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Brooch Shell Vintage

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Tiffany & Co Platinum Whelk Shell Diamond Brooch 2.20ct F VS1 Rare Design
Tiffany & Co Platinum Whelk Shell Diamond Brooch 2.20ct F VS1 Rare Design

Tiffany & Co Platinum Whelk Shell Diamond Brooch 2.20ct F VS1 Rare Design

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Chicago, IL

This rare and elegant Tiffany & Co. Whelk Seashell brooch is a refined example of the house’s

Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

BSK Aurora Borealis Crystal Stylized Shell Pin Brooch, Mid 1900s
BSK Aurora Borealis Crystal Stylized Shell Pin Brooch, Mid 1900s

BSK Aurora Borealis Crystal Stylized Shell Pin Brooch, Mid 1900s

By BSK

Located in Milford, DE

A glamorous pin decorated with aurora borealis crystals, set on a golden setting. Gold-plated. Marks / hallmarks / etc: BSK (Steinberg, Slovitt and Kaslo)

Category

20th Century American Retro Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate

Ciner Brooch Sea Shell Gold tone New, Never Worn from 1980s
Ciner Brooch Sea Shell Gold tone New, Never Worn from 1980s

Ciner Brooch Sea Shell Gold tone New, Never Worn from 1980s

By Ciner

Located in Wallkill, NY

Ciner sea Shell Brooch. Large oversized Gold Gilt Sea shell Pin. Measures 2" wide x 4.75" top to

Category

1980s American Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gilt Metal

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Shell Coral Branch White Crystals Brooch
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Shell Coral Branch White Crystals Brooch

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Shell Coral Branch White Crystals Brooch

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Wokingham, England

Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition. Not sure if it is a small hole at shell side

Category

1980s French Art Nouveau Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold Plate

18K Yellow Gold Coral Turtle with Diamonds on the Shell Brooch
18K Yellow Gold Coral Turtle with Diamonds on the Shell Brooch

18K Yellow Gold Coral Turtle with Diamonds on the Shell Brooch

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite estate turtle brooch, crafted in 18k yellow gold, is a true gem of fine jewelry

Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1969 G Noto 9k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Lovers Scene Brooch
Vintage 1969 G Noto 9k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Lovers Scene Brooch

Vintage 1969 G Noto 9k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Lovers Scene Brooch

Located in New York, NY

This vintage 1969 brooch is beautifully crafted in 9k yellow gold and showcases a signed G. Noto

Category

Mid-20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Boy with Dog and Bird Brooch
Antique 18k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Boy with Dog and Bird Brooch

Antique 18k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Boy with Dog and Bird Brooch

Located in New York, NY

This antique brooch is finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a beautifully hand-carved

Category

20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k G. Noto Shell Cameo "Orpheus playing for 3 Graces" Brooch
Vintage 14k G. Noto Shell Cameo "Orpheus playing for 3 Graces" Brooch

Vintage 14k G. Noto Shell Cameo "Orpheus playing for 3 Graces" Brooch

Located in New York, NY

A lyrical masterpiece in miniature, this vintage brooch features a finely hand-carved shell cameo

Category

20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1960 Abalone shell 18 K yellow Gold brooch Gubelin Lucerne Switerland
Vintage 1960 Abalone shell 18 K yellow Gold brooch Gubelin Lucerne Switerland

Vintage 1960 Abalone shell 18 K yellow Gold brooch Gubelin Lucerne Switerland

By Gubelin Lucerne

Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse

Vintage brooch. Expertly crafted, this exquisite piece features an Abalone shell with a beautiful and

Category

1960s Swiss Contemporary Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier Brooch c1945 Bombe Fluted Dome Pin 14k Gold Shell Jewelry
Vintage Cartier Brooch c1945 Bombe Fluted Dome Pin 14k Gold Shell Jewelry

Vintage Cartier Brooch c1945 Bombe Fluted Dome Pin 14k Gold Shell Jewelry

By Cartier

Located in Torrance, CA

vintage brooch features 3 fluted high domes in a textured shell motif. The whimsical design of the brooch

Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Solid Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Brooch Handmade Carmel-by-the-Sea 22g
18K Solid Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Brooch Handmade Carmel-by-the-Sea 22g

18K Solid Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Brooch Handmade Carmel-by-the-Sea 22g

Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA

brooch crafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold. Oval shell cameo depicting a classical female profile, set

Category

Late 20th Century American Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Yellow Gold

Gianfranco FERRE Brooch Black Shell Crystal New, Never worn Pin 1980s
Gianfranco FERRE Brooch Black Shell Crystal New, Never worn Pin 1980s

Gianfranco FERRE Brooch Black Shell Crystal New, Never worn Pin 1980s

By Gianfranco Ferré

Located in Wallkill, NY

Large Black Gold Tone 24K Plated with massive Crystals set. Measuring 3.33 in / 84.73 mm wide X 1.84 in / 46.94mm top to bottom. This is out of a massive collection of New Old stock ...

