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Gold And Diamond Brooch 1970s

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Handcrafted Butterfly Brooch Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, Rose Gold and Silver
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
diamonds, emeralds and light blue sapphires. The origin of this particular brooch goes back to the 1970s
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Sapphire Diamond Gold Platinum Owl Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
This captivating two tone estate brooch pendant and pin is handcrafted in Platinum and solid 18K
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold...

Diamond, Emerald, Coral and Enamel Parrot Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Delightful parrot brooch pin, crafted in 18k yellow gold, featuring approximately 8 carats of round
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Sapphire Diamond Gold Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 14k, by Herbert Rosenthal, American. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Hermes Diamond Sapphire Emerald Gliding Goose Gold Brooch
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
detail. Their style and expertise is appreciated the world over. The brooch is a perfect example of the
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Diamonds, Sapphires, Tsavorite, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Brooch
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
covered by the seller (customs duties included). Vintage brooch in 14k rose gold and silver structure
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

La Triomphe Organic Chic Diamond Brooch in Gold
By La Triomphe
Located in Litchfield, CT
diamond brooch by La Triomphe. Textured 18 karat gold brambles twine to form a wreath burgeoning with
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Rhino Brooch with Diamonds Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Rhino brooch set in 18k yellow gold. The brooch depicts a standing side view
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Demantoid Garnet Diamond Gold Lizard Brooch
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A stunning demantoid garnet and diamond 18k yellow gold lizard brooch. There is approximately
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Free Form Brooch circa 1970s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Free Form Brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels. 18K Yellow Textured Gold and set with
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Single Cut Diamonds Enamel Wasp Yellow White Gold Brooch
Located in London, GB
This beautiful brooch represents a wasp; it is set with 5 single cut diamonds and the wings feature
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

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

1970s Whimsical Mouse Brooch Pin 18 Karat Diamond, Turquoise and Sapphire
Located in Toronto, ON
1970’s whimsical Mouse Brooch Pin 18K Diamond, Turquoise and Sapphire. The body with 28 small
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

1970s Colored Gems Diamond Gold Snake Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Magnificent and unique 1970s snake brooch with gold, diamonds, malachite, onyx, coral, and ruby! A
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Coral, Malachite, Onyx, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Owl Brooch with Diamonds, Emeralds and Rubies
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18k gold owl brooch with diamonds, emeralds and rubies. The eyes of the owl can be shifted
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Carved Red Italian Coral and Diamond Bacchus Brooch-Pendant
Located in New York, NY
with 23 diamonds totaling approximately 1.25 carats (I-J VSI-SI) and mounted in 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jeweled Hummingbird Bird Brooch Yellow Gold with Diamonds Rubies and Emeralds
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Finely made 18k yellow gold hummingbird brooch featuring etched wings with a diamond body, ruby
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Coral Polychrome Enamel Diamond Gold Pomegranate Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Coral, Diamond and Polychrome Enamel Pomegranate Brooch, containing 19
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Chaumet Bee Diamond and Mother of Pearl Brooch Pin
By Chaumet
Located in Miami, FL
Chaumet Bee Brooch Pin finely crafted in France in 18 karat yellow gold with mother of pearl wings
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tiffany Co. Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Leaf Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
gold. Stamped Italy. Circa 1970's. Flawless Protection Plan: -7-day return policy for a full cash
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

CARTIER / CIPULLO Ruby, Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous colorful brooch featuring four fish created by Cipullo for Cartier in 1970's - a perfect
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Floral Pendant Brooch
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to offer this Vintage 14k White Gold Diamond & Sapphire Floral Pendant Brooch. This
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Diamond Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bee Pin Brooch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This fabulous diamond and pearl Bee Pin was hand crafted by designer Elan. Beautiful detail
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Enamel Diamond Gold Platinum Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s David Webb, 18K Yellow Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Black Enamel Brooch. Measuring 2.5
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Carved Quartz Serpentine and Diamond Lily of the Valley Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
The brooch realistically modelled as a stalk of lily of the valley, set with carved quartz flowers
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snail Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
18k for 18 karat gold Circa: 1970's Measures: 11/16 x 1 5/8 inches Total weight: 12.2 grams
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Salvador Dali The Honey Comb Heart Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s "The Honey Comb Heart " brooch by Salvador Dali & Henryk Kaston, 18K yellow Gold and
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Yellow White Diamond Striped Tiger Brooch
Located in New York, NY
TigerBrooch with Yellow and White Diamonds. The brooch has diamonds estimated to weigh a total of
Category

Late 20th Century Artist Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

TIFFANY CO. SCHLUMBERGER Gold Diamond Twin Buds Brooch Pin
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in New York City, NY
Charming 18k yellow gold and diamond "Twin Buds" brooch pin by Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger. It
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

