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Gold And Diamond Brooch 1970s

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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

Vintage 1970s 14KT Yellow Gold Diamond And Blue Topaz Pendant
Located in New York, NY
cut diamonds, making it a valuable addition to your jewelry collection. With a total carat weight of
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold

David Webb 18K Gold Coral Shell Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Houston, TX
David Webb brooch depicting a shell in 18K yellow gold with coral and diamonds. It is marked
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Penguin Pendant 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Brooch Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
1970s). One estimated 0.02 carat round brilliant cut diamond is set into the mount (estimated at H-I
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

Diamonds, Coral, Onyx, 14 Karat White Gold Retro Brooch
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
and diamonds. The origin of this particular brooch goes back to the 1970s, it was totally handmade by
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

1970s Van Cleef Arpels Paris "Nerval" Clematis Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
amourette wood, diamonds and 18K gold. The large, stylized form is designed as a patinated and subtly
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Safety Pin, circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
) Condition: Great Signature: 750 Gemstone: 0.60 points of diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

David Webb 1970s Scorpion Pendant Vintage Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
gold Zodiac, the sign for Scorpio. This dangerous fella boasts bright white diamonds for eyes and its
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Large Patriotic United States Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Flag Brooch in 18 Karat
Located in Wailea, HI
Large Patriotic United States Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Flag Brooch in 18k One Hundred and Forty
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

JOHN DONALD 1969 Modernist Brooch In 18Kt Yellow Gold Diamonds Sapphires
By John Donald
Located in Miami, FL
highly collectable modernist brooch has been carefully crafted with parts made up in solid yellow gold of
Category

Vintage 1960s English Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage Crab Brooch Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Cancer Zodiac Pin Ocean Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage crab brooch (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. 14
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Illario Diamond Enameled Parrot Brooch
By Illario
Located in Napoli, NA
An Illario Diamond Enameled Gold Parrot Brooch. Made in Italy, circa 1970 Designed and made in
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Chrysanthemum Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Van Cleef & Arpel of Paris, a stylish chrysanthemum diamond brooch. The brooch is expertly
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Floral Diamond Sapphire Emerald 18 Karat Vintage Brooch
Located in MIAMI, FL
gold. Spiraling designs, with petals of jewels. The brooch is set with twelve natural round
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Hammerman Diamond Emerald 18K Gold Strawberries Enameled Brooch Pin
By Hammeran Brothes
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Designer Exquisite Hammerman Brothers brooch pin from the 1970s This piece is enhanced by
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel

Diamond Sapphire Ruby Pearl Turtle Brooch Pin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Absolutely adorable, this vintage turtle brooch is hand crafted using diamonds, gemstones, and a
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Swirling Diamond Hair Clip Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in MIAMI, FL
hair clip brooch is crafted in 18k yellow gold adorned with natural round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1970s Diamond Baroque Pearl Emerald 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Tree Pin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Contemporary 1970s Diamond Baroque Pearl Emerald 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Tree Pin is a
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

La Triomphe Opal Lapis Diamond Cameo Brooch
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A stunning white opal, lapis lazuli, diamond and gold cameo brooch by La Triomphe. The carved opal
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 18k Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Taurus Bull Brooch Pendant
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Bold and colorful pin/pendant created by David Webb in the 1970's. David Webb got a lot of
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Flaircraft Sapphire Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Gemini Zodiac Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
karat gold Circa: very late 1970s Measures: 1 1/8 x 1 1/8 inches Total weight: 9.3 grams Stellar
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Tiffany Co Paisley Diamond brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tiffany & Co Diamond Brooch Paisley motif. 60 Beautiful fine round diamonds F color VVS Quality
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Peas in a Pod Pendant 14k Yellow Gold 5 Diamond Brooch Charm Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage "Peas in a Pod" diamond pendant/brooch crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Mid-Century 18K Gold Coral Diamond Floral Brooch, Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite Italian brooch from the 1970s, beautifully crafted in 18K yellow gold with a dynamic
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Vintage 5.55 Carat Diamond Onyx 18 Karat Gold Striped Bow Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
rows of diamonds and a pavè diamond center Rows of diamonds feature an elegantly scalloped gold edge
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Enamel Cabochon Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Orchid Brooch
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
This stunning orchid brooch is set in 18kt yellow gold and has enameled petals. The estimated
Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Retro Diamond Multicolor Gemstone Yellow Gold Floral Leaf Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage retro 1970s brooch pin, with a Floral textured leaf design. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Retro Emerald Diamond Coral Enamel Bird Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18-karat yellow gold retro emerald, diamond, coral, and enamel brooch from the 1960's- 1970's
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Hammerman Brothers Wild Boar Gold Brooch
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
estate gold brooch circa 1970.
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Gubelin 1970 Kurt Aepli Necklace Brooch 18Kt Gold Diamonds, Jasper Bloodstone
By Gubelin
Located in Miami, FL
piece of art, created in Zurich Switzerland, by Aepli back in the 1970's. It was designed with a cushion
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jasper, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Enamel Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fish Brooch Pin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
enamel, cabochon emerald, and diamond fins. The diamonds equal approximately .30 ctw. The brooch measures
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K and Gem set Heart brooch by Tiffany Company
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Interesting 18K Yellow Gold Heart brooch by Tiffany & Company, Textured surface with raised Hearts
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Substantial David Webb Diamond Rock Crystal 18 Karat Gold Lion Pendant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
/West to open, hammered in texture Signed Webb and stamped 18K for 18 karat gold Circa: 1970’s
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A Coral and Precious Stones Buddha Brooch/Pendant
Located in New York, NY
sapphires as well as brilliant cut diamonds, on an 18kt yellow gold mounting. The object most probably dates
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Seahorse Brooch Gold Enamel Gemstones
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Seahorse brooch, made of 18k gold, featuring enamel and
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Leaf Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and sapphire vintage leaf brooch from the 1970s is a stunning and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Fish Clip Brooch by Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany Co.
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in Boston, MA
white diamonds fish "gills", 5 accenting green demantoid garnet fish "scales" and 2 cabochon ruby fish
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rose de Noel Mother of Pearl Diamond Gold brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
since being introduced in the 1970s. This vintage clip is in pristine condition and is fully hallmarked
Category

