Hornet Brooch
Antique 1880s Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Afghan Byzantine Dome Rings
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Bangles
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings
Moonstone, Turquoise, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Indian Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise
20th Century Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Afghan Byzantine Dome Rings
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings
Turquoise, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Early 20th Century Persian Platters and Trays
Silver
20th Century Persian Byzantine Boxes and Cases
Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Cambodian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Zircon
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches
Diamond, 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.
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