Question 1

What were brooches used for?

Accepted Answer

Brooches 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.

Question 2

What is a bar brooch?

Accepted Answer

A 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.

Question 3

What is a navette brooch?

Accepted Answer

A 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.

Question 4

What is a golden brooch?

Accepted Answer

A 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.

Question 5

What are the types of brooches?

Accepted Answer

There 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.

Question 6

What is a brooch pin?

Accepted Answer

Brooch 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.

Question 7

What is a paste brooch?

Accepted Answer

A 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.

Question 8

Is a brooch a pin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 9

How can you tell if a brooch is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a brooch is valuable, you can take one of two approaches. The first option is to research what comparable pieces have recently sold for on trusted online platforms. Factors to consider when choosing comparable items include the maker, style, age, type and condition of your brooch. Another option is to have a certified appraiser, knowledgeable jeweler or experienced antique dealer provide you with an estimated value. Find a wide variety of brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How do you identify Sherman brooches?

Accepted Answer

To identify Sherman brooches, first look for a tag. The jewelry maker used branded paper tags to mark some of its brooches. However, most pieces were unmarked, and even those that were may have lost their paper labels over the years. As a result, the identification process usually requires an examination of a brooch's characteristics. Sherman was known for its three-dimensional brooches created by layering pieces into a domed shape. Another common trait of Sherman brooches is the navette crystal, which has a pointed back that you can see when you turn the brooch to the side. Since other makers produced similar brooches, experts generally recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer when trying to determine if an unmarked brooch is a Sherman. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Sherman jewelry.

Question 11

How do you identify a Trifari brooch?

Accepted Answer

To identify a Trifari brooch, turn it over and look for a maker's mark. Most Trifari jewelry features one of several backstamps. The earliest pieces made by the American jewelry brand usually read "KTF," for Trifari, Krussman, and Fishel. During the early 1930s, the stamp changed to "TRIFARI PAT.PEND.," and in 1937, the company introduced its crown logo. Pieces dating from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s will bear this logo plus a copyright symbol. Finally, the 1980s brought the addition of a “™” trademark marking. If you can't find a stamp or have difficulty reading it, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Trifari brooches.

Question 12

How do you identify a Schreiner brooch?

Accepted Answer

To identify a Schreiner brooch, you have two main options available to you. Because Schreiner usually didn't mark its jewelry, the first option involves studying the details of your brooch. Some common characteristics of Schreiner jewelry include three-dimensional layered designs, hook and eye-type closures and inverted rhinestones. The settings of individual rhinestones can also provide clues, as Schreiner often produced highly decorative settings, such as crimped cupcake bezels, as well as dogtooth, fleur-de-lis and leaf-shaped prongs.

Another approach is to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer conduct the identification process for you.

Find a collection of Schreiner brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How can you tell if a brooch is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To 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.

Question 14

How do you identify vintage brooches?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage brooches, look for the maker's marks. You can usually find them on the backs of brooches. Take a photo of the marking on your brooch, and then conduct a reverse image search to learn who the maker is. If you're unsuccessful, research the marks using trusted online resources or consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Shop a diverse assortment of vintage brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do I know if my brooch is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To 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.

Question 16

How do I authenticate a Chanel brooch?

Accepted Answer

You 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.

Question 17

What are brooch pins called?

Accepted Answer

Brooch 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.

Question 18

What is a Victorian mourning brooch?

Accepted Answer

As 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.

Question 19

How can I tell how old my brooch is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old your brooch is, flip it over and examine the back, searching for markings. You can use these markings to learn more about your brooch and get a rough idea of its age. Depending on where and when the maker produced the piece, you may find metal purity, assay marks, serial numbers, date codes or maker's markings. When present, maker's markings are a great starting point for your research. By comparing the marking to reference guides available on trusted online resources, you can typically use it to identify the maker. From there, you can educate yourself on when the maker was in business and review guides on how to date its pieces using makings and other characteristics. Serial numbers, date codes, assay marks and purity marks may also be researched to uncover information about your brooch. If you don't find any marks at all, your brooch is possibly an antique, as most European countries have required marks for centuries, and the U.S. began mandating various marks in 1918. If you run into any difficulty while performing your research, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler can assist you with the dating process. Shop a large collection of brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is an en tremblant brooch?

