African Cameo Brooch
Antique 1830s Victorian Brooches
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 18th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Brooches
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Early 20th Century Dangle Earrings
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Brooches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces
Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 16th Century German Renaissance Brooches
Ruby, Natural Pearl, Diamond, Enamel, 22k Gold, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Brooches
Agate, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Brooches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches
14k Gold
Vintage 1960s Israeli Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Brooches
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century Italian Retro Brooches
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s American More Jewelry
14k Gold
Antique 1820s English George III Brooches
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Colombian Figurines and Sculptures
2010s American Classical Roman Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Brown Diamond, Blue Diamond, Diamond, A...
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Antique 1870s French Victorian Brooches
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Italian High Victorian Brooches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell how old a cameo brooch is for certain, you usually need to consult a licensed jewelry appraiser. This is because many authentic pieces do not have marks, and there are many modern reproductions that resemble the antique jewelry. Find a selection of expertly vetted antique cameo brooches on 1stDibs.