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Old Mine-cut Diamond Cross Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This stylized antique cross brooch set with approximately 14.30 carats of old diamonds dates from
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Silver 4.93ctw Old Cut Diamond Crescent Moon Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian, diamond, and silver brooch, comprising twenty-three old cut diamonds, graduating in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Antique Old Cut Diamond Floral Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning diamond brooch taken from the Victorian period. This antique piece has been
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique French Old Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Silver Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: 19 Old Mine Cut and 24 Rose Cut Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 2 Carats
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Victorian Unisex Brooch Gold Silver Old-Cut Diamonds Present, 1905
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Unisex Victorian Brooch with Old-cut Diamonds. Gold & Silver. 1905. Delicate and fine work of the
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Gold & Silver Brooch with 3.45 Ct. Old Mine & Rose Cut Diamond
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gold & Silver Brooch with 3.45 Carats Old MIne & Rose Cut Diamonds Old Mine Diamonds : 2.75 Ct
Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Old Cut Diamond Crescent Moon Brooch in Silver-Topped Gold
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian period diamond crescent brooch comprised of single-cut and old European-cut
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
gold (front – silver, back – gold). It is centered with an old mine cut diamond (6.4 x 6.3 mm
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 15K Gold & Silver 2.82ctw Old Cut Diamond Brooch & Pendant
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A late Victorian diamond, silver and yellow gold brooch and pendant, comprising forty-four old
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Old Mine-cut Diamond Star Brooch
Located in New York, NY
" width. Materials: 49 old mine-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 5.85 carats); Silver-topped Gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Horseshoe Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
bright white old mine cut diamonds, meticulously set along the sweeping curve with a centralised wrap
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Brooch with Old European Cut Diamonds in Silver and Gold
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian filigree brooch with old European cut diamonds set in silver and gold. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 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 19th Century Old Cut Diamond Floral Foliate Spray Brooch Silver Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mine-cut, Old European brilliant-cut and rose-cut diamonds, all stones in open-back silver-on-gold
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Old Mine Cut and Rose Cut Diamond Crescent Moon Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian period diamond crescent brooch comprised of old mine-cut and rose-cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian 15K Gold & Silver 3.2ctw Old Cut Diamond Star Brooch & Pendant
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, yellow gold and silver brooch and pendant, comprising thirty-one old mine cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver on Gold Round Cluster Antique Brooch
Located in London, GB
adorned with an array of old cut diamonds, estimated to weight approximately 2.60ct combined, that glisten
Category

Vintage 1910s Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Oak Diamond Brooch Mid-Victorian Gold Silver Old Mined Cut Diamonds Gift Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
A mid-Victorian diamond oak leaf brooch, circa 1860s. Set in yellow gold and silver, length 45 mm
Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Old Cut Diamond Branch Brooch Silver Gold Buts Leaf Shape Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Old Cut Diamond antique brooch, France, circa 1890s Oxidized silver, yellow gold, old-cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s French Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver on Gold Brooch and Pendant, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
Beautiful antique flower brooch/pendant featuring 31 old mine cut diamonds with a total approximate
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian brooch with old mine and rose cut diamonds 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k rose gold and silver brooch with old mine cut and rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct - G
Category

Antique 1880s Dutch Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Old Cut Diamond and Natural Pearl Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
Flower design with old cut diamond and natural pearl in silver and gold Lenght:5cm Weight: 9,97gr
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

Victorian Opal and Old Cut Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
oval cabochon opals in a clover motif with old and rose cut diamonds. Condition: Used (Very Good
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Era 13.50 Ct Old Cut Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
white and beautiful old mine-cut diamonds totaling over an incredibly 13.50 Ct One Diamond solitaire
Category

Antique 1860s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 18k Gold Silver Hand Enamel Portrait & Old Cut Diamond Frame Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
picture is further surrounded by a glamorous frame that consists of old rose cut diamonds along with 4
Category

Antique 1870s Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Fine Edwardian Bar Brooch with Old European Cut Diamonds
Located in Lucerne, CH
, flanked by 18 old-cut diamonds totalling around 1.24 ct. All stones are of G/H-si quality. Brooch system
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

Georgian Old Cut Diamond Heart Shape Brooch Circa 1820
Located in London, GB
An antique old cut diamond heart brooch, circa 1820. The Georgian brooch is designed as an open
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Silver 2.33ctw Old Cut Large Diamond Open Filigree Oval Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
(approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Bezel Set - I Color - I1 Clarity - 0.85ct
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Silver

Victorian Old Cut Diamond 'Starburst' Pendant/Brooch Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A Victorian old cut diamond 'Starburst' pendant with detachable brooch fitting, circa 1880. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Georgian Silver and Yellow Gold 3.45ctw Old Cut Diamond Ribbon Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Georgian, diamond, gold, and silver brooch, comprising forty-three old mine cut and rose cut
Category

Antique 1830s British Georgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 7 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Flower Brooch 1880s
Located in Chicago, IL
gold (front – silver, back – gold). It is centered with an old mine cut diamond (6.4 x 6.3 mm
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 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

Victorian Amethyst, Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
surrounded by four amethysts and multiple old cut diamonds. The brooch has been crafted in yellow gold and
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Crescent Moon with Bow Brooch
Located in Venice, CA
topped and gold backed, encrusted with 56 stunning Old Mine Cut diamonds. The brooch embodies everything
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Brooch with pearls and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver brooch/pendant with pearls and old mine cut diamonds. 0.35ct - K/L - SI
Category

