We love colored gemstones. The depth of a Burmese ruby, the luster of a South Sea pearl, the chatoyancy of a high-quality star sapphire. Yet no matter how captivating these stones, we are always drawn back to natural, white diamonds. When showcased in antique and vintage pieces, their intrinsic mystery becomes even more pronounced. We know that all diamonds are millions of years old, but pieces from the Victorian period have seen some things, Art Deco designs have lived lives, mid-century silhouettes have stories to tell! And as well-versed jewelry historians and esteemed antiques dealers can more aptly explain, the diamonds seen in pieces throughout history can help shape narratives of the past, their materials, designs and details served a purpose and help create a portrait of the time.
Featured image showcases a Mid-Century bracelet found at the Pam Benson stand at the 2025 Original Miami Beach Antique Show.
A stunning, Victorian flower brooch discovered at John T. Haynes’ stand at the 2024 Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show. Look at those diamonds!
Exceptional, more contemporary, estate, diamond pieces, such as those 20-25 years old, are influenced by exceptional standards of heritage craftsmanship while also establishing their own genre, making their own, indelible mark on the future. One wonders what jewelry enthusiasts in 100 years will speculate about our present through the lens of the brilliance and permanence of these natural diamond pieces. What will the styles say about the lives of contemporary collectors, what will the source and settings of the diamonds imply about our global landscape?
A beautiful, Cartier suite, circa 2001, found at Vivid Diamonds at the 2024 Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show.
Whether antique or estate, whether filled with stories or just starting their journeys, the upcoming Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show (LVAJWS) will be replete with natural diamond jewelry and bejeweled timepieces that can be woven into a multitude of contemporary tales. Proven to stand the test of time in both quality and appeal, these exquisitely made diamond pieces are perennially stylish and can be treasured for generations to come.
Cartier brooch set circa 1925. These Art Deco beauties were on display at the F&R Gros stand during the 2024 Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show.
In honor of April’s birthstone, we wanted to feature just a handful of diamond pieces that we’ve spotted at past U.S. Antique Show events that have taken our breath away. Requiring no extra embellishments, standing all on their own (expect maybe dappled with onyx and clasping a clear rock crystal or framing the mechanics of a watch!), these natural diamond pieces take us on a journey through history and embody the magic and allure that has us fall in love with diamonds over and over (and over!) again.
Two perspectives of this fabulous, Art Deco inspired bracelet we saw at Morelle Davidson’s stand during the 2024 Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show.
Men getting in on the fun at Matthew Bain during the 2024 Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show.
These Art Deco bracelets, seen at Camila Dietz Bergeron during the 2024 Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, clearly invented the art of stacking!
Piaget timepieces are taken even higher with diamonds at the Hakimian stand during the 2024 Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
No jacket required! This stunning Marquis diamond found at Geller & Co.’s stand at the 2025 Original Miami Beach Antique Show has a gorgeous, absolutely unique, yellow gold jacket yet it looks perfect all on its own!
As if the old, mine cut diamonds in these Victorian rings weren’t enough, they have the most breathtaking filagree work! Found at the Courtville/Matthew Weldon stand at the 2025 Original Miami Beach Antique Show.
