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Antique Pearl, Diamond Sapphire Trident Brooch Pin
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This exceedingly unusual brooch pin dates to the 19th century and has been set with diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

1890s English Antique Ruby Pearl Rose Cut Diamond Bow Gold Silver Bar Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Antique English Victorian/Edwardian Ruby, Pearl, & Rose Cut Diamond Bow Brooch (c. 1890) Capture
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique Large En Tremblant Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This exquisite Victorian floral brooch, offered by Claris-A, is a masterful example of 19th-century
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 15.00 Carat Peridot and Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
Brooch Fastening: Locking Safety Catch Tested As: 18ct Gold & Silver Box: Antique Brooch Box Comments: As
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian En Tremblant Diamond Flower Brooch – 9kt Gold Silver
Located in Braintree, GB
Victorian En Tremblant Diamond Flower Brooch – 9kt Gold & Silver, 5.33 cts Diamonds Total weight
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

19th Century 3, 90 Carats Diamonds Bouquet Silver 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in silver and 18 karat yellow gold. Magnificent antique brooch, it represents a bouquet of
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

Antique GIA No Heat Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Antique bar pin featuring an antique cushion cut light blue faceted Sri Lanka Sapphire
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Style Emerald Blue Sapphire Diamond Brooch
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning brooch cast in 18 karat gold & sterling silver. It is hand set in 5.25 carats emerald
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Butterfly Brooch Pin 2ct Ruby 1.5 ct Diamond 10K Gold Silver / 3.9gr.
Located in SE
rose cut Diamonds set in Silver , 10K Rose and Green Gold. One Ruby is of old table cut 7 mm x 5 mm
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century European Renaissance Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Silver

Antique Georgian 5.00 Carat Diamond Tremblant Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in silver over gold with Old Mine and Rose cut Diamonds weighing approximately a
Category

Antique 18th Century Georgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

Antique Snake, Hammer and Stars Brooch, 9k Gold and Silver, Diamond, Ruby, Pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful and rare antique snake and hammer brooch. Victorian design at its very finest this
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian 18kt gold and silver diamond and emerald brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
VICTORIAN 18KT GOLD AND SILVER DIAMOND AND EMERALD BROOCH An elegant late Victorian brooch crafted
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Floral Diamond Brooch, Early 19th Century
Located in London, GB
An early 19th Century diamond brooch, of foliate design, set overall with graduated old cushion
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Butterfly Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, Silver over gold. Set with vibrant sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and pearls, this
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Black Opal and Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver on Gold Brooch, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
This fabulous antique brooch, masterfully designed with elegant Art Nouveau accents, features a
Category

Antique 1880s English Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, S...

Antique Diamond and Sapphire Axe Brooch circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
A splendid Antique Axe Brooch showcasing 4.5 carats of Old Cut Diamonds, highlighted by a Fancy
Category

Antique 1880s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...

ArtNouveau Austria Scheid RareMark Pave BlueZircon Silver Snake Antique Brooch
By Georg Adam Scheid
Located in Chicago, IL
metal, he seems to have used refined silver to handcraft this antique cast and chased brooch featuring
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique 1890s Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
antique diamond and pearl brooch has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a silver setting. The scroll
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Natural Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Silver on Gold Floral brooch, c1870 s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Victorian brooch has been crafted in silver on gold, typical of its period. The
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique Old Cut Diamond and Pearl Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
rose and old-cut diamonds, together approx. 2.5 ct. , a pearl, D. approx. 9.0 mm Silver and gold
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Georgian Silver-Topped Gold Rose Cut and Sapphire Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This antique Georgian brooch showcases the delicate artistry of the period with a finely crafted
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

1920s Antique 1.67 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.67 Carat diamond, 9 karat yellow gold and platinum, silver set bar
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Antique En Tremblant Diamond Butterfly Brooch circa 1870
Located in London, GB
Summary: Antique En Tremblant Diamond Butterfly Brooch Description: An antique Victorian butterfly
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Old Cut Diamond and Natural Pearl Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 19th century. Lenght: 5 cm. Weight: 9,97 gr. An antique flower designed brooch with
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

19th Century Antique En Tremblant Diamond Flower Brooch c. 1870s
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1870s This exquisite antique en tremblant floral brooch is a magnificent example of
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Silver Gold Pin Pearl Diamond
Located in Geneva, CH
Antique Silver Gold Pin Pearl Diamond. Late 19th-Early 20th Century. Dimensions: 1.80 x 1.25
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 3.87 Carat Diamond and White Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, silver set brooch; part of the antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This exceptional antique
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold, Silver

