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Belle Epoque Antique Diamond Brooch Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 This Belle Époque convertible necklace / brooch of a bow and garland motif is finely
Category

Antique Early 1900s Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Silver 3.33ctw Old Cut Diamond Bangle Brooches
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, silver, and yellow gold bangle, comprising two detachable brooch fittings each
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Pearl, Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Brooch-Cum-Pendant, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
diamonds, mounted in silver-upon-gold, with a removable brooch fitting, stamped 9CT, in an R. Drummond & Co
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique Pearl Diamond Convertible Brooch Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890s This elegant antique brooch / pendant is designed as a flower head with a 8.5 mm pearl
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Brooch Conversion Diamond Daisy Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Rather remarkably, this ring would have originally started life as part of an antique French brooch
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold

Antique 20.34 Carat Opal and 4.63 Carat Diamond Silver Gilt Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 20.34 carat opal and 4.63 carat diamond, silver gilt
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Pendant Brooch, Bunch of Grapes, 9k Gold and Silver
Located in NEWARK, GB
This stunning Victorian diamond pendant is truly a showstopper! This beautifully crafted piece is
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Silver

Antique Iberian Diamond Pendant/Brooch 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique Iberian Diamond Pendant/Brooch 19th Century. 19th century Iberian (most probably Spain
Category

Antique 1850s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

Antique Pearl and Diamond Shamrock pendant necklace, Brooch
Located in NEWARK, GB
This is simply an impeccable antique piece, a real heirloom piece stacked with beauty and symbolism
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Old Cut Diamond Convertible Star Brooch / Pendant
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Late Victorian old cut diamond star brooch/pendant, set in silver and gold
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

19th Century Antique Crescent Diamond Brooch Pendant Necklace Chain French
Located in Geneva, CH
Antique Crescent Rose cut Diamond Brooch/Pendant silver and gold on a Necklace Chain 18K gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

BELLE EPOQUE 1900 Austrian Antique Convertible Brooch With Diamonds Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
A Belle Epoque convertible brooch. This is a very elegant brooch created in Vienna Austria
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, ...

Antique Dionysus Carved Shell Cameo pendant brooch solid Gilt Silver/11.4gr
Located in SE
German natural Seed pearls and Diamond pendant made in ca. early 1900s. Vague hallmarks on the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold-filled, Silver

Antique Victorian Labradorite Diamonds Fly Bee Convertible Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
Weight: 10.3gr Metal: 18kt yellow gold and silver Stones: 2 Labradorites 74 rose cut Diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Labradorite, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 3.02Ct Peridot and 3.41Ct Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
karat yellow gold and silver set pendant / brooch; part of our diverse antique peridot jewellery
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique French Enamel Scene Rose Cut Diamond Pendant Brooch Locket
Located in New York, NY
French Victorian Brooch/Pendant/Locket Enameled Porcelain Scene of a Women and Toddler with a Dog
Category

Antique 1870s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

1800s Antique 3.36 Carat Diamond and 9k Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 3.36 carat diamond and 9 karat yellow gold, silver set star brooch/pendant; part
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 4.27 Carat Diamond and 15k Yellow Gold Pendant /Brooch Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 4.27 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and silver set
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Butterfly Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Pearl Pendant Brooch Necklace Victorian
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular antique Victorian - Belle Epoque Butterfly Pendant or Brooch set throughout
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique 18th Century Iberian Emerald Cabochon Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique 18Th Century Iberian Emerald Cabochon & Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant/Brooch Stomacher
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Spanish Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 3.22 Carat Garnet and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
silver set pendant / brooch in the Belle Époque style; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 2.38 Carat Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch, 1880s
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold and silver set pendant/brooch ; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Antique 1900s 2.39 Carat Diamond and Gold Pendant/Brooch Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
European round cut diamonds. This versatile antique brooch can also be worn as a brooch via a detachable
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Boucheron Victorian Plique-à-Jour Enamel 18K Gold Antique Rosace Pendant Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in Philadelphia, PA
With a hinged optional bale Brooch tests at 18 karat gold and sterling silver Pinstem backing is
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling ...

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Black Onyx Heart Pendant Necklace Brooch 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
. The pendant is set throughout with gorgeous antique Rose Cut Diamonds. The diamonds are set in silver
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Rose Cut Diamond Cameo Pendant Brooch French 18 Karat Gold Victorian Hardstone
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Antique Hardstone Cameo Pendant Brooch, framed by Rose Cut diamonds and Pearls
Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

An Art Nouveau Diamond Scroll Brooch
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau diamond scroll brooch, the brooch comprising three old brilliant-cut diamonds
Category

20th Century British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold

Fancy Colored Sapphires and Diamond Clover Stick-Pin
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian fancy coloured sapphires and diamond four-leaf clover pin, the brooch set with
Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Yello...