David Webb 18kt Gold Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This brooch is a 1970's traditional WEBB design. Interlocking curled ram horn design accented by
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Brooch/Pendant in the Shape of a Fish, circa 1970s
Located in Braintree, GB
diamonds. Circa 1970's Hallmarked 750. Approx Dimensions - Size : 2.7 x 2 x 1 cm Weight : 5 grams
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

David Webb Diamond Set Fleur De Lis Gold Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Litchfield, CT
hand-texturing, accented with 4.0 carats of superb white diamonds, this iconic brooch by David Webb
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

David Webb Diamond-Set Fleur-De-Lis Gold Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s New York. This bold 18k yellow gold and platinum brooch by David Webb mixes Gallic
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Italian Plique-A-Jour Enamel Diamond 18k Gold Dragonfly Brooch
Located in New York City, NY
Diamond 18k Gold Dragonfly Brooch is sure to captivate hearts and turn heads wherever you go. Hallmarks
Category

Vintage 1970s European Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Gold Owl Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s 18K Yellow Gold and Gem Set Owl Brooch by Tiffany & Co. Nicely Detailed with Diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Fred Paris Butterfly Brooch Pin 18k Gold Coral Diamond
By Fred Paris
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Fred Paris butterfly brooch from the 1970s is crafted from 18k gold and features a
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Gold Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
This charming brooch by Herbert Rosenthal is a playful variation on his classic bee pins. The ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Yellow Gold and Gem Set Large Whimsical Frog Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s 14K Yellow Gold Frog Brooch, measuring 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 inch and weighing 17.4 Grams, set
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Hammerman Brothers Turquoise Diamond Gold Turtle Brooch
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
corded gold, studded with diamonds defines the turtle's shell, all extremities pave-set with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Agate, Turquoise

Van Cleef Arpels Coral Diamond Gold Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
likely made in the 1970's. Large, colorful brooches became the hallmarks of trend setting women in the
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Owl Brooch
Located in New York, NY
. Diamonds: 1.75 carats About 2.25 inches long. From 1970's.
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

1970s Diamond and Emerald Pin
Located in Towson, MD
emeralds are set in yellow gold, and the diamonds are set in white gold, both set into four prong settings
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

David Webb Diamond Enamel Bow Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
, the brooch is set with 3.05 carats of white diamonds. It is signed, numbered and accompanied by a
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Incredible Multicolor Enamel Ruby and Diamond Dragon Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Possibly a Frascarolo design, the whimsical dragon's body of textured 18 karat gold, decorated with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Whimsical Gemstone Gold Sea Horse Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa: 1970s Sea Horse Brooch, 18K Yellow Gold and set with Fine White, Round Brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1970s 4.13 Carat Moonstone and Diamond Cultured Pearl and White Gold Clasp
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 4.13 carat moonstone and cultured pearl, 0.32 carat diamond and 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Aldo Cipullo Cartier Octopus Diamond Brooch 18k Gold Gemstones Estate Jewelry
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Octopus diamond brooch, made of 18k gold and featuring gemstones. This
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

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

Tiffany and Co Diamond Sailfish Brooch Diamond Blue Marlin 1970
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tiffany & Co Pin 1970's T&Co sailfish brooch by Tiffany & Co. is made with pavé set diamonds, gold
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel, 18k Gold

Emis Beros 18 Karat Yellow Gold Kunzite Ruby Diamond Serpentine Flower Brooch
By Emis Beros
Located in Troy, MI
epic one of a kind lovely floral brooch is on trend and accented with a large saturated pink Kunzite
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Clematis Brooch and Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
clematis brooch and earrings out of amourette wood. They are set in 18k yellow gold and the center of the
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Unique Peacock Enamel Diamond Gold Flower Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
and royal blue enamel over machined gold, with diamond accents totaling 2.25 carats, approximately H
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Late-20th Century Citrine Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bow Brooch Pin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Late 20th Century Citrine and Diamond Bow Brooch Pin is a stunning piece, crafted in luxurious
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Chrysoprase Ruby Diamond Gold Cowboy Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
Whimsical diamond, ruby, chrysoprase and 18K yellow gold brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. It resembles
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

David Webb Huge Emerald Sapphire Diamond Gold Lion Head Brooch Pendant
By David Webb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lion Head by David Webb, circa 1970's, is decorated throughout with lush gold textures and designed as
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond, Sapphire Yellow Gold Beetle Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous and funny beetle brooch created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1970's. It is certainly a
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Hermès Georges Lenfant Vintage Duck Emerald Sapphire Diamond Brooch Yellow Gold
By Hermès
Located in Lisbon, PT
Georges Lenfant for Hermes Paris vintage Duck In Flight emerald, sapphire and diamond brooch in
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Dan Frere Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Brooch Pin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautifully crafted floral pin fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold. The brooch features 3 round
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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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.