Accepted Answer

“En tremblant” is an old French phrase meaning “trembling”, which in jewelry refers to the feature of the piece. En tremblant brooches are crafted with gems and generally feature a floral motif, but can also branch out to birds and other designs. You’ll find a variety of en tremblant brooches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

1860s Brooch

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Victorian Diamond Coral and Pearl Yellow Gold Bar Brooch

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

1860's 14K Gold Victorian Whitby Jet Brooch Bar Pin MCNY

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Brooches

Yellow Gold Beautiful Early Victorian Floral Brooch, circa 1860s

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Victorian 1.88ct Diamond Brooch, c.1860s

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Brooches

1860s Victorian Gold Drop Seed Pearl Bar Brooch or Pendent

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Brooches

Made in France Diamond and Ruby Detachable Brooch – Circa 1860’s

Antique Mid-19th Century British Etruscan Revival Brooches

Victorian Yellow Gold Etruscan Revival Tooled Brooch with Locket, Circa 1860's

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

19th Century Victorian Cut Steel Extra Large Butterfly Brooch

Antique 1850s Victorian Brooches

14 Karat Gold Victorian Hair Mourning Brooch

Antique Mid-19th Century Brooches

1.84 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Silver Gold Victorian Brooch Pendant

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Large Antique Victorian 18k Gold and Banded Agate Brooch

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Brooches

Oak Diamond Brooch Mid-Victorian Gold Silver Old Mined Cut Diamonds Gift Unisex

Antique 1860s Italian Etruscan Revival Pendant Necklaces

Archaeological Revival Gold And Micromosaic Brooch/Pendant 1860's

Antique 1860s Victorian Drop Necklaces

1860s Victorian Diamond Lavaliere Necklace Brooch 1.5 Carat

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

Victorian 10k Gold & Garnet Hollow-ware Brooch 1860s

Antique 1860s Dutch Victorian Brooches

Typical Dutch Antique Rose Cut Diamond Jewel Brooch, 1860s

Antique Mid-19th Century German Victorian Brooches

Antique Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Gold Locket Pendant Brooch

Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Victorian Brooches

Antique Victorian Cairngorm Hair Rose Gold Mourning Brooch

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Georgian Brooches

Mid 19th Century 15Ct Yellow Gold, White Gold & Copper Portrait Brooch

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

14 Carat Gold 1870s Victorian Mourning Brooch 1.44 Carat Diamond and Enamel

Antique 1860s Unknown Early Victorian Brooches

Early Victorian Emerald and Diamond Brooch, circa 1860s

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Detachable Victorian Diamond Brooch/Pendant, 1860s

Antique 1860s Italian Brooches

1860s Castellani Micromosaic Gold Staurogram Brooch

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

1860's Victorian Diamond Ruby Silver-Topped 14 Karat Gold Poodle Brooch

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

1860's Victorian Enamel Diamond Pearl 14 Karat Gold Masquerade Mask Brooch

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Etruscan Revival Brooches

Antique Dove Micromosaic Brooch in High 22 Karat Italian Gold Circa 1860s

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

1860's Victorian 12.70 Carats Ruby Fancy Green Colored Diamond 18 Karat Brooch

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Antique 1860s Banded Agate and Pearl, 15 k Yellow Gold Brooch

Antique 1860s Unknown Brooches

2.89Ct Diamond and 15k Yellow Gold Crescent Brooch - Antique Early Victorian

Antique 1860s Neoclassical Brooches

Neo Classic Carved Agate Eros Cameo 18k Yellow Gold Silver Brooch

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Revival Brooches

Spanish Neo-Renaissance Set Brooch, Earrings, Bracelet and Ring in 18 Karat Gold

Antique 1860s Unknown High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Pearl and Diamond 1860s Pendant Brooch in Box

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Victorian Gold Shell Cameo Brooch - 1860's

Antique 1860s British Victorian Brooches

Antique Victorian 18kt Yellow Gold Dog Brooch, 1860's

Antique Mid-19th Century French Early Victorian Brooches

1860s French "Tremblant" Brooch

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Revival Brooches

Spanish Neo Renaissance Set of Brooch and Earrings in 18 Karat Gold

Antique 1860s British Victorian Brooches

Antique Diamond Brooch, 1860s

Antique 1860s British Etruscan Revival Brooches

Etruscan Revival Brooch, circa 1860s

Antique 1860s Italian Victorian Brooches

Gemolithos, Victorian Micro Mosaic Brooch, circa 1860s

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches