Victorian Diamond Coral and Pearl Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine example of antique jewelry secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clip style security fastening. This 1860s brooch is supplied with an independent diamond grading re...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1860's 14K Gold Victorian Whitby Jet Brooch Bar Pin MCNY
Located in Wallkill, NY
A Victorian Jet mourning bar pin with 5 hanging jet balls hanging from a 14K gold bar. Acquired from the Museum of the City of New York. It measures 2.3" long. Balls measure 7.88mm d...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Beautiful Early Victorian Floral Brooch, circa 1860s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
An early Victorian flower broach, ca. 1860s, with big rosecut diamonds. The diamonds weigh circa 6-7 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.88ct Diamond Brooch, c.1860s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 0.80 Colour: G Clarity: SI1 Metal: 15ct Yellow Gold, Silver Age: 1860s
Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique c.1860s Victorian 9ct Gold Mourning Brooch with Enamel Hairwork
Located in London, GB
This exquisite antique Victorian mourning brooch is finely crafted in 9ct gold, featuring intricate engraved detailing and rich black enamel surrounding a central panel of woven hair...
Gold, Enamel
Victorian 10k Gold Brooch with Seed Pearls, Fan Design, Circa 1860s
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Victorian 10K Gold Brooch or Pendent Seed pearl detailing Fan Design with dangle ball etched in black Measuring 1.62 in x 1.70 in Any questions please call, email or hit ...
Pearl, 10k Gold, Gold
$7,500
H 1.25 in W 1.5 in D 0.38 in
Victorian Yellow Gold Etruscan Revival Tooled Brooch with Locket, Circa 1860's
Located in Chatham, CA
Victorian yellow gold Etruscan Revival brooch with locket to the back - fine and elaborate engraved gold scroll pattern to the front panel - hand made featuring gold balls to the rim...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14K Gold Onyx Mourning Brooch with Pearl, Circa 1860s-1890s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A refined 19th-century mourning brooch, crafted in 14 karat gold and set with a polished round onyx plaque. The front is centered with a single natural pearl, offering a soft contras...
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage Victorian Cabochon Garnet Gold 1860s Antique Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Measuring approx. 2.5” Long. Circa 1860s. Rendered with remarkable detail and warmth, so unusual to find!
Garnet, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Victorian Cut Steel Extra Large Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Cut Steel Extra Large Butterfly Brooch c.1860s Period: Victorian Year: c.1850s-1880s Material: Steel and Silver Weight: 30.23g Dimensions: 49.40mm x 70.65mm Condition: ...
Cut Steel
14 Karat Gold Victorian Hair Mourning Brooch
Located in Wallkill, NY
Intricately woven Victorian hair Brooch circa 1860's set in 14K gold. Measuring 1.36 inches x 1.16 inches.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1.84 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Silver Gold Victorian Brooch Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
1860's Victorian diamond brooch pendant. One Old Mine cut center diamond set in a silver top and 14k yellow gold back with a cluster of 50 rose cut accent diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Silver
$1,709
H 27.8 in L 38.4 in
15ct Gold, Early Victorian Emerald & Ruby Bow Shaped Brooch with Locket Back
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Bow Brooch 15ct Gold Circa 1860s This stunning early Victorian brooch is crafted from 15ct yellow gold, showcasing a fabulous bow design that is both timeless and elegant.
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid 19th Century Foiled Amythest Etruscan Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Striking Mid 19th Century Foiled Amythest Etruscan Brooch circa 1860's. Elaborate Etruscan gold work setting with large pale amythest with deep purple foils within.
Amethyst, 14k Gold
$21,248
W 1.03 in L 1.78 in
Oak Diamond Brooch Mid-Victorian Gold Silver Old Mined Cut Diamonds Gift wedding
Located in Berlin, DE
A mid-Victorian diamond oak leaf brooch, circa 1860s. Set in yellow gold and silver, length 45 mm Designed as a cluster of two oak leaves, of graduated size and pave set with old cu...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Archaeological Revival Gold And Micromosaic Brooch/Pendant 1860's
By Cesare Roccheggiani
Located in Firenze, IT
18 kt gold micro mosaic-pendant, approx. 1860, circumferential wine leaves, centered oval micro mosaic on black ground, floral presentation, also wearable as a brooch, lug removable....
