Hermès 18k Gold Knot Vintage Brooch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:18k Gold
- Weight:19.6 g
- Dimensions:Width: 1.25 in (31.75 mm)Diameter: 1 in (25.4 mm)Length: 1 in (25.4 mm)
- Place of Origin:France
- Period:Late 20th Century
- Date of Manufacture:1990
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Beverly Hills, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- French Vintage Turtle Brooch 18k Gold RubyLocated in Beverly Hills, CAA cute French vintage turtle brooch made of 18k gold, features ruby. This amazing pin was meticulously made by skillfully applying multiple goldsmith techniques. The turtle’s shell i...Category
Vintage 1970s French Brooches
MaterialsRuby, Gold, 18k Gold
- Vintage Bulgari 18K Yellow Gold, Citrine, Pearl & Diamond Pin BroochBy BulgariLocated in Beverly Hills, CA- 18 karat yellow gold - 13.48 carat of square cut citrine - 0.18 carat of round brilliant cut diamond - 5- 7.5mm of white round cultured pearls - D...Category
Late 20th Century Brooches
MaterialsCitrine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage Yellow Gold Oval Link Chain Necklace w/ Pendant & BroochLocated in Beverly Hills, CAProduct details: The necklace and the brooch made out of 18 karat yellow gold, featuring textured finish and floral motif. The necklace is 34 inches long and 5/16 inches wide. The ...Category
Late 20th Century Chain Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Vintage David Webb Diamond & Enamel Bow Ribbon Pin BroochBy David WebbLocated in Beverly Hills, CA- 18 karat yellow gold - 900 platinum - 2.50 carat of round brilliant cut diamonds - Blue and green enamel - Double clip - Comes with certificate of authenticity - Style number: 091...Category
20th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Enamel
- Mellerio Retro Yellow and White 18k Gold Diamond Ruby BroochBy Mellerio dits MellerLocated in Beverly Hills, CADESIGNER: Mellerio dits Meller CIRCA: 1950s MATERIALS: 18K Gold GEMSTONE: Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds GEMSTONE 2: Ruby WEIGHT: 21 grams MEASUREMENTS: 1 1/4” x 1 3/8” HALLMARKS: M...Category
Mid-20th Century French Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Gold
- Vintage Parrot Brooch 14k Gold Diamond EnamelLocated in Beverly Hills, CACIRCA: 1970s MATERIALS: 14k Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds WEIGHT: 12.2 grams MEASUREMENTS: 1 1/4” x 5/8” HALLMARKS: 14K A colorful vintage parrot brooch made...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
- 18 Karat White Gold with White Diamonds BroochLocated in GALLARATE, ITElegant Talisman ! Stanoppi takes care of you ! Protect yourself with style. Talisman applied on a 100% pure cotton mask with protective filter or you can put the brooch in your jack...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
- Vintage Diamond BroochLocated in New York, NYCommand attention in this exquisite diamond brooch from the Jewels Aficionado antique collection. Outfitted with a whopping 20.40 carats of diamonds set in platinum, the brooch mixes...Category
Vintage 1960s Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond Flower Head BroochLocated in London, GBA vintage aquamarine and diamond flower head brooch, the brooch with round brilliant-cut diamond set domed centre surrounded by four heart sh...Category
Vintage 1950s Modern Brooches
MaterialsAquamarine, Diamond
- Georgian Diamond Brooch in Silver, circa 1750Located in London, GBGeorgian diamond brooch in silver. Set with twenty one cushion shape table cut diamonds in closed back cut down settings with an approximate com...Category
Antique 1750s Georgian Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Silver
- Art deco diamond brooch, French, circa 1920.Located in London, GBArt deco diamond brooch. Set to centre with one round old cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 0.85 carats, surrounded by 45 round old cut diamon...Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Georgian Ruby and Emerald Mandolin Brooch/Pendant Locket, circa 1830Located in London, GBGeorgian ruby and emerald mandolin brooch/pendant locket. A yellow, rose and green gold brooch/pendant in the form of a mandolin, a symbol of harmony i...Category
Antique 1830s Georgian Brooches
MaterialsEmerald, Ruby, Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.