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Platinum, gold and fine Diamond Three Leaf motif Vintage Hair Barrette
Located in Aspen, CO
Platinum, 15K and fine diamond leaf motif vintage hair barrette, c. 1950. 19 straight baguette cut
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Platinum

Antique Diamond Mourning Brooch, Pendant, Black Enamel and 15k Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
it has a small gold leaf to the base between the centre and the knot, there was one on the other side
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, 15k Gold

Brooch of Sculpted Amethyst Flower Yellow Diamond and Gold Leaves
Located in Raleigh, NC
Gorgeous, handcrafted amethyst flower with a Bezel set Yellow diamond center brooch. The long
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Demantoid Diamond Seed Pearl 4-Leaf Clover Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 14 karat yellow gold this 4-leaf clover brooch features an old european cut diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Brooches

18k Gold Turquoise Lapis Diamond Leaf Pin
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Leaf pin in 18k yellow gold, featuring larger pear-shaped cabochon turquoise and lapis interspersed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Leaf Motif Diamond Platinum and 18K Gold Pin by Tiffany Co.
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This pristine Tiffany & Co. gingko leaf motif pin, crafted in platinum and 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Amethyst, Diamond, Nephrite Jade and Gold Large Brooch, circa 1960
Located in Aspen, CO
yellow gold, a trio of fine white small well matched round diamond, .10 cts., are the center of flowers
Category

Late 20th Century European Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique 2.32Ct Diamond and Pearl 9k Yellow Gold Brooch, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 2.32 carat diamond and pearl, 9 karat yellow gold and silver set leaf brooch
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Gold and White Enamel Flower Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A 14-carat gold brooch in the shape of a white flower or four-leaf clover decorated with white and
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold

Malachite Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
against the gleam of the white gold. Embedded along the stem of the leaf are sparkling diamonds that add
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Brooch with jade, amethyst and single cut diamonds 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold brooch in the shape of a bunch of flowers, set with amethyst flowers, jade leaves
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold

Flower brooch set with amethyst, jade and diamonds 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold brooch in the shape of a bouquet with amethyst, jade and single cut diamond. 0.03ct
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Set of Diamond Brooch and 2 rings
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
and Yellow Gold. Ring size US7. Leaf shaped Diamond Ring: A beautifully hand crafted diamond ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Enamel Sapphire Diamond Gold Bellflower Brooch
By Cartier
Located in San Francisco, CA
Brilliant Cut Diamond Stigma, with Enameled Leaf and Petals. The brooch measures approximately 1.75 inches
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Brooch/Pendant 14k Gold Diamond Enamel Clover
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CIRCA: 1900s MATERIALS: 14k Gold GEMSTONE: Diamond WEIGHT: 6.1 Grams MEASUREMENTS: 1” x 1
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Enamel Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Four-Leaf Clover Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Nouveau enamel seed pearl and yellow gold four leaf clover brooch with watch hook circa 1905
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian 15 Karat Gold Peridot Ruby Three Leaf Clover Bar Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a playful Victorian three leaf clover bar brooch crafted in 15K yellow gold. The piece
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Peridot, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Silver Maple Leaf Pearl Pendant Brooch
Located in Rotterdam, NL
of a maple leaf, leaves symbolize growth and letting go. The brooch consists of a center pearl
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Belle Époque Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Silver

WGI - certified 18kt Gold Brooch with Natural Unheated Burma Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
gemstones: unheated Burmese rubies and brilliant white diamonds arranged in a radiant leaf-like form. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Persian Turquoise and Diamond Clover Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
clover brooch is a stylish accompaniment for modern attire. Hand-fabricated in platinum over gold, it is
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Platinum

Faberge Antique 14k Gold Russian Sappire and Diamond Brooch
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold russian brooch made by faberge workmaster August Hollming centered with 2 natural
Category

Antique Early 1900s Brooches

Vintage Gubelin Diamond Gold Feather Pin Brooch Clip
By Gubelin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
) yellow gold and set with single cut diamonds ( H color, VS clarity, total weight approximately 0.10 carat
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Enamel Emerald Diamond Gold Floral Pin Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
leafs of the pin have detailed etching resembling an actual stem. Beautifully crafted pin/brooch in 18kt
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Ruby Diamond Gold Retro Clip Brooches
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tiffany & Co Retro diamond ruby and gold clip brooches circa 1950. The matching curled leaf designs
Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold

Edwardian 1905 Art Nouveau Enamel Clover Pendant Brooch In 14Kt Gold And Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian enamel four-leaf Clover brooch. A beautiful piece, created in America during the
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Shimmering Spray of Pearls, Leaves and Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch Pin
Located in Tustin, CA
estate brooch pin is depicted in 14 karat yellow gold. It is accented with rows of white diamonds down
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Coral and Diamond Rose Brooch French Designed
Located in MIAMI, FL
Gorgoues large Coral and Diamond brooch. Vibrant red color is seen in this floral brooch. Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Gemjunky Elegant 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch with Diamonds
Located in Raleigh, NC
Lovely, handmade 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Leaf Motif Brooch that measures 3.5 inches in length
Category

20th Century Brazilian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Gold Vintage Textured Maple Leaf Pin with Diamond V1087
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ A solid 14K yellow gold textured leaf pin with a diamond accent ♥ The brooch measures 31.4 mm in
Category

