Brooches Antique Brooches
1890s French Art Nouveau Brooches Antique Brooches
Brass
1920s Art Deco Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
1890s British Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Gold
19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
1880s American Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Gilt Metal
1910s French Art Deco Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
1890s English Late Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 10k Gold
Mid-18th Century English Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Brooches Antique Brooches
Early 20th Century Art Deco Brooches Antique Brooches
White Diamond, Silver
1850s Brooches Antique Brooches
Early 1900s Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Moonstone, Gilt Metal
Early 20th Century Russian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
19th Century Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Silver
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches Antique Brooches
Gold, 14k Gold
1890s Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
1870s Italian Revival Brooches Antique Brooches
18k Gold
19th Century Brooches Antique Brooches
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Italian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold
Late 19th Century Japanese Brooches Antique Brooches
Mixed Metal
Early 19th Century Italian Georgian Brooches Antique Brooches
Coral, 18k Gold
Early 1900s Unknown Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Late 19th Century American Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Gold-filled
1890s British Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Pearl, Gold
1880s Dutch Early Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
9k Gold
18th Century Brooches Antique Brooches
Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 1900s European Belle Époque Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
1910s French Edwardian Brooches Antique Brooches
Silver Plate
19th Century French Edwardian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond
1780s Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Silver
Early 1900s French Brooches Antique Brooches
Gold, Yellow Gold
1830s British Georgian Brooches Antique Brooches
Natural Pearl, 10k Gold, Enamel
Early 19th Century French Georgian Brooches Antique Brooches
Vermeil, Silver
Early 20th Century Art Deco Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s American Art Deco Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Early 1900s Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond
Early 1900s Brooches Antique Brooches
19th Century Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1860s Scottish High Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Sterling Silver
1890s Brooches Antique Brooches
Garnet
1920s Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Italian Brooches Antique Brooches
Gold
1910s British Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Garnet, 9k Gold
Early 1900s Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond
Early 20th Century European Brooches Antique Brooches
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century European Revival Brooches Antique Brooches
Garnet, Silver
1920s American Art Deco Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
1910s Art Nouveau Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Silver
Late 19th Century Classical Roman Brooches Antique Brooches
Silver
1910s Edwardian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Austrian Brooches Antique Brooches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Gold, Silver
19th Century Baroque Revival Brooches Antique Brooches
1910s Edwardian Brooches Antique Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Late 19th Century Etruscan Revival Brooches Antique Brooches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Italian Late Victorian Brooches Antique Brooches
Coral, Gilt Metal
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Brooches Antique Brooches
Base Metal
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Brooches Antique Brooches For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Brooches Antique Brooches?
Finding the Right brooches for You
Antique and vintage brooches, which are decorative jewels traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones.
Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.
At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric.
Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.
Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.
- What is a paste brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A paste brooch will feature hand-cut polished glass. The paste glass is usually polished with metal until it is smooth and shines like a gemstone. A paste brooch is made of such glass and became popular as a cheaper alternative to diamonds. Find a variety of paste brooches on 1stDibs.
- Is a brooch a pin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Yes, a brooch is a pin. A pin is the general term for an accessory designed to slide through fabric and stay in place with the help of a fastener. A brooch is the term for a decorative pin. The word pin can also refer to a functional accessory that has no decorative embellishments. As a result, not all pins are brooches, but all brooches are pins. Explore a diverse assortment of brooches on 1stDibs.
- What is a golden brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A golden brooch is a decorative piece of jewelry designed with a hinged pin and catch that is fastened to clothing. It is a piece of ornament usually made of metal, often silver or gold. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage brooches.
- What is a brooch pin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Brooch pins are beautiful pieces of jewelry with a sharpened metal wire on the reverse that adheres to garments. Traditionally, people wore pins and brooches on clothing such as skirts, sweaters, jackets, shirts, and hats. Brooches were used to hold garments together in the past. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage brooch pins.
- What is a bar brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A bar brooch is a type of pin brooch. It is horizontal and elongated and comes in all shapes and sizes. Bar brooches are popular due to their ease of fastening. The pin of the brooch hooks through a looped fastening, once the brooch is attached to the wearer's lapel. Find a collection of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs.
- What were brooches used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Brooches are used as fastenings to secure a cloak, shawl or scarf. Decorative brooches also let wearers accessorize and personalize their ensemble. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary brooches from some of the top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
- What is a navette brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023A navette brooch is a brooch that features a gemstone in a Marquise cut. Its sides gently curve and meet at points on either end. Shop a variety of gemstone brooches from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What are old brooches made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Old brooches may be made of a variety of materials. Silver and gold are the most commonly used, but some may be fashioned out of brass, nickel and other metals. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and modern brooches.
- What is an en tremblant brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022“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.
- What are brooch pins called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Brooch pins are usually called brooches or pins. The practice of wearing pins dates back to the Bronze Age. At the time, people referred to a pin as a fibula. Its purpose was to fasten clothing. Shop a range of brooch pins on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To tell if a brooch is vintage, take a look at its fastener. Pieces made during the first half of the 20th century often had a long thin fastener that you push to open or close. This style of hardware is commonly known as a trombone clasp. Locking safety clasps emerged during the 1930s, and jewelers used them throughout the rest of the 20th century. You can also check brooches for a date stamp or research the maker's mark to determine who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine the age. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or professional jeweler examine the piece. On 1stDibs, find a variety of brooches from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021As the name suggests, mourning jewelry represents connection to a deceased individual or loved one. In the Victorian era, people were expected to wear mourning clothing and accessories following the death of a loved one. As brooches were popular during the Victorian period, they became a favorite for those who wanted to memorialize the dead. Find a collection of vintage and antique brooches on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You can authenticate a Chanel brooch by checking the back for a little oval stamp or embossed mark. It should be noted that some of the oldest jewelry pieces were not marked, but these pieces are extremely rare and do not often come up for sale. Most of the Chanel jewelry and brooches you will find are from the 1980s or later and will include an oval tag, plate, or stamp. Shop expertly vetted Chanel jewelry from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024To know if your brooch is valuable, first look for hallmarks that signify the maker. Then, use trusted online resources and/or reverse image searches to determine who produced your brooch. Once you know who the maker is, you can examine sales histories on online platforms to learn how much similar brooches have sold for in the past. You can also have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate your brooch and give you an estimate of its value. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of brooches.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The main difference between pins and brooches is style. Both items slide through fabrics and secure in the back with some type of fastener. Brooches are always decorative, but some pins are made only to secure materials together or to hold a garment in place. All brooches are pins, but not all pins are brooches. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of brooches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Jewelry makers mostly used C clasps on brooches during the 1890s and early 1900s. However, some designers continued to use them up until the 1930s. The clasp resembles a simple hook. Find a selection of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell how old a cameo brooch is for certain, you usually need to consult a licensed jewelry appraiser. This is because many authentic pieces do not have marks, and there are many modern reproductions that resemble the antique jewelry. Find a selection of expertly vetted antique cameo brooches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To authenticate a Chanel brooch, look for the Chanel marking on the back. These markings can be easy to fake so it’s important to buy your luxury goods from reputable sources. Shop a collection of vintage and new Chanel jewelry, bags and clothing from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
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