Schlumberger Camel
1920s French Hats
People Also Browsed
1990s Italian Day Dresses
1970s French Evening Gowns
Early 2000s Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald
Late 20th Century French Hats
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
1930s Unknown Wedding Dresses
1970s French Tuxedo Jackets
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
1990s French Coats and Outerwear
1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
2010s Italian Aesthetic Day Dresses
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
Early 2000s Italian Blazers
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches
White Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century American Modern Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
American Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
20th Century French Modern Brooches
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Brooches
White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Brooches
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Brooches
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century European Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Finding the Right brooches for You
Antique and vintage brooches, which are decorative jewels traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
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.
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 on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.
Read More
This Gem-Encrusted Boucheron Brooch Is a Symbol of Mid-Century Glamour and Clever Design
Though it sparkles with more than 27 carats of diamonds, this multifaceted gem delivers more than just dazzle.
The Editor of ‘Town & Country’ Loves Jewelry and History in Equal Measure
Stellene Volandes takes us on a glittering, engrossing tour through the centuries.
5 Fresh Jewelry Trends That Will Bring You Joy This Spring
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
Tastemaker Bunny Mellon’s Extraordinary Schlumberger Jewels
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.