Gold, 18k Gold
1860s Victorian Diamond Lavaliere Necklace Brooch 1.5 Carat Gold Sterling
Located in Wallkill, NY
This pendant Flower and Branch design adorned with sparkling Rose Cut diamonds. Old Mine cut diamond in a bezel setting hangs in the center with dangles The sterling chain connects t...
Diamond, Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian 10k Gold & Garnet Hollow-ware Brooch 1860s
Located in Burbank, CA
Offered here is a Victorian 10k gold hollow-ware brooch with garnets from the 1860s. The oval curved hollow-ware platform is centered with a shadowbox design within which are five fa...
Made in France Diamond and Ruby Detachable Brooch – Circa 1860’s
Located in Jacksonville, FL
This item is an antique 19th-century diamond crescent moon brooch with a detachable spray of rubies and diamonds. It is made in France, circa 1860. The brooch features an elegant dou...
Diamond, Ruby
Typical Dutch Antique Rose Cut Diamond Jewel Brooch, 1860s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: brooch Condition: very good condition Do you wish for a 360° view of this unique jewel?
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Gold Locket Pendant Brooch
Located in Dusseldorf, NRW
Antique Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Gold Locket Pendant Brooch 14k rose gold, black enamel, turquoise coloured counter enamel, rose cut diamonds Ø 3.35 cm (approx. 1 5/16”); center...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Cairngorm Hair Rose Gold Mourning Brooch
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
An Antique Victorian c.1840-1860s Mourning brooch. The stone in closed back rose gold setting surround by woven hair.
Quartz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid 19th Century 15Ct Yellow Gold, White Gold & Copper Portrait Brooch
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
A great Find was this 1840's - 1860's Portrait Brooch. Fashioned from 15ct Yellow Gold with Copper as well its centre is a miniature portrait scene with the Yellow Gold Border having...
15k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Copper
14 Carat Gold 1870s Victorian Mourning Brooch 1.44 Carat Diamond and Enamel
Located in Melbourne, AU
Dating back to the Victorian era of the 1860s and 1870s, this brooch is an elegant example of classic mourning jewellery.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 0.30ct Diamond Duck Brooch, c.1860s
Located in London, GB
Crafted in silver, this beautiful brooch dates to the 1860s. Taking on the likeness of a duck sat upon a flower, the brooch is adorned with 0.30 carat total of rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early Victorian Emerald and Diamond Brooch, circa 1860s
Located in London, GB
This stunning brooch has a vivid green emerald in the centre weighing 0.50 carat.
Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold, Silver
Detachable Victorian Diamond Brooch/Pendant, 1860s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A decorative Victorian diamond brooch/pendant, 1860s, with a floral centre and paisley designed sides.
Diamond
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Orchid Floral Brooch/Pin 1860s
Located in Towson, MD
This magnificent estate 14K yellow gold Victorian brooch from the 1860s showcases exceptional three-dimensional floral design with intricate hand-engraved detailing and one lustrous ...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1860s Castellani Micromosaic Gold Staurogram Brooch
By Castellani
Located in London, GB
The exceptionally crafted brooch of staurogram form depicting the overlapping Greek letters T ‘tau’ and P ‘rho’ in yellow gold set throughout with an exquisitely fine micromosaic pat...
Yellow Gold
1860s Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold with Braided Frame
Located in Towson, MD
This impressive 1860s Victorian shell cameo brooch is expertly crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 7.51 TCW Pear Shaped Golden Citrine & 10k Yellow Gold Brooch 1860s
Located in Towson, MD
One 1860s Victorian 10 karat yellow gold brooch set with two pear-shaped citrines measuring approximately 13 x 9.5mm, with an estimated total carat weight of 7.51.
Citrine, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1860's Victorian Diamond Ruby Silver-Topped 14 Karat Gold Poodle Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a proudly trotting poodle With a highly rendered muscular body and finely textured fur Accented by rose cut diamonds and a ruby eye; weighing in total approxi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1860's Victorian Enamel Diamond Pearl 14 Karat Gold Masquerade Mask Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an oval domed brooch glossed with opaque enamel - exhibiting no loss Depicting a colorful portrait of a coy Baroque woman adorned in a masquerade mask Woman has a trio ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Dove Micromosaic Brooch in High 22 Karat Italian Gold Circa 1860s
Located in New York, NY
Antique Italian Micro-mosaic brooch finely crafted in high carat gold. Exceptionally detailed Micro-mosaic features a dome centering a multicolored tesserae image of two white love d...
