Antique Portrait Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Antique Portrait Brooch Pendant A brooch featuring a porcelian portrait of a bearded man with a crown. Surrounded are round garnets and antique diamonds. Made circa 1910 Measureme...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
$2,800
Antique Butterfly Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Set with vibrant sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and pearls, this charming antique butterfly brooch is very charming.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Sloan & Co. Antique 14 Karat Gold Enamel Pearl Ruby Fish on the Line Brooch
By Sloan & Company
Located in New York, NY
Sloan & Co. charming and highly unusual Art Deco fishing-themed brooch crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, dating to the early 20th century.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Art Deco Chinoiserie brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco brooch designed as a jade Buddha with a radiating diamond aura and ruby belly button seated on a carved onyx, coral and diamond plinth, in platinum.
Coral, Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian En Tremblant Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian En Tremblant Flower Brooch A antique brooch featuring 2 cabochon emeralds, 30 rubies, & 132 diamonds approximately 8.35 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian 14K Gold Ruby Hat Pin, 0.65ct Round Ruby, Antique 1880s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
his exquisite 14K antique hat pin features a timeless design centered around a single round 5mm ruby. The vibrant ruby, bezel set within a delicate triangle-shaped frame, adds a refi...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Briolette Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Briolette Diamond Bow Brooch A Victorian bow brooch set with round cut diamonds and square cut rubies, adorned with three dangling briolette diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian Whimsical Brooch Circa 1900s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A wistful scene of an enamelled cherub rowing a diamond set boat with ruby set oars. This unique brooch is secured and fitted with pin and hook catch.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Ancient Roman Carved Emerald Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Emeralds, diamonds and rubies complement the carved emerald, while a single Baroque pearl dangles from the center.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Silver
Georgian "Regard" Basket Brooch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique 18K gold cannetille basket brooch set across the top with a ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and diamond.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Turquoise, Multi-gemstone, 18k...
Victorian Swooping Birds Diamond Drop Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a Victorian brooch showcasing an elegant portrayal of two swallows in flight.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century rose diamond and ruby bee set on a pearl capped staff. Charming subject matter typical of Victorian novelties.
Excellent condition.
Diamond, Ruby, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique 18 karat gold Art Nouveau brooch - floral brooch with a bouquet of flowe
Located in Antwerp, BE
Round in shape, this lovely antique brooch represents a beautiful flower bouquet. The brooch itself is a plain round disc with hand-made engravings set with two little seed pearls, a...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18ct Gold, Pearl & Diamond Lizard Brooch
Located in London, England
Two vivid ruby cabochons bring the little creature to life as its gleaming eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Carlo & Arthur Giuliano Brooch, Circa 1890.
By Carlo and Arthur Giuliano
Located in London, GB
Moonstone, diamond and ruby cabochon brooch by Carlo & Arthur Giuliano, circa 1890.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique French Butterfly Brooch Pin, 1890s
Located in Chicago, IL
France, circa 1890s The brooch is finely modeled as a butterfly. It is handcrafted in silver-topped 18K gold and is encrusted with rose cut diamonds, sapphires and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Multi Gemstone Lily of the Valley Brooch
Located in London, GB
A timeless piece, this brooch embodies elegance and sophistication. Condition: Used (Very Good) Total Weight: 8.1 grams Dimensions: 28mm Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.07ct Ruby We...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Gem Brooch
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
The brooch is set with baguette, circular and fancy-cut diamonds depicting a flowering plant and pot on a stand.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise, Platinum
Victorian Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Snake Brooch
Located in London, GB
These vivd green stones ascend the brooch whilst a tiny cabochon ruby portrays the eye and completes the piece.
Garnet, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 2.0 grams Ring Size: L Face Dimensions: 7.5mm x 7.5mm Ruby Carat Weight: Approx. 0.40 carats Tested As: 18ct Yellow Gold Period: Victorian Brooch ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Monkey Stick Pin
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming stick pin taken from the Victorian period showcasing a whimsical design. The head of this antique piece has been crafted from silver into the shape monkey and...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Demantoid garnet and diamond lizard brooch, circa 1880.