Early 2000s French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Cipullo Elephant Brooch
By Aldo Cipullo
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, white gold, sapphire, diamond, emerald, ruby and carnelian elephant brooch
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold,...

Herbert Rosenthal Sapphire 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

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Boucheron Paris 1970 Modernist Brooch in 18Kt Yellow Gold with 5.76 Cts Diamonds
By Boucheron
Located in Miami, FL
Paris by the house of Boucheron, circa late 1970's. It was crafted, with an asymmetrical form of a
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamond Enamel Round Open Pin Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This 1970's colorful blue and green enamel brooch was crafted by Tiffany & Company. The 1970's
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Lapis Diamond Crab Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tiffany & Co. Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Crab Brooch Circa 1970, this 18 karat gold brooch/clip is
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Van Cleef Arpels Mid-20th Century Earring and Brooch Suite
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
one side of the brooch and earrings platinum and diamond-set. Circa 1970's. Signed, “Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Gold Scarecrow Brooch Pin Clip Gemstones Vintage
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Colorful and fun scarecrow clip created by Van Cleef & Arpels in France in the 1970s. Definitely a
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Chrysophrase, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

PETER LINDEMAN 1970 New York Enameled Brooch In 18kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
By Peter Lindeman
Located in Miami, FL
the gold. The 17 diamonds are secured in the settings. This brooch has been carefully inspected to
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Estate Butterfly Pink Sapphire 18karat Gold Pink Brooch Pin pendant
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite Estate Pink Sapphire butterfly pin and pendant is crafted in solid 18K white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Herbert Rosenthal 2 Carat Diamond Bee Brooch Pin Vintage 18 Karat Gold Jewelry
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Herbert Rosenthal diamond bee brooch (circa 1970s), crafted in 18 karat
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier, London 1970s Egyptian Revival Brooch in the Form of "Horus"
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A gold and diamond Egyptian Revival brooch in the form of "Horus," depicted as a falcon in profile
Category

Vintage 1970s British Egyptian Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

TIFFANY SCHLUMBERGER Ibex Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger
Located in Chicago, IL
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Company 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond set Ibex Brooch, approximately
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Henry Dunay Monkey Face Brooch
By Henry Dunay
Located in Houston, TX
This Henry Dunay brooch depicts the profile of a monkey's face in 18K yellow gold with both a high
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Donald Claflin for Tiffany Co. Giraffe Gold Brooch Gemstones Estate Jewelry
By Donald Claflin for Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular brooch by Donald Claflin, made of 18k gold, featuring colored gemstones and diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

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

Bulgari 1970s Toucan Enamel and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pin Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
yellow gold and a round diamond accent. The diamond accent weighs 0.06 carats. The diamond is graded H in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

TIFFANY CO. Straw Hat Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Whimsical Straw Hat Brooch By Tiffany & Co. 18K yellow Gold and set with Rubies and Diamonds.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co.Flower Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The petals open to reveal a flower of rubies and diamonds. Signed Tiffany & Co. and very well made.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Herbert Rosenthal Sapphire and Diamond-Set Gold Bee Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Herbert Rosenthal, New York City. This charming bee pin by Herbert Rosenthal is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k 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.