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Mario Buccellati Leaf Diamond Gold Brooch
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Napoli, NA
- Excellent 10/10 METAL: 18k Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 0.60 total carats DESIGN ERA: 1970 - Italy DIMENSIONS
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Elephant Brooch
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Add a touch of whimsy to your ensemble with this 18kt yellow gold elephant brooch pin, featuring a
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Turquoise Lapis Gold Brooch Pin Clip Earrings Set, 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Colorful, three-dimensional set consisting of a brooch and a pair of earrings created in the 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Diamond Blue Agate Chrysoprase Platinum 18 Karat Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds weighing approximately 0.18 carat total, eye-clean and white Completed by 14 karat gold rose gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Agate, Chrysophrase, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, R...

1970s Diamond Peridot Madeira Citrine Gold Floral Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This vividly colored vintage floral brooch is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and weighs 34 grams
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Peridot, 18k Gold

Diamond and Yellow Gold Owl Brooch Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1970s 0.08 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold owl brooch; part of our
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Diamond and 18k Yellow and White Gold Brooch 1960s/70s
Located in Towson, MD
This captivating 1960/70s swirl brooch showcases the bold artistic vision that defined mid-century
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

HAMMERMAN BROS. Gold Diamond Turtle Brooch
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Chicago, IL
Hammerman Brothers, 18K Yellow gold Turtle Brooch, Turquoise Body, Ruby Eyes and 1.50 Carats
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Enameled and Diamond Set Gold Lady Bug Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, by Tiffany & Co., New York. This irresistible ladybug brooch by Tiffany & Co
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VCA Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Emerald Leaf Brooch Pin Yellow Gold 1960s-1970s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and emerald leaf brooch pin in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, French
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Ilias Lalaounis Chimera Lion 18 Karat Gold Brooch with Emerald and Diamonds
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18kt yellow gold chimera lion brooch with cabochon emerald and diamonds. Made in Greece
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Enamel Sapphire Diamond Gold Owl Pin Brooch
Located in Montreal, QC
Alluring and wonderfully detailed Owl pin brooch, exquisitely hand crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold, Five Carved Opal, Emerald and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
, moderately lively. Diamonds: K-L-VS-SI. Rich gold color. 2 15/16 x 1 13/16 inches.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamond Gold Leaf Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Tiffany & Co., American. This well-mannered Tiffany brooch features a lovely leaf
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

1970s Gilbert Albert Malachite, Opal, Diamond and Gold Necklace
By Gilbert Albert
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite diamond, malachite, opal and 18 karat gold long necklace, with detachable brooch
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb gold, platinum, pearl and diamond brooch
Located in New York, NY
A platinum and 18 karat yellow gold, diamond and pearl brooch.
1970s Oscar Heyman Emerald Diamond Platinum Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman, Circa 1971, Emerald and Diamond Brooch consisting of a central oval carved emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s American Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Estate 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Seed Pearl Brooch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Dazzling yellow gold diamond brooch set with seed pearls. Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 8.9
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Vintage Ben Rosenfeld Diamond and Sapphire Owl Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
By Ben Rosenfeld
Located in London, England
An interesting vintage Ben Rosenfeld diamond and sapphire owl brooch set in 18k yellow gold. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Meister Sapphire, Diamond, and Enamel Lady Bug Brooch in Gold
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Emil Meister, Swiss. Finely fashioned, this charming ladybug brooch is sublime
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Brooches

Materials

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

Hammerman Brothers 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Opening Flower Brooch
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Birmingham, AL
This spectacular brooch is made by Hammerman Brothers in the shape of a flower that opens and
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Raymond Yard Flower Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New York, NY
Raymond Yard 14 karat yellow gold brooch with a flower motif. It consists of 10 round cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Large Diamond Gold Bee Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s 18K yellow gold and diamond set bee brooch by Herbert Rosenthal. Set with approximately
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

French Vintage Coral Diamond Brooch 18k Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage brooch, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The brooch features bold, abstract
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold

David Webb Diamond Emerald Gold Tiger Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
diamond accents. Note the pear-shaped emerald eyes. In total, the brooch is set with 1.50 carats of white
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

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

David Webb Turquoise Sapphire and Diamond Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Turquoise, Sapphire & Diamond Brooch Cabochon Turquoise, Pear Shape Sapphire & Round
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Gold Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, Herbert Rosenthal, 18k, New York. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is set
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Van Cleef Arpels Large Coral Gold Sea Horse Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Sea Horse Brooch, The large, impressive and finely detailed brooch
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Diamond Flower Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
This enchantingly airy flower brooch in 18 karat yellow and white gold is a typical example of the
Category

20th Century Swiss Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Carverd Tourmaline and Peridot Brooch with Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A carved pink tourmaline and peridot flower brooch with pavé set diamonds in 18k yellow gold. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Yellow Gold, Enamel, Diamond and Cabochon Sapphire Cat Face Pin Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The brooch is made out of 18 karat yellow gold, white enamel, detailed with
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

