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Antique French Diamond Enamel Gold Brooch 1840s
Located in Chicago, IL
France, circa 1840 – 1850. The brooch is superbly modeled as a silver and gold bird embellished
Category

Antique 1840s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Boucheron, France 1960s Gold, Diamond, and Enamel Cat Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
A whimsical Mid-Century gold, diamond, and enamel brooch in the form of a cat with a diamond-set
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Art Nouveau Antique Seagull Diamond Enamel Gold Brooch France
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Extremely rare Art Nouveau brooch of a seagull. The finely modelled bird is decorated with
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Platinum

Boucheron Enamel and Diamond Turtle Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in New Orleans, LA
brooch by legendary French jeweler Boucheron. The shell is accented by dozens of sparkling white diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique French Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Bouquet Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Clarity: I Metal: 18K Yellow Gold and Enamel Era: Antique Circa: 1850s Hallmarks: French Rooster Hallmarks
Category

Antique 1850s Brooches

Materials

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

1970s French Diamond Green Plique à Jour Enamel Brooch Pendant
Located in Valenza, IT
White Diamond(1.98, D-E, IF) combined with beautiful green plique à jour enamel, in a white and yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dressed Enamel Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Splendid round shape brooch, it is enamelled
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

Antique French 18K, Portrait Guilloche Enamel Rose diamond Brooch c. 1880.
Located in Aspen, CO
1-1/8th inches across, this fine antique enamel brooch of a maiden with both portrait enamel and
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, 18k Gold

French 19th Century Coral Enamel Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Formed from a flat gold disc and chiseled
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 14 Karat French Painted Enamel Diamond Portrait Brooch Pin or Pendant
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique 14 Karat French Painted Enamel Natural Diamond Portrait Brooch/ Pendant Metal: 14k yellow
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 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

Victorian Enamel and Diamond Fringe Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Enamel and Diamond Fringe Brooch 45 antique cut diamonds approximately 11.55 cts , set
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier French 1960 s Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Vintage Tropical Fish Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
vibrant green enamel body - minimal loss Accented by a round brilliant cut diamond bezel set as eye
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Enamel Pearl Ruby Diamond Brooch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian 18K yellow gold and enamel brooch set with rubies, diamonds and pearls will be a dramatic
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique French Enamel and Diamond Fox or Dog Head Brooch - c1880
Located in Hummelstown, PA
diamonds. Complete with a glossy brown enameled nose, this little guy is overflowing with personality. (31
Category

Antique 1880s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond

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

Art Nouveau French Diamond Pearl White Enamel 18K Yellow Antique Pansy Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
stamen surround Gold with oxidized accents flush set with diamonds at tips Rose cut and weighing
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Guilloche Enamel Portrait Brooch with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
portrait brooch is skillfully hand painted and crafted guilloche enamel. Two rose cut diamonds adorn the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Enamel Miniature Painting Of Athena 18K Gold Diamond Brooch
Located in Munich, Bavaria
diamond. The brooch is made out of 18K gold. The enamel is in fine condition.
Category

Antique 1880s French Greek Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Lalique Citrine and Enamel Brooch
By René Lalique
Located in New Orleans, LA
A quintessential example of Art Nouveau jewelry design, this stunning citrine and enamel brooch is
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

1930s Opal Diamonds Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
cabochon opal in a setting of antique-cut diamonds set on black enameled geometrical motifs. The setting is
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

French Antique Sardonyx, Pearl, Enamel and Gold Cameo Brooch
Located in London, GB
-cut diamonds. With a French eagle marks for 18ct gold and French maker's mark on the hook. Circa 1861
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Georgian Brooch Mandolin 18K Gold Diamond Pearl Pale Blue Enamel
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This exquisite brooch is designed in the shape of a miniature round-backed mandolin. It was created
Category

Antique 1820s French George IV Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Emerald Diamond and Enamel Modern Brooch "Lovari"
Located in Wailea, HI
Emerald Diamond and Enamel Modern Brooch "Lovari" Centered with a Vibrant Green Emerald Cut Emerald
Category

20th Century Unknown Modernist Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

19th Century Enamel Diamonds Surround 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
brooch it is formed of an enamel representing a young woman elegantly dressed with small rose-cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

An 18k Gold Van Cleef Arpels Frog Brooch with Enamel and Diamond
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A sweet 18k gold frog brooch with green enamel and diamond eyes, signed, numbered and dated: Van
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Tulip Crown Oriental Pearls Diamond Enamel Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Munich, Bavaria
flower bud decorated with polychrome guilloché enamel. One leaf is set with pearls and a diamond. The
Category

Late 20th Century French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Oriental Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Vintage Pansy Art Nouveau Enamel Brooch circa late 1800 s 14 Karat Brooch Pin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Pansy Art Nouveau Brooch Enamel and a center Diamond. very beautiful piece. From the late
Category

Antique 1890s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel

Christian Dior Diamond Yellow Gold Enamel Balloon Jules Verne Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Southampton, PA
enamel detailing and dazzling diamonds. Celebrating the adventurous spirit of Jules Verne, the design
Category

2010s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique French Old Mine Cut Diamond and Pearl Enamel Shell Gold Brooch
Located in Cairo, EG
diameter flanked with old mine cut diamonds and colorful enamel hall marked with 19th century french owl
Category