Important Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Brooch/Ring
Located in London, GB
An Important Victorian yellow sapphire and diamond brooch/ring, the natural sapphire weighing 31.58
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Diamond Silver Gold Flower Brooch
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique flower brooch in yellow gold and silver, with rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Russian Antique Diamond Silver Gold Brooch
Located in Barcelona, ES
Silver and gold brooch with a design of flowers and leaves adorned with diamonds ancient and rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Insect Brooch Silver 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Kendal, GB
A stunning Antique late Victorian brooch featuring a large, winged insect decorated with sparkling
Category

Antique 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Gold

Antique Rose Cut Diamond Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Vienna, VA
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Brooch in Sterling Antique Rose Cut Diamond Brooch Sterling Silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Antique Silver Demantoid and Diamond Brooch or Pendant
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique old cut diamond and demantoid brooch and pendant. Late 19th century.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Antique Moonstone Diamond Silver Gold Double Heart Brooch
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A late Victorian/early Edwardian silver and gold moonstone and diamond double heart brooch
Category

20th Century British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, Silver

Antique Opaline Glass Diamond Silver Gold Brooch
Located in London, GB
Grapes and a line of sixteen Rose Diamonds, mounted Silver set on Gold. The Grape on the right may be a
Category

Antique 1880s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

An Antique Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An Antique Diamond Brooch, designed as intertwined initials 'FF', set with old European-cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Edwardian Antique Diamond and Saltwater Pearl Brooch
Located in London, GB
saltwater cultured pearl brooch in gold and silver top. Understated grandeur is clearly apparent in its
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Gold Silver Diamond and Enamel Stick Pin Bee Brooch
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elegant gold and silver stick pin Bee brooch set with rose cut diamonds and enamel.
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, Silver

Antique Silver-Topped Gold Natural Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A silver topped gold brooch featuring 3 natural pearls weighing 4.48, 6.15, and 8.81 carats for a
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique Gold, Silver, Pearl and Diamond Brooch, Early 20th Century
Located in Bologna, IT
and rose cut diamonds. The brooch is modelled in gold and silver throughout. MATERIALS Gold, silver
Category

Early 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Rose cut Diamond silver gold Flower Spray Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
Victorian diamond flower spray brooch silver front with yellow gold back. So beautiful
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Silver

Antique Edwardian Peridot Diamond Brooch in 18 Carat Gold Silver
Located in Kendal, GB
A beautiful antique Edwardian brooch made in the Art Nouveau style with flowing curves and foliate
Category

20th Century European Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Sapphires Diamonds Crescent Rose Gold Silver Moon Brooch
Located in Munich, DE
natural Royal Blue sapphires have circa 5 carat. The old cut diamonds of circa 1.5 carat are set in silver
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Gold, Silver and Rose Cut Diamond Brooch, Early 20th Century
Located in Bologna, IT
This antique brooch, dating from the early 20th Century, is simple but very elegant: it is set with
Category

Early 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Opal Heart Diamond Flower Brooch Silver 18ct Gold
Located in Kendal, GB
A glorious antique Victorian brooch depicting a flower decorated with nineteen glistening old mine
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Rose Cut Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Beautifully Hand Crafted Antique Rose Cut Diamond Brooch From The Late 1800’s Set in Sterling
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Surfside, FL
Antique victorian flower brooch/pin/pendant with silver top and gold with over 2 carats in old mine
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Silver

Antique Flower Brooch, Gold and Silver, Rose Cut Diamonds, Napoleon III
Located in Paris, FR
18kt gold and silver antique brooch (quality mark: owl and swan) with floral design, set with rose
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Crescent Moon Brooch with Diamonds, Gold and Silver, Napoléon III
Located in Paris, FR
18kt rose gold and silver "crescent moon" brooch (quality mark: owl) with floral design, set with
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Old Cut Diamond Gold and Silver Crescent Moon Antique Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Crescent Moon Shape Diamond Brooch Which has Around 10 Carats Of Old Cut Diamonds Beautifully
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Ruby, Emerald, Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in Lake Forest, IL
brooch is yellow gold with a silver top. The brooch measures 2.5 inches wide and 1.5 inch long. Dating
Category

Antique 1890s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Marianne brooch in gold and silver
Located in PARIS, FR
. The portrait is set off by a surround of rose-cut diamonds in a silver setting. Antique brooch, late
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Brooch with Turquoise Diamonds in 18 Carat Gold Silver, English 1830
Located in London, GB
A finely made late Georgian brooch in a fine quality silver and 18 carat yellow gold, set with the
Category

Antique 1830s British Georgian Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Louis XVI Style Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in Frankfurt, DE
A fine and antique Diamond Bow Brooch in the Louis XVI Spirit, 27 Old-European-Cut Diamonds, approx
Category

20th Century Unknown Rococo Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian silver set, old cut diamond star burst brooch
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Antique Brooch, silver set, old cut diamond star burst brooch with a small yellow gold pin to a
Category

Early 20th Century Brooches

Antique Multi Gem Set Silver Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
This sweet little swallowtail is set with countless Rose Diamonds, two Sapphires two Emeralds
Category

Antique 1860s British Brooches

Materials

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

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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.