1800s Brooch
Antique Early 1800s Brooches
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold Plate
Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Brooches
Natural Pearl, Turquoise
Antique 19th Century American Art Deco Brooches
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches
Gold Plate, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches
Brass
Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches
Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
20th Century Brooches
Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s European Late Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Brooches
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Brooches
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Ruby
Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Brooches
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches
Coral, 14k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Brooches
Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Brooches
Coral, 14k Gold
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 10k Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Pearl
Antique Early 19th Century Neoclassical Brooches
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Egyptian Revival Brooches
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Brooches
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Early 19th Century American Victorian Brooches
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches
Gold, 10k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Victorian Brooches
Quartz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches
Onyx, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century European Brooches
Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Brooches
Diamond
Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Brooches
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Brooches
Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Brooches
Pearl, Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique 18th Century European Georgian Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 1890s Late Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Early 1800s American Victorian Brooches
Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Brooches
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Mid-18th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches
Citrine, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Late Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Labradorite, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches
Antique Early 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1890s English Victorian Brooches
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond
Antique Mid-18th Century Georgian Brooches
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s English Etruscan Revival Brooches
Gold, 15k Gold, Copper, Shakudo
21st Century and Contemporary American Etruscan Revival Brooches
Gold, 18k Gold, Shakudo
Early 20th Century English Victorian Brooches
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches
Ruby, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
1990s English Etruscan Revival Brooches
Gold, 15k Gold
Early 20th Century Belle Époque Brooches
Pearl, Citrine, 15k Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Regency Brooches
15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Brooches
Agate, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Etruscan Revival Brooches
Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
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1800s Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 1800s Brooch?
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 ExpertMarch 22, 2022In the 1800s, miniatures were small portraits. People commissioned them to give as gifts to their loved ones to carry with them. In this way, miniatures were similar to modern wallet photographs. On 1stDibs, find a range of miniature portraits.
- Were there safes in the 1800s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Yes, there were safes in the 1800s. Historical records indicate that by 1820, some companies used safes to protect goods from fire. Following market campaigns in the 1840s, more companies and individuals began to purchase safes as an anti-theft measure. Shop a variety of safes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, pocket watches peaked in popularity in the 1800s. The first pocket watch was created in Germany in 1510, but was originally too large for a pocket. In the 1600s, the design began to get more compact, but for a long time pocket watches were a rarity and a symbol of wealth. Shop an array of antique pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023In the 1800s, safes were usually made of metal like tin plating or sheet iron. Fireproofing the safes proved difficult, and during the 1820s, specific mixtures of materials such as mica, potash lye and alum were used to line a safe’s interior in order to prevent its contents from succumbing to fire damage. Shop a collection of safes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023In the 1800s, nightstands were often called commodes. Prior to the advent of indoor plumbing, early nightstands contained a porcelain chamber pot in a cabinet that provided a convenient and private alternative to visiting the outhouse. Today, antique, new and vintage nightstands, which are pieces of bedroom furniture that are often called bedside tables, are typically low-profile tables that are positioned alongside one’s bed or elsewhere in a bedroom. Shop a selection of nightstands on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023During the 1800s, necklaces, earrings, brooches and hair accessories were popular jewelry pieces in styles ranging from Georgian with enamel details to Victorian with floral flourishes. The commonly used gemstones of the 19th century included diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, garnets and amethysts. Gold was the dominant metal for jewelry, but silver became sought-after during the 1880s and 1890s. Explore an assortment of antique jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What is a golden brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A golden brooch is a decorative piece of jewelry designed with a hinged pin and catch that is fastened to clothing. It is a piece of ornament usually made of metal, often silver or gold. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage brooches.
- What is a brooch pin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Brooch pins are beautiful pieces of jewelry with a sharpened metal wire on the reverse that adheres to garments. Traditionally, people wore pins and brooches on clothing such as skirts, sweaters, jackets, shirts, and hats. Brooches were used to hold garments together in the past. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage brooch pins.