2010s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Rose-Cut Diamond Floral Brooch in Silver-Topped Gold
Located in New York, NY
Rose-Cut Diamond Floral Brooch in Silver-Topped Gold Description: This captivating Georgian brooch
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Violet Flower Amethyst Jade Diamond Gold Brooch Pin, 1950
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Violet flowers brooch comprising: Amethyst, Jade (jadeite) and Diamonds. Yellow gold. Three
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Gold

Trifari Costume Ruby and Diamond Rhinestone Gold Tone Earring and Brooch Suite
By Trifari
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rare Crown Trifari ruby leaf and diamond swirl rhinestone spray brooch and earrings circa late 1950
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Victorian Diamond Spider Brooch CA 1890 in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A spooky Victorian antique brooch circa 1880-90 featuring a leaf motif with a spider on one end
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Charming Green Enamel and Diamond Four Leaf Clover Suite
Located in New York, NY
each four leaf clover motif is centered by a diamond. Although elegantly diminutive, each jewel stands
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond

Vintage Flower Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
diamond strap. The beautifully designed stem holds one single long leaf. Brooch pin features a rose gold
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cognac White Diamond Maple Leaf Pin
Located in New York, NY
Cognac & White Diamond Maple Leaf Pin hlghlighted with white Diamonds. Naturalistic White Gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Christian Dior Diamond Sapphire Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Geneva, CH
From a French famous Lady established in Switzerland this 18 Karat Two-Color Gold, Diamond and
Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Rare Ambrosi Diamond Flower Brooch
By Ambrosi
Located in New York, NY
This amazing flower brooch features a large size design with carved mother of pearl leafs accented
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Oscar Heyman Camellia Diamond Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman Diamond and Green Enamel 'Camellia"' Flower brooch This pin has 477 round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1980s American Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Kingfisher White Diamond Blue Orange Yellow Sapphire 18Kt Gold Brooch
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
lake, this flower is yellow gold and features many round wire settings for diamonds. The flower and the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Sea Anemone Urchin Opal Emerald Sapphire Diamond Textured Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Large 1960s - 1970s sea urchin / sea anemone / textured leaf spray brooch featuring an opal center
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Antique 13.81 Carat Diamond and Platinum Flower Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
antique diamond brooch has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting. The brooch has been
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Violet Flower Amethyst Jade Diamond Brooch Pin 14 Karat Gold, 1940s
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Violet flowers brooch comprising: Amethyst, Jade (jadeite) and Diamonds. Yellow gold 585/000 (14K
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold

1960s Cartier Diamond Emerald Platinum Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Hicksville, NY
1960s Cartier Diamond Emerald Platinum Brooch. Features a single row of 13 emeralds flanked by 3
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Jade and Amethyst Brooch with Diamond from Midcentury, Austria
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Northampton, MA
gold twisted wire. A hand-carved amethyst flower blooms in the center of the leaf with a white, eye
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Modern Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Vintage Tiffany Co. 18K Gold Diamond Ruby Flower Brooch Made in Italy
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
flower and leaf motif. At the heart of the bloom lies a brilliant round-cut diamond, encircled by a vivid
Category

20th Century Italian Reconstruction Era Brooches

Materials

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

Opal, Diamond, Ruby Pearl Enamelled 18k Yellow Gold Brooch, Antique Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive opal, diamond, ruby and pearl enamelled 18 karat yellow gold Art Nouveau
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jack Gutschneider Brooch in 18Karat Gold W/Lapis, Diamonds, Emeralds Rubies
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite and highly adorned Jack Gutschneider Brooch in 18 Karat Gold W/Lapis, Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold

French 20th Century Enamel Natural Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Gold Lemon Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Adorable antique brooch, it represents a
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clover Brooch Set of 2
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
gold and designed in the iconic four-leaf clover motif, symbolizing luck and elegance. The centers are
Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

2.85 Carat Sapphire, 2.46 Carat Ruby 0.30 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
and 18 karat yellow gold bar brooch; part of our diverse collection of Edwardian brooches. This fine
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Black Onyx and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Mourning Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
21k and 14k gold. The brooch is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. Condition
Category

Antique 1880s Brooches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Brooch Coral Branch Carved Sapphires with Diamonds, Circa 1910
Located in Northampton, MA
branch is a rectangular box of white gold set with two tiny old-cut diamonds. A brooch pin is found on
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Multi-gem Floral 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Banbury, GB
, peridot, opal, and diamonds. Just some of the little wonders within this brooch. A firework of colours
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, Aquamarine, Citrine, O...

Vintage Austro Hungarian Aquamarine Diamond 18 Kt Platinum Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
This impressive vintage brooch is 1935 ca. Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold and Platinum bearing
Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Retro Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

16K Yellow Gold .666 Large Carved Chalcedony Leaf Pin Signed
Located in Big Bend, WI
16K yellow gold pin featuring a finely carved slightly bluish-grey chalcedony leaf. The pin is
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Chalcedony, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Pearl Diamond Brooch Shaped like an Iris. Incredible Quality.
Located in Northampton, MA
Keshi Akoya pearls. Turn the brooch over and admire the exquisite workmanship of the 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

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Gold And Diamond Leaf Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate gold and diamond leaf brooch for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 97 vintage editions and 15 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect gold and diamond leaf brooch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but 1.5 Carat and 2 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. A gold and diamond leaf brooch from Cellini, Tiffany Co. and Boucheron — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old mine cut cut and rose cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our gold and diamond leaf brooch for sale are for women, but there are 42 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Gold And Diamond Leaf Brooch?

Prices for a gold and diamond leaf brooch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $550 and can go as high as $368,500, while this accessory, on average, fetches $6,000.

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.