diamond Bow Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 0.30ct (approx.) (90) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave & Bezel Set - G-I Color - VS2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pave Diamond Gold Safety Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
accented with sparkling pave set diamonds, which add a beautiful look to the piece. Delicate milligrained
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Diamond Pave Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate diamond pave brooch for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a diamond pave brooch from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but 1.5 Carat and 2 Carat versions are of considerable interest. A diamond pave brooch from Van Cleef Arpels, Bulgari and Intini Jewels — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and mixed cut versions for sale. When shopping for a diamond pave brooch, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Diamond Pave Brooch?

Prices for a diamond pave brooch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $822 and can go as high as $95,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $7,750.

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 Pave Brooch
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Pave diamonds refer to a type of engagement ring setting. A pave setting is one in which the shank of the ring is lined with small diamonds. Diamonds are considered pave set when they are as small as .01-.02 carats.