Cartier Pearl Mini Bar Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined bar mini bar brooch from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier.
Vintage 1920s Brooches
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Pearl Mini Bar Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined bar mini bar brooch from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Ruby Diamond Pearl Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant vintage Cartier brooch, finely crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with a beautiful combination of rubies, diamonds, and a central pearl.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier rare Art Deco diamond and pearl bar brooch
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
Cartier Art Deco diamond and pearl bar brooch, centred with a button-shaped pearl of 5.9 mm, to an elongated navette bar encrusted with old European-cut and baguette-cut diamonds, w...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Cartier London Art Deco Natural Pearl and Diamond Brooch, 1920s
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
A small Cartier London Art Deco brooch from the 1920s, set with a natural pearl and diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Platinum Seed Pearl Diamond Onyx Tassel Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite and rare piece, Cartier platinum tassel brooch from Art Deco era, set with seed pearls ( 1.5mm), approximately 1.00ctw G/Vs diamonds, black onyx and enamel.
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage Retro Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Natural Pearl Brooch Pin - GIA
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Retro Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Natural Pearl Brooch Pin - GIA.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Gold Enamel Cultured Pearl Diamond and Emerald Cat Tiger Clip Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The playful cat grasping one cultured pearl approximately 9.4 mm., its body applied with black enamel stripes, accented by 2 small round emerald eyes, decorated with a diamond-set co...
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Gold, Enamel
CARTIER Pair of Natural Pearl Diamond Brooches
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Each of stylised shield design, set to the centre with a bouton-shaped natural pearl within a pierced surround set with circular-cut diamonds, embellished with two marquise-shaped di...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Diamond Pearl and Burma Sapphire Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the iconic house of Cartier Paris, this vintage 1950's platinum brooch consists of 3 cabochon non-heated Burmese sapphires, white diamonds, and a dangling pearl.
White Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire
Cartier Art Deco Natural Pearl and Diamond Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Early 20th Century colored natural saltwater baroque pearl mounted with beautiful diamonds, by Cartier.
White Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Gold
Unavailable
H 0.48 in Dm 1.19 in
Art-Deco Cartier New York Brooch Gold 14 Karat Platinum Pearls Diamonds Onyx
By Cartier
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
CARTIER Art-Deco pin/brooch made with 14 natural pearls, 16 roses diamonds (old cut), 4 onyx squares (two with very little faults), yellow gold 14K and platinum mount.
White Diamond, Onyx, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
Cartier Multi-Gem Diamond Gold Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier: A Multi-Gem and Diamond Bird Brooch, designed as a stylized robin on a gold branch, the body as a baroque silvered colored cultured pearl, with carved coral detail and breas...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
Cartier, Paris Diamond and Pearl Bar pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Bar Pin. This jewel is signed "Cartier, Paris". The 5 Natural Pearls are enhanced by rare Old Mine Single Cut Diamonds set into Platinum.
Cartier Sapphire and Pearl Poodle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This delightful gold, sapphire and pearl poodle brooch showcases the more whimsical side of the legendary French jeweler Cartier.
Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Pearl Diamond Gold Circle Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18k gold circle brooch by Cartier, with 4.4mm pearls and approx. 0.36ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
CARTIER Pearl Diamond & Platinum Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous Lily of the Valley brooch created by Cartier in the 1950's-60's. Gracious lines, perfect proportions, tasteful material selection.
Cartier Pearl Emerald Yellow Gold Dolphin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
This playful brooch from Cartier is custom designed to last a lifetime.
Emerald, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Cartier Pearl Gemstone Diamond Rose Gold Floral Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Burnished and beautiful, this golden brooch from Cartier has an exceptional design that is sure to garner much attention.
Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Midcentury Cultured Pearl Platinum 14 Karat Gold Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring 22 white cultured pearls on platinum setting Pearls are 4.5 mm with good to very good luster and pale pink shades Circa 1940's and signed Cartier Measures 1 3/8" x 13/16...
Cultured Pearl, White Gold, Platinum
Cartier Brooch with Natural Pearls Diamonds in Platinum, circa 1915
By Cartier
Located in Aspen, CO
Cartier pin with 8 natural oriental pearls surrounded by 28 rose cut diamonds and centering 8 early mine cut diamonds amounting to 2.00 cts. This platinum piece is signed on the ve...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Vintage Cartier 14K Gold Tennis Racket Brooch with Pearl, France
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite vintage brooch from the legendary house of Cartier, this finely crafted piece captures the brand’s timeless sophistication and whimsical elegance.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier, Platinum 18K Gold Ruby Pearl Enamel Diamond Jabot Brooch, IAJA, GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier 1929 classic brooch showcases the perfect fusion of exquisite craftsmanship and artistry.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum, Enamel
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold 2.10 ct Diamond, Pearl, and Emerald Dolphin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
There’s something inherently whimsical about this charming Cartier brooch. The 18K yellow gold dolphin makes a statement thanks to inset diamond gemstones with a total weight of 2.10...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Gold & Hardstone Golf Bag Clip Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Whimsical 18K Yellow Gold, Hard Hard Stone and Diamond set Golf Bag Brooch by Cartier. Nice Detail, double clip back, signed and Numbered.
Diamond, Chalcedony, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Cartier Retro 'Romeo and Juliet' Jeweled Brooches
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Retro 18 karat gold brooches with rubies, emeralds, sapphires and pearls by Van Cleef & Arpels. The brooches have 12 old European-cut rubies with an approximate total weigh...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Rare Cartier Panther Diamond Sapphire Tahitian Pearl Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Rare Cartier Diamond Sapphire Tahitian Pearl Panther Pin in original Cartier box. Pendant with removable Tahitian pearl drop, set with approximately 1.50 carats fine diamonds, 1.cara...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier Natural White Oval Pearl Platinum Vintage Stick Pin GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rare vintage natural pearl stick pin by Cartier. The oval white natural pearl measures 10.7 x 9.0 mm and is certified by the GIA. The platinum stick pin measures 3.0 inches in length...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Cartier Antique 18k Yellow Gold, Enamel & Pearl Pin, circa 1900s
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Antique 18k Yellow Gold, Enamel & Pearl Pin Circa 1900s Rare Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer pin. Truly a great piece at a grea...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Antique 18k Yellow Gold, Enamel & Pearl Pin, circa 1900s
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Antique 18k Yellow Gold, Enamel & Pearl Pin Circa 1900s Rare Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer pin. Truly a great piece at a grea...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf and Pearl Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf and Pearl Brooch is a timeless piece of luxury, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and design synonymous with Cartier.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1900Circa 1900s Edwardian CARTIER Pearl & Diamond Brooch with Original Box
By Cartier
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.7 grams Item Details: Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.7 grams *Signed CARTIER, with ser...
Pink Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Cartier Diamond and Ruby, Gold Shell Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Cartier Brooch featuring approximately .65ctw of ruby gemstones, .35ctw of round brilliant cut diamonds, and one gold pearl.
White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Art Deco Natural Pearl and Diamond Pin in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Sweet and delicate early Art Deco Cartier pin featuring 5 natural pearls and 26 old mine single cut diamonds. Measuring 2 inches long in fine condition. Signed "Cartier Paris" with...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
CARTIER Flower Brooch
Located in Darnestown, MD
This Cartier floral brooch is cheerful and colorful. Diamonds add a touch of sparkle to the pearls and lapis lazuli.
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Sold
W 0.14 in L 0.79 in
Cartier Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Enameled Seed Pearl Lingerie Pin / Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Troy, MI
Rare vintage Cartier 14 karat lingerie bar pin the style of which was used early in the 20th century and into the 1920s with 6 seed pearls. Can be worn as a decorative pin or hanging...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Pin and Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage pin and pendant with onyx, pearl, and brilliant diamonds, Italy circa 1930s By Cartier, signed Length 8 cm Width 6.5 cm
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl
Sold
W 0.09 in D 0.08 in L 1.58 in
Cartier Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and White Enamel Bar Brooch, 1900s
Located in Addison, TX
Brooch Details: Metal: 14 karat yellow gold Weight 2.9 Grams Stamped: 0366 Cartier Paris New York Seed Pearl Details: Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.8 mm Shape: Round
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Cartier Yellow Gold Pearl and Emerald Dolphin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier brooch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold to resemble a dolphin whimsically playing with a ball made from a high luster cultured pearl.
Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Pearl and Emerald Dolphin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic whimsical Cartier brooch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold to resemble a dolphin.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Seed Pearl & Diamond Spray Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Seed pearl and diamond spray brooch, set with 44 circular-cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.52 total carats and nine baguette-cut diamonds eighing approximately 1.08 total carats...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Cartier Pearl Ruby Gold Fish Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fabulous and whimsical Cartier fish brooch featuring a freshwater pearl with 4 natural rubies and 16 single cut diamonds along the top fin in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Cat's Eye Diamond Pearl Bracelet Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa 1940's Cartier chrysoberyl cats-eye diamond and Akoya pearls bracelet.