Located in London, GB
Demantoid garnet and diamond lizard brooch. Set with nine cushion shape natural demantoid garnets in open back grain settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.85 carats, furth...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Victorian 2.50 Carat Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The elliptical frame conjoining each floral cluster is embellished with two claw set round faceted cut rubies to the center of the arch. The Victorian bar brooch features an individ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Sapphire Spider Brooch of Platinum & 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
The brooch measures 1 inch by 2.7 inches across and weighs 5.68 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Victorian enamel bug brooch, Engish, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Antique enamel bug brooch. Set to centre with five round rose cut diamonds in closed back grain settings with an approximate combined weight of 0.05 carats, further set with a single...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Portuguese Sailboat Brooch of Garnet, Circa 1930
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking and beautifully composed vintage brooch (circa 1930), depicting a Portuguese sailboat crafted in 19.2k white and yellow gold and accented with rose cut diamonds, rubies, e...
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
A French Late 19th c. 'Drop Tassel' Brooch
Located in London, GB
The piece is constructed around a central oval cabochon ruby of fine colour, held within a scalloped gold mount and surmounted by a natural pearl finial.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
$21,600Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar Heyman, Platinum Art Deco Diamond Gemstone Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
This Oscar Heyman double-clip brooch showcases the classic Art Deco style, featuring carved ruby and sapphire leaf shapes with a striking color contrast.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
French 1900s Diamond and Yellow Gold Griffin Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The griffins eyes are bezel set with two cabochon cut rubies. The 18k yellow gold brooch secures to the reverse with an 18k rose gold hinged pin fastening and clasp.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Circle Pin
Located in New York, NY
Two square or princess cut diamonds adorn the sides impressively sized at approximately 3.60 carats. The brooch includes an additional 58 round brilliant diamonds weighing approximat...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Silver Topped Gold Butterfly Gem Set Ajour Cut Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The combination of diamonds, ruby, sapphire, opal, and emerald gives the brooch exceptional visual interest, with the opals adding luminous play of color and the rubies and emeralds ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Antique 14K Gold and Ruby Egyptian Revival Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Egyptian Revival gold and ruby stickpin. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a long-necked bird (possibly an ibis) perched on top of a pharaoh's head with a bez...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Victorian Turquoise Swallow Brooch of 800 Silver, Circa 1880
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Swallows have long symbolized love, loyalty, and safe return, making them a cherished motif in Victorian jewelry. This finely crafted brooch captures that sentiment beautifully, feat...
Ruby, Turquoise, Silver
Antique Pit Bull Brooch of 10k Gold, Circa 1900-1910
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming antique dog brooch (circa 1900-1910), featuring a finely modeled pit bull in solid 10k gold with garnet doublet eyes, adorned with a ruby and diamond collar that adds a vi...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 10k Gold
$10,080Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Micromosaic Brooch of 18k Gold, Circa 1800-1825
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Note: The antique box in the photo is for display purposes only and is not included with the brooch. Materials: Turquoise, Ruby, 18k gold.
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique Ruby Dragon Stickpin of 14k Gold - Circa 1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking antique stickpin circa 1900, designed as a finely sculpted dragon crafted in 14 karat gold, gripping an early flux grown synthetic ruby cabochon in its mouth. The expressi...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Large Yellow Gold and Gem Set Butterfly Brooch, 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 18K yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch, measuring 2 5/8 inches across X 1 5/8 Inch.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond Gem Set Platinum Jardinière Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully designed and masterfully hand-crafted this Art Deco Jardinière brooch from ca 1925 is set with a mixture of bright white and sparkly Old European Cut diamonds and square ...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 18K Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Leaf Stick Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, ruby, and diamond stick pin. In 18 karat yellow gold. In the form of a three-sections leaf in a circle. Set with a small ruby and diamond. With a twist to th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Georgian Regard Locket Brooch 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
The first letter of each claw set stone spells out the word. Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond - each stone is encased in a closed back setting The oblong shaped brooch...