Yellow Gold
1860's Victorian 12.70 Carats Ruby Fancy Green Colored Diamond 18 Karat Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a substantial butterfly with spread wings and positioned on a coil for a "trembling" affect Antennae and eyes are comprised of bezel set ruby cabochons - stron...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...
Antique 1860s Banded Agate and Pearl, 15 k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive agate and seed pearl, 15 karat yellow gold and 9 karat rose gold brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impre...
Agate, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt Yellow Gold And Ruby Feather Brooch By Boucheron
By Boucheron
Located in Firenze, IT
The "Plume de Paon" was born as a necklace and brooch in the 1860s, then becoming a recurring motif in the production of Boucheron.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 0.28 in W 0.98 in L 1.18 in
2.89Ct Diamond and 15k Yellow Gold Crescent Brooch - Antique Early Victorian
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The 15k yellow gold frame features a pierced decorated scalloped design. This 1860's crescent brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and safety clip.
Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Neo Classic Carved Agate Eros Cameo 18k Yellow Gold Silver Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Though the cameo hails from France around the 1860s, the brooch hints at a previous life as a hairpin from the dawn of the 20th century, a testament to its enduring charm and the tra...
Agate, Carnelian, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Fire Agate, Gold, 18k G...
Spanish Neo-Renaissance Set Brooch, Earrings, Bracelet and Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Important 1860s Spanish Elizabethan Renaissance Brooch, Earrings and Ring and Bracelet Jewelry Set.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Pearl and Diamond 1860s Pendant Brooch in Box
Located in London, England
A Victorian pearl and diamond openwork brooch set in silver on gold. With seven button pearls set amidst a whirlpool swirl of Old European cut diamonds creating an openwork floral de...
Diamond, Pearl
Victorian Gold Shell Cameo Brooch - 1860's
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning detailing on the lovely women depicted in this piece. Claw feet prongs holding cameo with Intricate scrollwork surround. Measures 1.60" x 1.25" 14K Gold Surround. This is ...
Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 18kt Yellow Gold Dog Brooch, 1860's
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian 18kt yellow gold dog brooch with a ruby and diamond decorated collar. Made in England, Circa 1860's Tested positive for 18kt gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1860s French "Tremblant" Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Antique floral diamond brooch made in gold and silver. Circa 1860. The brooch consists of fourteen leaves and two flowers placed on a stem that is detatchable into five separate part...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Spanish Neo Renaissance Set of Brooch and Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Important 1860s Spanish Elizabethan Renaissance Brooch and Earrings Jewelry Set.
Diamond, Gold
Antique Diamond Brooch, 1860s
Located in Munich, DE
Antique Diamond Brooch, set with old mine, old european and rosé cut diamonds, total weight of diamonds estimated 16ct, middle flower en tremblant.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Etruscan Revival Brooch, circa 1860s
Located in St.amford, CT
A superb English Mid Victorian 1860's 15 kt locket brooch with its own original box. the front having finely engraved surround.
Carnelian, 15k Gold
Gemolithos, Victorian Micro Mosaic Brooch, circa 1860s
Located in Munich, DE
Gemolithos, Victorian micro mosaic brooch, circa 1860s. 18K gold and metal base, diameter. 36mm, weight 12.51gr.
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Amethyst and Pearl Fringed Brooch, circa 1860s, 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
A fabulous antique brooch from the Victorian era set with a stunning large oval mixed cut amethyst foil backed to a collet setting within rope twist surround and border of approx. 27...
Amethyst, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Garnet Brooch - 1860s
Located in London, Chelsea
Stunning Garnet Brooch dating back from the 19th Century, circa 1860. Stones are beautiful with a very deep red colour. STYLE: Victorian CONDITION: Pristine (please refer belo...
Garnet, Silver
1860s Antique Italian Micro Mosaic Gold Brooch
Located in Dusseldorf, NRW
Antique Italian Micro Mosaic Gold Brooch 14k yellow gold, glass tesserae Ø 4.0 cm (approx. 1 9/16") Weight approx. 18.5 grams Marks: ‘585’ for 14k gold Italy, ca. 1860s In origi...
14k Gold
Rose Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Large rose cut diamond diameter 10mm×8mm in octagon shape excellent spark white color no inclousion with total estimate diamond weight of 3.5 carats centered in 14k gold solitaire ri...