Category

1980s Italian Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Crystal, Gilt Metal

Ciner Swarovski Brooch Crystal Sea Shell Gold tone New Old Stock 1980s
Ciner Swarovski Brooch Crystal Sea Shell Gold tone New Old Stock 1980s

Ciner Swarovski Brooch Crystal Sea Shell Gold tone New Old Stock 1980s

By Ciner

Located in Wallkill, NY

Ciner sea Shell Brooch. Set with Blue and Green Crystals. Measures 2.50- 63.6 mm wide x 2.36

Category

1980s American Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Crystal, Gilt Metal

Chamber Nautilis Sea Shell  Brooch & Clip on Earrings in Sterling Bezels c 1986
Chamber Nautilis Sea Shell  Brooch & Clip on Earrings in Sterling Bezels c 1986

Chamber Nautilis Sea Shell Brooch & Clip on Earrings in Sterling Bezels c 1986

Located in University City, MO

artisan sea shell brooch & clip on earrings are made with luminous pearlized organic sea shells set in

Category

1980s Unknown Artisan Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gio’ Pomodoro for G.I.F. Sterling Silver and Faux Pearl Shell Form Brooch
Gio’ Pomodoro for G.I.F. Sterling Silver and Faux Pearl Shell Form Brooch

Gio’ Pomodoro for G.I.F. Sterling Silver and Faux Pearl Shell Form Brooch

Located in Milford, DE

This 1970s Italian brooch by G.I.F. Milano features a striking shell-inspired design, sculpted in

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Pearl, Sterling Silver

Large Figural Shell Cameo of Nude Woman Playing the Harp with Cupid Gold Brooch
Large Figural Shell Cameo of Nude Woman Playing the Harp with Cupid Gold Brooch

Large Figural Shell Cameo of Nude Woman Playing the Harp with Cupid Gold Brooch

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Large 1950s Victorian revival shell cameo featuring a beautiful topless woman playing the harp with

Category

Mid-20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marguerite Stix Shell Stickpin
Marguerite Stix Shell Stickpin

Marguerite Stix Shell Stickpin

By Marguerite Stix

Located in New York, NY

Marguerite Stix Shell Stickpin set in 14k gold mounts in an amazing color. Stix is famous for her

Category

1960s American Artisan Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

14k Gold

Retro Gilt Shell Clips
Retro Gilt Shell Clips

Retro Gilt Shell Clips

Located in New York, NY

Retro Gilt metal scallop jacket/dress clips designed to be worn in pairs or singly from the 1940s.
Excellent condition
Approx. 1.75" diameter

Category

1940s American Retro Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gilt Metal

Retro Mexican Sterling Shell Suite
Retro Mexican Sterling Shell Suite

Retro Mexican Sterling Shell Suite

Located in New York, NY

Retro Mexican Sterling silver shell suite with a pair of scatter brooches, earrings and ring

Category

1940s Mexican Retro Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Sterling Silver

Miriam Haskell Sea Shell Jabot Pin
Miriam Haskell Sea Shell Jabot Pin

Miriam Haskell Sea Shell Jabot Pin

By Miriam Haskell

Located in New York, NY

Miriam Haskell Sea Shell Jabot Pin. The signature Russian gilt scallop shell trimmed with white

Category

1950s American Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal

Vintage 1970s Carved Shell Cameo 14K Yellow Gold Pin/Pendant
Vintage 1970s Carved Shell Cameo 14K Yellow Gold Pin/Pendant

Vintage 1970s Carved Shell Cameo 14K Yellow Gold Pin/Pendant

Located in Towson, MD

A striking late Mid-Century Modern shell cameo crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, dating to the 1970s

Category

1970s Modern Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Native American Silver Operculum Shell Tie Tack #16718
Native American Silver Operculum Shell Tie Tack #16718

Native American Silver Operculum Shell Tie Tack #16718

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Sterling silver operculum shell tie tack by a Native American artisan. Large oval operculum shell

Category

20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Silver

Kenneth Jay Lane's Snail brooch
Kenneth Jay Lane's Snail brooch

Kenneth Jay Lane's Snail brooch

By Kenneth Jay Lane

Located in New York, NY

Kenneth Jay Lane's exotic snail brooch fashioned from a real shell and mounted onto a gilt body

Category

1960s American Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gilt Metal

Antique "Young Queen Victoria" Cameo Brooch
Antique "Young Queen Victoria" Cameo Brooch

Antique "Young Queen Victoria" Cameo Brooch

Located in New York, NY

This elegant antique shell cameo brooch features a finely carved portrait of Young Queen Victoria

Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold-filled

14 Karat Yellow Gold Shell Oval Cameo Pin and Pendant
14 Karat Yellow Gold Shell Oval Cameo Pin and Pendant

14 Karat Yellow Gold Shell Oval Cameo Pin and Pendant

Located in Coral Gables, FL

14 Karat Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Pin With Profile Of A Woman. 2.25 Inches Long With Drop Down

Category

1980s Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Wendy Gell Jeweled Floral Assemblage Brooch
Wendy Gell Jeweled Floral Assemblage Brooch

Wendy Gell Jeweled Floral Assemblage Brooch

By Wendy Gell

Located in New York, NY

Large Wendy Gell jeweled Dresden porcelain and hand carved shell floral brooch from the 1980's

Category

1980s American Artist Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Crystal, Gilt Metal

Antique "Cupid on Venus's Lap" Cameo Brooch
Antique "Cupid on Venus's Lap" Cameo Brooch

Antique "Cupid on Venus's Lap" Cameo Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Tender and exquisitely carved, this antique shell cameo brooch captures an intimate mythological

Category

20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gilt Metal

Vintage 14K Floral Cameo Round Brooch/Pendant
Vintage 14K Floral Cameo Round Brooch/Pendant

Vintage 14K Floral Cameo Round Brooch/Pendant

Located in beverly hills, CA

Dated from the 1940s, this beautiful 14k gold, hand carved shell cameo brooch features an exquisite

Category

Mid-20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

1950s Retro Mikimoto Pearl Brooch Sterling Silver
1950s Retro Mikimoto Pearl Brooch Sterling Silver

1950s Retro Mikimoto Pearl Brooch Sterling Silver

By Mikimoto

Located in Lexington, KY

Mikimoto. The sterling silver brooch also features the famous shell and M marks on the back ensuring its

Category

1950s American Retro Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Pearl, Sterling Silver

Mid 20th Century Cameo Brooch Circa 1950s
Mid 20th Century Cameo Brooch Circa 1950s

Mid 20th Century Cameo Brooch Circa 1950s

Located in ADELAIDE, SA

Mid 20th Century cameo brooch. This shell carved cameo of a woman in high relief is beautiful

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

9k Gold

Antique "The Trial of Jesus" Cameo Brooch Pendant
Antique "The Trial of Jesus" Cameo Brooch Pendant

Antique "The Trial of Jesus" Cameo Brooch Pendant

Located in New York, NY

This antique shell cameo brooch pendant features a dramatic and finely carved depiction of "The

Category

20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver

Antique "The Trial of Jesus" Cameo Brooch Pendant
Antique "The Trial of Jesus" Cameo Brooch Pendant

Antique "The Trial of Jesus" Cameo Brooch Pendant

Located in New York, NY

This antique shell cameo brooch pendant features a dramatic and finely carved depiction of "The

Category

20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver

Vintage Lea Stein Paris B&W Tortoise Brooch
Vintage Lea Stein Paris B&W Tortoise Brooch

Vintage Lea Stein Paris B&W Tortoise Brooch

By Lea Stein

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

depicted with intricate detailing to emphasize the animal's shell and features. In this brooch, the

Category

Late 20th Century European Art Deco Brooch Shell Vintage

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Cameo Sagittarius Brooch
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Cameo Sagittarius Brooch

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Cameo Sagittarius Brooch

By David Webb

Located in New York, NY

Elegant and distinctive, this David Webb shell cameo brooch depicts Sagittarius, framed in hammer

Category

20th Century American Modern Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Hand Carved Shell Portrait Cameo Gold Pin Pendant Estate Fine Jewelry
Antique Hand Carved Shell Portrait Cameo Gold Pin Pendant Estate Fine Jewelry

Antique Hand Carved Shell Portrait Cameo Gold Pin Pendant Estate Fine Jewelry

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Antique Cameo Brooch Pendant depicting a Beautiful Young Woman. The Hand Carved

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold "Sundial" signed G Noto Cameo Brooch
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold "Sundial" signed G Noto Cameo Brooch

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold "Sundial" signed G Noto Cameo Brooch

Located in New York, NY

This exceptional vintage shell cameo brooch, signed by master carver G. Noto, features a unique and

Category

20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century Lucite and Blue Rhinestone Gold-Tone Beetle Brooch, 1950s
Mid-Century Lucite and Blue Rhinestone Gold-Tone Beetle Brooch, 1950s

Mid-Century Lucite and Blue Rhinestone Gold-Tone Beetle Brooch, 1950s

Located in Milford, DE

. Crafted in gold-tone metal, the brooch features a translucent Lucite shell overlaying a vibrant faux-opal

Category

Late 20th Century American Artisan Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Crystal

French 1960s Cameo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Openwork Pendant Brooch
French 1960s Cameo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Openwork Pendant Brooch

French 1960s Cameo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Openwork Pendant Brooch

Located in Poitiers, FR

Brooch - pendant in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Of oval shape, this cameo on shell

Category

1960s French Retro Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

1950s Baroque Pearl Sapphires Rubies Yellow Gold Butterfly Articulated Brooch
1950s Baroque Pearl Sapphires Rubies Yellow Gold Butterfly Articulated Brooch

1950s Baroque Pearl Sapphires Rubies Yellow Gold Butterfly Articulated Brooch

Located in Poitiers, FR

Brooch in 14 karat yellow gold, shell hallmark. Important brooch in the shape of an insect, the

Category

1950s French Retro Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yell...