Antique 1890s European Brooches

Cartier Gold Enamel Cultured Pearl Diamond and Emerald Cat Tiger Clip Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
enamel stripes, accented by 2 small round emerald eyes, decorated with a diamond-set collar, signed
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Belle Epoque enamel poppy brooch in 18k gold and silver, plique-à-jour enamel
Located in PARIS, FR
Belle Epoque enamel poppy brooch in 18 karat gold and silver plique-à-jour enamel. This late 19th
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Van Cleef Arpels VCA Jester Diamond Coral Enamel Clip Brooch Yellow Gold Cased
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) Mid-Century Jester diamond, coral and green enamel clip brooch in 18kt
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Diamond and Cabochon Sapphire Spray Brooch in 18 Karat Gold and Enamel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
diamonds, rich cabochon sapphires, and accents of vibrant green enamel, all set in luxurious 18 karat gold
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Mechanical Green Enamel And Diamond Flower Pin, French
Located in New York, NY
Articulately crafted Green Enamel and Diamond Flower Brooch, where each petal aesthetically crafted
Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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

Antique Brooch Diamonds Guilloché Enamel Eros Amor s Torches Love Token
Located in Munich, Bavaria
. The beautifully chisselled frame is decorated with flower buds. On pidgeon blue enamel we see two
Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Victorian French Diamond Moonstone Enameled "Fred Archer" Jockey Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
riding hat, comprised of rich red enameling and beautiful old Rose Cut diamonds. A fine row of small Rose
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

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

Antique Art Nouveau French 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Enamel Buggy Car Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Nouveau French 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Enamel Buggy Car Pin. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

French, 19th Century, Fine Pearl Ruby Black Enamel Napoleon 3 Set
Located in Poitiers, FR
jewelry, the brooch and the pair of earrings are adorned with an oval chiseled pattern. The applied motifs
Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...

Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Diamond, Chrysoprase Black Enamel Jabot Pin
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, chrysoprase, enamel, yellow gold and platinum, jabot pin, comprising two
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Cartier Art Deco Precious Coral Diamond Enamel Rose Flower Hand Yellow Gold 1930
By Cartier
Located in Lisbon, PT
Cartier Paris precious coral and diamond Flower-In-Hand clip/brooch in yellow gold and platinum, in
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

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

Cartier 1930 Art Deco Enameled Jabot In 18kt Gold With Diamonds And Turquoises
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A jabot pin designed by Cartier. Fantastic jabot brooch, created during the art deco period by the
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Cartier Paris Art Deco Native American Chief Bust Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Tampa, FL
gold, sterling silver enamel, diamonds and turquoise. This Cartier Paris brooch is a compelling
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver...

Antique Guilloche Ruby Enamel, Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lapel Watch
Located in New York, NY
from a 14kt gold fleur-de-lis lapel brooch with red striated guilloche enamel and seed pearls. With its
Category

Antique 1860s French Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Collectible 18 Karat Gold Enamel Cartier Historical Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful historical antique 18k gold pin of four flowers accented by diamonds and enamel by
Category

Vintage 1930s French George V Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Gold

Art Deco Diamond, Coral, Enamel, Platinum Gold Pin by MARCHAK
By Marchak
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
accentuated with diamonds and black enamel.
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Brooches

Vintage French Jean Thierry Bondt 18K Yellow Gold Balloon Diamond Coral Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage French Jean Thierry Bondt 18K Yellow Gold Balloon Diamond Coral Pin. This
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

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

French Renaissance Revival "Holbeinesque" Demi-Parure
Located in New York, NY
, diamonds, seed pearls, enamel and 18K gold. The day/night girandole earpendants are each designed with a
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Holbeinesque Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Pendant Brooch-Pendant from the 1870's. Charming design with angel
Category

Antique 1870s French Late Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel, Silver

Antique French Enamel Scene Rose Cut Diamond Pendant Brooch Locket
Located in New York, NY
French Victorian Brooch/Pendant/Locket Enameled Porcelain Scene of a Women and Toddler with a Dog
Category

Antique 1870s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

18ct Gold French Early Victorian Rose Cut Diamond, Enamel Pearl Brooch/Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Brooch/Pendant 18ct Gold French Circa 1850 * THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Step back
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Enamel Non Heated Sapphire Diamond 18k YG Earrings Pendant- Brooch Set
Located in New York, NY
carats in the brooch and 5 carats in the earrings and accented with sparkling mine-cut diamonds - an
Category

Early 20th Century French More Jewelry

Materials

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

Late 19th Century French Enamel and Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century French enamel and diamond brooch, the centre depicting an enamelled Egyptian
Category

Antique 1880s French Egyptian Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Sapphire, Diamond and Enamel Car Brooch
Located in London, GB
A sapphire, diamond and enamel car brooch, the 1930's style car with round brilliant-cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Enamel

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French Diamond Enamel Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the french diamond enamel brooch you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Enamel — can elevate any look. You’re likely to find the perfect french diamond enamel brooch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Finding an appealing french diamond enamel brooch — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef Arpels each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for a rose cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and french cut alternatives. Finding a french diamond enamel brooch for sale for women should be easy, but there are 22 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a French Diamond Enamel Brooch?

On average, a french diamond enamel brooch at 1stDibs sells for $7,058, while they’re typically $795 on the low end and $45,000 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.