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Victorian Style Approximate 7.50 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Vintage Victorian style rose cut diamond high jewelry ring. Center round rose cut diamond, approximately 7.50ct. Approximately I/J color and SI clarity. Bezel set, silver. Accommoda...
Diamond, Silver
Diamond Crescent and Flower Brooch, Victorian, ca. 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A Victorian diamond crescent and flower brooch in silver and gold, ca. 1880s. The crescent has a beautiful design with a flower attached in the centre, creating an aesthetic and sy...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Tom Ford/Gwyneth Paltrow Iconic Oscar Gown & Cape New!
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Super stunning iconic Tom Ford evening gown with matching cape. Identical to the one worn by Gwyneth Paltrow to the Oscars. The gown fashioned of off white silk crepe and lined in...
$29,405
Size: FR40 - UK12 - US6
John Galliano Ivory Metallic Jacquard Slip Dress with Rhinestone Straps, SS 2003
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
Bias-cut slip dress in ivory and gold-tone viscose blend jacquard, designed by John Galliano for Spring-Summer 2003. The fabric features a woven floral damask motif with metallic thr...
Exceptional Art Deco Mazer Pendant Brooch
By Mazer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Art Deco Mazer Pendant Brooch from the 1930's. High Art Deco design with step faceted faux aquamarines and sapphires set within an intricate pave and baguette dangle sett...
Rhodium
$34,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Victorian Style Apx 4.50 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Vintage Victorian style rose cut diamond high jewelry ring. Center round rose cut diamond, approximately 4.50ct but faces up like a 5ct diamond. Approximately I/J color and VS clarit...
Diamond, Silver
$3,352
Size: French 40/42
Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre S/S 1994 vintage black silk evening dress
By Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre spring summer 1994 runway black silk evening dress. A white version was presented on th...
Iconic Roberto Cavalli FW 2006 Silk Evening Gown Showstopper
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Berlin, BE
A Roberto Cavalli Masterpiece from 2006 Drenched in the opulence of gilded romance, this Roberto Cavalli silk evening gown is a red-carpet reverie. A symphony of delicate florals, li...
Exceptional 1920's Czech Egyptian Revival Jeweled Mesh Purse
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful, large 1920's Czech Jeweled Mesh Purse of the largest scale and finest quality relined by famed, Art Bag of Madison Ave. NY. Jeweled frame with faux lapis pate de verre mol...
Marchesa pink strapless wedding bustier silk layered dress gown with train 10
By Marchesa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE A incredibly dreamy dress by Marchesa in soft petal pink Strapless cut with an inner boned corset that zips up separately inside the dress Composed of four layers ...
$3,761
H 1.23 in W 1.46 in
18ct Gold & Silver French Victorian Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pearl Butterfly Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Butterfly Brooch 18ct Rose Gold French Stamped Circa 1880 This exquisite Victorian-era butterfly brooch is a true work of art. Crafted from 18ct rose gold, it features a n...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Sensational Vintage Bob Mackie Black and Silver 80s Heavily Beaded Dramatic Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptional vintage 1980s BOB MACKIE black, silver and white heavily beaded and sequined nigh neck evening dress! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins and beads throughout the bod...
1950s Bvlgari Burma no heat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Necklace – SSEF Certified
Located in Roma, RM
An extraordinary and highly important Bvlgari necklace dating to the 1950s, crafted in platinum and showcasing a spectacular display of natural Burma rubies and brilliant-cut diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Imperial Faberge Enamel Silver-Gilt Thermometer
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
An Imperial Fabergé silver-gilt and enamel thermometer, of rectangular form with semi-circular ends, the surface enamelled in translucent royal blue over banded wavy engine-turning w...
Silver
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Silver French, Victorian era 7 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fancy Link Bracelet 18ct Yellow Gold & Silver French Hallmarked Circa 1870 Step into elegance with this stunning Victorian era bracelet, crafted in 18ct yellow gold and s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Vintage brooches, which refer to decorative jewelry traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
While jewelry trends come and go, brooches are indeed back on the radar thanks to fashion houses like Gucci, Versace, Dior and Saint Laurent, all of which feature fun pinnable designs in their current collections. Whether a dazzlingly naturalistic Art Nouveau dragonfly, a whimsical David Webb animal, a gem-studded bloom or a streamlined abstract design, these jewels add color and sparkle to your look and a spring to your step.
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. Chanel, of course, has never abandoned this style, producing gorgeously baroque CC examples since the 1980s.
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 for sale on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.