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Cartier Aldo Cipullo Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
This is an exquisite and rare Cartier 18k yellow gold and platinum Akoya cultured pearl and diamond brooch by famous Cartier designer Aldo Cupillo from the 1970's.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Exquisite Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Pearl and Diamond Brooch
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
18k, Platinum, Diamond and Akoya Cultured Pearl Brooch Signed Aldo Cipullo, Cartier
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Pearl, Diamond and Rock Crystal Jabot Pin by Cartier Paris
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A 1930s gem set foliate motif jabot pin by Cartier. Designed as a pair of mirroring leaves carved in rock crystal and set with natural pearls in the centres and diamonds on the edges...
Diamond, Pearl, Rock Crystal, Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$138,000
Diamond Necklace Tiara
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A MASTERPIECE! 46.75 carats of white pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. The piece can be worn as a necklace and easily converted into a tiara...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set
By Cartier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An 18 karat gold and diamond rose flowering brooch and matching earrings created by Cartier of France. The set has a Florentine finish to the petals with 15 full cut diamonds in the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Clip-On Earrings, 20g
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Expression of Luxury and Heritage Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Shaped Clip-On Earrings. Steeped in the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Carved Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Ring, Circa 1991
By Cartier
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Cartier Tourmaline ring set with three carved pink tourmalines and round brilliant cut diamonds. Made in 18 karat yellow gold the ring features approximately 0.45ctw of brilliant rou...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Spray Diamond Platinum Necklace and Earrings Set
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Necklace & Earrings Set by Tiffany & Co. Part of TIffany & Co's Spray Collection. With 1Necklace: 299 Round Brilliant cut diamonds VVS clarity, G color total weight...
Diamond, Platinum
$5,365
H 0.27 in W 0.71 in L 1.69 in
1.52 Carat Aquamarine and 2.92 Carat Diamond, 18k White Gold Double Clip Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.52 carat aquamarine and 2.92 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set double clip brooch; part of our antique 1920s jewelry colle...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Sapphire Diamond Choker 18k Gold Necklace & Bracelets
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Link Choker Necklace / Convertible Bracelets 18K Yellow Gold – Signed – With Appraisal An exquisite and rare Van Cleef & Arpels choker necklace,...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage A. Tillander Diamond Platinum Tiara
Located in London, GB
An A. Tillander diamond platinum tiara, circa 1910. This exceptional diamond tiara by A. Tillander is beautifully handcrafted in platinum. The tiara is composed of intertwining, sc...
Diamond, Platinum
Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty six oval old cut natural unenhanced Pigeon's blood Burmese rubies in open back claw settings, ra...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Piaget Cocktail Watch Diamond & Sapphire Set 2504 Watch
By Piaget
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A ladies Cocktail Watch crafted in white gold by Piaget. Featuring a silver dial with a white gold bezel set with 19 baguette cut sapphires and 19 baguette cut diamonds. Fitted with ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Sapphire & Diamond Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Brooch 15ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1895 Makers Mark L & L Fabulous, Victorian Oval Shaped Brooch. Set with Gorgeous Sapphires & Diamonds. Beautifully Detailed...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 15k Gold
Cartier Abstract Form Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Darnestown, MD
Cartier abstract form brooch with striated lobes going in different directions. It is nicely three dimensional. The brooch can be worn either vertically or horizontally. It measures ...
18k Gold
Madame Grès Haute Couture Black Silk Faille Evening Dress, c. 1965
By Madame Gres
Located in London, GB
Haute Couture black silk faille evening dress by Madame Grès, circa 1965. The design features a square neckline with narrow shoulder straps and a high-waisted, sculpted bodice compos...
12.00 Carat Diamond Antique Style Pendeloque Georgian Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
The ‘pendeloque’ earrings, developed around the 1770s, composed of a round or oval-shaped top suspending a matching larger drop surmounted by a delicate bow. This popular type of ear...
Diamond, 9k Gold
Victorian Gold Amethyst Brooch with Diamonds and Pearls, Circa 1880s
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Victorian Amethyst, Diamond & Pearl Gold Brooch – 3.3cm, circa 1880’s. A striking antique brooch featuring a vivid oval-cut amethyst at its center, surrounded by cultured round ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Natural Pearl Three-Strand Necklace with Diamond Clasp
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Roma, RM
A refined and timeless natural pearl necklace by Tiffany & Co., composed of three beautifully matched strands of natural pearls. This classic jewel embodies the house’s enduring comm...
Diamond, Natural Pearl
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
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.