Hand Painted Artisan Mother of Pearl Warrior Scene Brooch c 1960
Hand Painted Artisan Mother of Pearl Warrior Scene Brooch c 1960

Hand Painted Artisan Mother of Pearl Warrior Scene Brooch c 1960

Located in University City, MO

Measurements The sliced shell brooch measures 1.25 in width x 1.75 in height across the center points

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Artisan Brooch Shell Vintage

18 Karat Gold Turtle Brooch with 6.33 Carat Beaded Emeralds & 2.92 Ct. Diamonds
18 Karat Gold Turtle Brooch with 6.33 Carat Beaded Emeralds & 2.92 Ct. Diamonds

18 Karat Gold Turtle Brooch with 6.33 Carat Beaded Emeralds & 2.92 Ct. Diamonds

By Giovanne

Located in New York, NY

Elegant and Adorable is the best way to describe this lovely 18 karat yellow gold Turtle brooch

Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Amedeo Italian Shell Cameo 14K Gold Pendant Brooch
Amedeo Italian Shell Cameo 14K Gold Pendant Brooch

Amedeo Italian Shell Cameo 14K Gold Pendant Brooch

By AMEDEO

Located in Chesterland, OH

This shell cameo brooch pendant depicts Bacchus and dates back to the second half of the 20th

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

14k Gold

8 Karat Yellow Gold and Shell Cameo  Pendant / Brooch
8 Karat Yellow Gold and Shell Cameo  Pendant / Brooch

8 Karat Yellow Gold and Shell Cameo Pendant / Brooch

Located in Arnhem, NL

A vintage (ca. 1950s) brooch/pendant. The item is made of 8 karat yellow gold with a shell cameo

Category

Mid-20th Century European Retro Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Two Roman Graces Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch Pin
18K Yellow Gold Two Roman Graces Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch Pin

18K Yellow Gold Two Roman Graces Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch Pin

Located in Westport, CT

An elegant vintage hand carved Two Roman Graces shell cameo set in an 18K yellow gold frame. The

Category

20th Century Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

William Spratling Conch Shell Earrings Pin Brooch Set 980 Silver Vintage Taxco
William Spratling Conch Shell Earrings Pin Brooch Set 980 Silver Vintage Taxco

William Spratling Conch Shell Earrings Pin Brooch Set 980 Silver Vintage Taxco

By William Spratling

Located in North Attleboro, MA

", 2003, pg. 40, figure 2-56. A beautiful set of matching earrings and brooch. Crafted of 980 silver

Category

1940s Mexican Modernist Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Silver

LB offers Vintage 60’s Lobster Brooch Scalloped shell MOP Carved Bone Necklace
LB offers Vintage 60’s Lobster Brooch Scalloped shell MOP Carved Bone Necklace

LB offers Vintage 60’s Lobster Brooch Scalloped shell MOP Carved Bone Necklace

By Lorraines' Bijoux

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

Lorraine’s Bijoux has on offer a Scalloped Mother of Pearl Shell pendant with a large Vintage 60’s

Category

Mid-20th Century American Artisan Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

Labradorite, Gold Plate

Naples Floral Shell Cameo Pendant/Brooch - 18K Gold Frame - Italy - Circa 1950's
Naples Floral Shell Cameo Pendant/Brooch - 18K Gold Frame - Italy - Circa 1950's

Naples Floral Shell Cameo Pendant/Brooch - 18K Gold Frame - Italy - Circa 1950's

Located in Chatham, CA

Vintage Naples floral shell cameo pendant or brooch - 18K/750 yellow gold frame, pin and bale

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Contemporary Brooch Shell Vintage

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Brooch Shell Vintage For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact brooch shell vintage you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, Yellow Gold and 14k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 18 vintage editions and 2 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect brooch shell vintage may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a brooch shell vintage has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by David Webb, Hermès and William Spratling are consistently popular. A brooch shell vintage of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 1, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a brooch shell vintage, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Brooch Shell Vintage?

Prices for a brooch shell vintage can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $270 and can go as high as $9,900, while this accessory, on average, fetches $554.

Finding the Right Brooches for You

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 GucciVersaceDior 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.

Questions About Brooch Shell Vintage
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    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.