Antique Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch / Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
yellow gold with a silver setting. The antique diamond brooch is modelled in the form of a central heart
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Diamond and Enamel Flower Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
silver flower brooch; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique Diamond, Pearl and Gem-set Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1880s, this diamond, pearl, and gem-set butterfly brooch is set in silver-topped 18K
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 4.64 Carat Diamond and 9k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, silver set brooch; part of our diverse antique diamond jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique gold brooch with diamonds, Netherlands, mid-19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique brooch with 28 diamonds in old Dutch rosette cuts (round, irregular shape) set in a
Category

Antique 1860s Dutch Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Ruby Diamond Gold-Stag Brooch, Circa 1890
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning antique from the late 19th century featuring old European-cut diamonds and vivid red
Category

Antique 1890s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 4.30 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Brooch, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 4.30 carat diamond and 9k yellow gold, silver set
Category

1990s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 12.76Ct Diamond and 9k Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold, silver set brooch; part of our diverse antique Victorian diamond brooch collection. This
Category

Antique 1890s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Georgian Floral Brooch Featuring 3 Carats DTW of Antique Diamonds
Located in Montgomery, AL
and SI2 in clarity. This antique brooch features approximately three carats of old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Pearl and 9.50 Carat Diamond Leaf Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in silver over gold with Pearls and Old Mine and Rose cut Diamonds weighing
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique Silver Gold Pin Pearl Diamond
Located in Geneva, CH
Antique Silver Gold Pin Pearl Diamond. Dimensions: 1.90 x 1.50 centimeters. Height (including pin
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique 1890s Diamond Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Heart Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 0.58 carat diamond and seed pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and silver set 'heart' brooch
Category

Antique 1890s Romantic Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Enamel Star Locket Brooch – Diamonds, Pearls, Turquoise
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique Victorian blue enamel brooch-pendant featuring an old mine cut studded starburst design on
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Flower Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful diamond flower brooch dating back to the late Victorian era. The brooch is
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Stuart pink topaz and diamond brooch, circa 1700.
Located in London, GB
Stuart pink topaz and diamond brooch. Set to centre with a single oval old cut pink topaz in a
Category

Antique Early 1700s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Crescent Brooch 18K Gold - c.1880
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this exquisite antique Victorian 18ct gold ruby diamond brooch c
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Tremblant Gold Natural Pearl And Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 19th century Length: 7.5 cm Weight: 8,80 gr. Material: Silver and Gold This antique brooch
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 2.50Ct Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
silver crescent shaped brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This stunning and
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique White Seed Pearl and Diamond Brooch in 14K Rose Gold and Silver Overlay
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite antique brooch, crafted in 14 karat rose gold and adorned with lustrous seed pearls
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique French Double Owl Diamond, Hessonite Garnet and Emerald Brooch
Located in London, GB
A French antique double owl brooch, with rose-cut diamonds pavé set, in silver, with the breasts
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Rose-Cut Diamond Gold Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed High Quality Antique Diamond Gold and Silver Brooch. Beautifully
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique 7 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Flower Brooch 1880s
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1880s – 1890s This Victorian era flower head brooch is finely crafted in silver topped 18K
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 9ct Gold and Silver Bird Brooch with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Victorian brooch featuring two birds perched together on a gold branch, pavé-set with
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique European Diamond Silver Gold Flower Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
heart. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it features a beautiful combination of silver and
Category

Antique 1890s Ukrainian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold

Antique 4.59Ct Diamond and 15k Yellow Gold Floral Brooch Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
silver set brooch; part of our floral brooch collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique
Category

Antique 1880s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 1.60Ct Emerald, 4.22Ct Diamond and 12k Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold and silver set star brooch/pendant; part of our diverse antique Victorian brooches collection
Category

Antique 1890s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vine Leaf antique brooch 18K gold silver Victorian era jewelry special person
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique brooch in shape of a grape leaf with a branch of a vine 18K gold and blackened silver with
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

Opal Pink Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Antique Victorian Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular antique fan motif brooch with 16 extraordinary pear shape cabochon cut Opals, 23
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 2.14 Carat Diamond and Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 2.14 carat diamond and 9 karat yellow gold bar brooch; part of our
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat ruby and 0.18 carat diamond, 9 karat yellow gold pin
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Silver Diamond Antique Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate silver diamond antique brooch for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of gold, silver and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 1029 vintage or 15 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a silver diamond antique brooch may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Finding an appealing silver diamond antique brooch — no matter the origin — is easy, but LB Exclusive, Meghna Jewels and Cartier each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A rose cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old mine cut and old european cut versions for sale. When shopping for a silver diamond antique brooch, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Silver Diamond Antique Brooch?

The price for a silver diamond antique brooch starts at $100 and tops out at $348,500 with these brooches, on average, selling for $4,719.

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.