- What is a bar brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A bar brooch is a type of pin brooch. It is horizontal and elongated and comes in all shapes and sizes. Bar brooches are popular due to their ease of fastening. The pin of the brooch hooks through a looped fastening, once the brooch is attached to the wearer's lapel. Find a collection of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs.
- What were brooches used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Brooches are used as fastenings to secure a cloak, shawl or scarf. Decorative brooches also let wearers accessorize and personalize their ensemble. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary brooches from some of the top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
- What is a navette brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023A navette brooch is a brooch that features a gemstone in a Marquise cut. Its sides gently curve and meet at points on either end. Shop a variety of gemstone brooches from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What are the types of brooches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024There are many types of brooches. Originating from Scotland, Luckenbooth brooches feature a single heart or two interlocking hearts and are common romantic gifts. Bar brooches have a long, slender design similar to tie bars. En tremblant brooches typically feature floral forms connected by wires that allow them to sway or tremble as the wearer moves. Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Aigrette brooches show off sweeping forms that resemble feathers. Cameo brooches have an oval or circular shape and flaunt a raised relief, usually depicting a person. Shop a large collection of brooches on 1stDibs.
- What is a paste brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A paste brooch will feature hand-cut polished glass. The paste glass is usually polished with metal until it is smooth and shines like a gemstone. A paste brooch is made of such glass and became popular as a cheaper alternative to diamonds. Find a variety of paste brooches on 1stDibs.
- Is a brooch a pin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Yes, a brooch is a pin. A pin is the general term for an accessory designed to slide through fabric and stay in place with the help of a fastener. A brooch is the term for a decorative pin. The word pin can also refer to a functional accessory that has no decorative embellishments. As a result, not all pins are brooches, but all brooches are pins. Explore a diverse assortment of brooches on 1stDibs.
- What are brooch pins called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Brooch pins are usually called brooches or pins. The practice of wearing pins dates back to the Bronze Age. At the time, people referred to a pin as a fibula. Its purpose was to fasten clothing. Shop a range of brooch pins on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To tell if a brooch is vintage, take a look at its fastener. Pieces made during the first half of the 20th century often had a long thin fastener that you push to open or close. This style of hardware is commonly known as a trombone clasp. Locking safety clasps emerged during the 1930s, and jewelers used them throughout the rest of the 20th century. You can also check brooches for a date stamp or research the maker's mark to determine who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine the age. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or professional jeweler examine the piece. On 1stDibs, find a variety of brooches from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021As the name suggests, mourning jewelry represents connection to a deceased individual or loved one. In the Victorian era, people were expected to wear mourning clothing and accessories following the death of a loved one. As brooches were popular during the Victorian period, they became a favorite for those who wanted to memorialize the dead. Find a collection of vintage and antique brooches on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You can authenticate a Chanel brooch by checking the back for a little oval stamp or embossed mark. It should be noted that some of the oldest jewelry pieces were not marked, but these pieces are extremely rare and do not often come up for sale. Most of the Chanel jewelry and brooches you will find are from the 1980s or later and will include an oval tag, plate, or stamp. Shop expertly vetted Chanel jewelry from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024To know if your brooch is valuable, first look for hallmarks that signify the maker. Then, use trusted online resources and/or reverse image searches to determine who produced your brooch. Once you know who the maker is, you can examine sales histories on online platforms to learn how much similar brooches have sold for in the past. You can also have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate your brooch and give you an estimate of its value. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of brooches.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023What wedding rings looked like in the 1800s was similar to other Victorian jewelry. The Victorian era spanned from 1837 to 1901, coinciding with the reign of Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom. At the beginning of this period, rings were made of gold and affordable only to the wealthy. Designs for Victorian-era rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Some featured stones secured by collets, settings similar to bezels, with prongs and a closed back. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Victorian wedding rings.
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