Antique 1880s Dutch Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Old European, Old Mine and Rose Cut Diamond Mixed Metal Swirl Brooch
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Rose cut diamonds set within 10 karat yellow gold, silver, and copper, each element is carefully
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Copper, Mixed Metal

Antique 18k Gold Silver Hand Enamel Portrait & Old Cut Diamond Frame Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Genuine Diamonds - Old Rose Cut - Pavé Set Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Silver Top (Purity might be
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Old Mine Cut Diamond Bar Brooch, 1.75 Carats in 14K Gold and Sterling Silver Lv
Located in Austin, TX
around 1875, ten old mine cut diamonds sit in individual silver crowns, each with their own unique hand
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Old Cut Diamond and Natural Pearl Flower Brooch
Located in London, GB
of the flower have also been set with more rose cut diamonds. The brooch also has a secure fold out c
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

Victorian 12.50 Carats Total Old European Cut Diamond Eight Point Star Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A diamond star brooch of 49 old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 12.50 carats total
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Black Opal and Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver on Gold Brooch, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
open back mount. The spectacular opal is beautifully highlighted by 43 old mine cut diamonds, all
Category

Antique 1880s English Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Diamond Brooch Set with 2.0ct Round Old Cut Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This stunning antique brooch features 2.0ct of round old cut Diamonds, set in 9ct Yellow Gold
Category

2010s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Georgian Old Mine Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Georgian Old Mine Diamond Brooch Circa 1830 4.25 ct. of Diamonds, including an Old Mine Cushion
Category

Antique 1830s Unknown Georgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond

Brooch with emerald, old and rose cut diamonds up to 5.00ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
0.50 ct and around it old mine cut and rose cut diamonds up to 5.00ct – G/H – SI Detailed description
Category

Antique 1880s Dutch High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

OLD DUTCH Brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold with 925 silver brooch set with rose cut diamond to. 0.50ct G/HSI Detailed description
Category

Antique 1870s Dutch High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

A Crescent Moon Brooch with 4.5ct Old Cut Diamonds, circa 1900's
Located in Firenze, IT
Old brilliant- and rose-cut diamonds, mounted in silver and gold, French import marks for 18 carat
Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold

Antique 1880s Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique victorian era 1850.c brooch in a circular designe centered with old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1850s Brooches

3.72 Carat Old European Diamond 2.45 Carat Emerald 18K WG/Silver Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Title: 3.72 Carat Old European Cut I SI Diamond 2.45 Carat Round Brilliant Emerald 18 Karat White
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Sapphire and Old-European Diamond Silver-Topped Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
accented by old European cut diamonds, weighing 3.50 carats total. Set in silver-topped gold.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

Victorian 3.50 Ct Old Mine Diamond Floral Spray Brooch 18 KT Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
attract the attention Set throughout with a selection of 87 old mine cut Diamonds for approx 3.50 Ct
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

18kt Silver on Gold Brooch with 2.10 ct Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original 18kt gold Brooch With 2.10 ct Rose Cut Diamonds Diamonds: Rose cut diamonds together ca
Category

Antique 19th Century Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Silver

Brooch set with old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver brooch set with old mine cut and rose diamonds. 1.00ct – G/H – SI
Category

Antique 1880s Dutch Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique gold silver diamond flower brooch
Located in PARIS, FR
Antique rose hip brooch in gold, silver and diamonds Silver and 18k (750°/°°) gold brooch
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Diamond Floral Brooch Silver with Gold Platting Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Antique Diamond Floral Brooch Silver with Gold Platting Brooch A splendid example of late 19th
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

TVJ 0.80 Carat Old Cut Diamond Earrings
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful pair of diamond earrings. Each earring features an old cut diamond which has
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Georgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18K Gold & Silver Pearl & Old Mine Cut Diamond Stick Pin
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
old mine cut diamonds, set in silver, with a 18 karat yellow gold pin and back. This elegant stick
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Diamond Silver Gold Large Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Antique 14k gold back and silver bow brooch, with rose and old mine cut diamonds. Center stone is
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Gold

Antique Gold Silver Diamond Starburst Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Antique 14k gold and silver starburst brooch/pendant, adorned with approx. 1.50ctw in rose and old
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Diamond bird brooch, gold and silver
Located in Uccle, BE
silver brooch featuring a swallow with spread wings paved with old-cut (for a total of approximately 4
Category

Antique 1890s European Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond bird brooch, gold and silver
Diamond bird brooch, gold and silver
W 3.27 in D 0.52 in L 2.17 in
1.84 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Silver Gold Victorian Brooch Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
1860's Victorian diamond brooch pendant. One Old Mine cut center diamond set in a silver top and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Brooches

Materials

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

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Old Cut Diamond Brooch Silver For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of old cut diamond brooch silver you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, silver and 18k gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect item from our selection of old cut diamond brooch silver may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic choice in our collection of old cut diamond brooch silver over the years, but those made by Moira, Bailey, Banks & Biddle and Buccellati are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for an old mine cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old european cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an object in our assortment of old cut diamond brooch silver, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is an Old Cut Diamond Brooch Silver?

On average, a piece of old cut diamond brooch silver at 1stDibs sells for $6,789, while they’re typically $100 on the low end and $475,000 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.