Diamond, Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian Key to My Heart Rare Acrostic Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
Love for Ever Magnificent little treasure as survivor of a past pledge of love will please the next keeper with its un discussed beauty and hidden secret tales of love Georgian perio...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 14k Gold Diamond Sapphire Butterfly Brooch, Circa 1899, Russia
Located in Victoria, CA
A captivating antique Russian brooch crafted in 14k gold in St. Petersburg between 1899 and 1908, embodying the refined artistry of the late Imperial era.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Diamond, Pearl and Gem-set Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1880s, this diamond, pearl, and gem-set butterfly brooch is set in silver-topped 18K gold. The old mine-cut diamond and pearl body, with emerald eyes and ruby-tipped a...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Original High Art Nouveau Yellow and Green Gold Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1910 18k Yellow and Green Gold Art Nouveau Brooch, in a very stylized period theme of A beautiful flowing haired woman, surrounded by different themes of nature and further set...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian Deer Pin with Rose Cut Diamonds 12k Gold Brooch
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
A wonderful Georgian diamond deer brooch! Beautiful pair of sweet reindeer with rose cut diamonds and little ruby eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Antique Multi-Gemstone Diamond and 18k White Gold Crown Brooch Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive rare antique 0.95 carat chrysoprase, 1.10 carat ruby, 2.40 carat sapphire, 0.80 carat amethyst, 0.30 carat opal and 0.03 carat diamond crown brooch in...
Amethyst, Chrysophrase, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold
1890s Pair of Victorian Gem Set Butterfly Brooches
Located in London, GB
A pair of Victorian gem set butterfly brooches. A pair of brooches, set to the bodies with a cushion shape old mine natural unenhanced fancy colour pink diamond in an open back grain...
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Emerald, Pink Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Snake Bar Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian snake bar brooch. It is crafted in 14K gold. The piece features rose cut diamonds, rubies (for eyes), cultured pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
LaCloche Art Deco Multi Gem Diamond Platinum Pin Brooch
By LaCloche
Located in New York, NY
Of hexagonal outline, the openwork geometric plaque designed as a circular and baguette-cut diamond vase, set with a shield-shaped yellow diamond flanked by two triangular-shaped buf...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Carlo Giuliano 18K Gold Antique Brooch in Original Box
By Giuliano
Located in Houston, TX
Victorian Carlo Giuliano 18K yellow gold sapphire and ruby pin featuring his signature gold open-work. The pin contains two rubies that total 0.70 carats, no treatment, Thailand orig...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Toucan Brooche with Enamel and Ruby
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The polished yellow gold forms a warm and luxurious foundation, enhancing the vibrant enamel colors and ruby accent. This brooch is a perfect blend of artistic craftsmanship and play...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Gryphon Head Stickpin with Ruby Eye, Circa 1890
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking antique stickpin (circa 1890-1900), designed as the finely sculpted head of a gryphon crafted in 14 karat gold. The mythical creature is rendered with expressive detail, i...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau Enamel Lady Brooch of 14k Gold in Original Box
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This exquisite Art Nouveau brooch (circa 1900) features a finely enameled woman rendered in 14k gold, her flowing form adorned with pearls, diamonds, and rubies.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Hand Made 18K Gold and Silver Dragonfly Brooch, Circa 1880-1910
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Antique, circa 1880-1910, 18K yellow gold and silver handmade dragonfly brooch/pendant slide with sapphire, opal, ruby and diamond.
Sapphire, Ruby, Opal, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
Edwardian Platinum GIA Chameleon Diamond & Synthetic Ruby Stick Pin, c. 1910
Located in Plantation, FL
This exceptional Edwardian stick pin, circa 1900-1915, is crafted in platinum and set with a GIA-certified natural fancy color chameleon diamond, an exceptionally rare type of diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Tiffany & Company Early 1900 Gold and Diamond double Butterfly Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 Tiffany & Company Double Butterfly Brooch, measuring 2 1/4 inches in length. Silver top and 14k Gold back, set with old Mine and Rose cut Diamonds totaling approximately ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique 18K solid Gold Cherub Brooch – Victorian angel pin with natural diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
This romantic pin is set with multiple diamonds and rubies. The details in this brooch are truly phenomenal.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VictorianVictorian 14K Gold Rose Cut Diamond Winged “En Tremblant” Insect Brooch
Located in Venice, CA
The brooch contains a beautiful array of diamonds, rubies, and an emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Art Deco 1920s 10.00 Carat Diamond & Ruby Double Clips
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 10.00 carats and accenting Rubies. Circa 1920s Individual clip 3/4 x 1 1/16
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Bug Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This charming Victorian brooch is crafted in the delightful form of a flying bug.
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories 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.
The care that went into crafting this jewel, with its lifelike carved petals and diamond accents, matches the sentiment it represents.
For starters, it is one of the jewelry designer’s most celebrated works.
Though it sparkles with more than 27 carats of diamonds, this multifaceted gem delivers more than just dazzle.
Stellene Volandes takes us on a glittering, engrossing tour through the centuries.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.