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

18 Karat Yellow Gold Angel Skin Coral and Diamond Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful brooch pin crafted in 18K yellow gold showcasing two rosebuds finely crafted in dainty
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

TIFFANY &Co./ SCHLUMBERGER Diamond Platinum Gold Floral Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tasteful and elegant floral motif brooch created by Jean Schlumberger in France in the 1970's. Made
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond Ruby Gold Bee Brooch Pin
Located in Austin, TX
A fine classic vintage bee brooch with diamonds and ruby's.The body and head are decorated with
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

1970 s La Triomphe GIA Turquoise Diamond Enamel 18k Gold Pin
By La Triomphe
Located in Miami, FL
This Stylish 1960's La Triomphe Turquoise diamond is crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum. It is
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Enamel

Italian Leopard Diamond and Emerald Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Captivating Leopard Brooch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, accented with green emerald eyes and
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

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

18K Yellow Gold Enamel Sailboat Brooch w/ Diamonds
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
, laying white and gold enamel over yellow gold. It also boast 4 diamonds, subtly understated yet begging
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Gold and Gem set Scottie Dog Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa: 1970s 18K Yellow Gold Scottie Dog Brooch, Detailed and textured hair, ears and tail. Set
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamond Ruby Enamel Gold Seahorse Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamonds, rubies and glowing green enamel. Crafted in 18k gold and platinum. Signed Tiffany & Co.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Diamond Gold Elephant Brooch Pendant
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tiffany Elephant Diamond Gold Brooch-pendant Tiffany gold and diamond elephant brooch-pendant
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Large Sapphire Diamond Gold Bee Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Herbert Rosenthal bee brooch. 18K yellow gold and set with round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Turquoise and Diamond Bee Brooch by Rosenthal
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Herbert Rosenthal, New York. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is set
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

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

Hermes 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Bird Brooch
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds on its 18K Yellow Gold Body. It is signed Hermes, and is of French Origin, circa 1960's - 1970s
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Brooch/Pendant with Diamonds
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
Tiffany & Co. is renowned. Details: Maker: Tiffany & Co. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

A Fabulous Gold, Ruby and Diamond Double Lion Head Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, ruby and diamond brooch. Designed as double swirling lions heads
Category

Greek Brooches

Van Cleef Arpels Enamel Diamond Gold Leaves Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Van Cleef & Arpels enamel leaves brooch. Nicely detailed with green guilloche enamel and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Chaumet Vintage Lapis Lazuli Diamond Queen Bee Fly Brooch 18K Yellow Gold 1970s
By Chaumet
Located in Lisbon, PT
Chaumet Vintage Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Queen Bee Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 1970s. This
Category

Vintage 1970s English Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamond Gold Platinum Wheat Sheaf Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An iconic brooch by Tiffany & Co. Beautifully crafted in 18k yellow gold. The 11 diamonds weigh
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Diamond and Ruby Flower Brooch Pin, circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Enchanting brooch pin circa 1970s crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold featuring 66 round
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Diamond Set Gold Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Herbert Rosenthal for Tiffany & Co., New York. This delightful bee pin by Tiffany
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Jade Enamel Juggler Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Italy 18K yellow gold diamond jade red enamel acrobat large brooch set with 131 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Sapphire Brooch Signed Van Cleef Arpels
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Princeton, NJ
18kt Yellow Gold Maple Leaf Brooch signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Circa: 1970s. 6 Round Brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Diamond Set Gold Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, Herbert Rosenthal, 18k, New York. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is set
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ruby, Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Horse Brooch - Vintage (1971)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
with an 18ct white gold hinged pin and safety clasp. This yellow gold and diamond horse brooch is
Category

Vintage 1970s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fascinating Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Lapel Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This hand crafted brooch with pear-shaped blue sapphires and round-faceted diamonds is
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Epic! 18 Karat Yellow Gold Turquoise, Sapphire and Diamond Brooch by Emis Beros
By Emis Beros
Located in Troy, MI
diamonds to set off the rare beauty of the turquoise. The brooch can be worn as a tradition pin and also as
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hammerman Brothers .24 Carat Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold Tiger Brooch
By Hammeran Brothes
Located in Stamford, CT
1970's Vintage Hammerman Bros. enamel 18k yellow gold tiger brooch with black, green, red enamel
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

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Gold And Diamond Brooch 1970s For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of gold and diamond brooch 1970s for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Find a collection of 420 vintage versions or 1 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 20th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. The designs in our inventory of gold and diamond brooch 1970s bearing Retro or Modern hallmarks are very popular. Tiffany Co., David Webb and Van Cleef Arpels each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. A selection of round cut, brilliant cut and cabochon can be found today on these pages. When shopping our range of gold and diamond brooch 1970s, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.

How Much are Gold And Diamond Brooch 1970s?

On average, gold and diamond brooch 1970s at 1stDibs sell for $4,980, while they’re typically $550 on the low end and $375,000 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.