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Emerald Lapel Pin

1980s Multi-Gem Gold Flower Basket Lapel Brooch Pin
1980s Multi-Gem Gold Flower Basket Lapel Brooch Pin

1980s Multi-Gem Gold Flower Basket Lapel Brooch Pin

Located in Miami, FL

The basket is filled with a colorful bouquet of moving flowers, enriched with three genuine lustrous white south sea genuine pearl measuring approx. 14-12mm in diameter. It is enri...

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, South Sea Pear...

Sumptuous Bouquet of Flowers Lapel Pin Brooch in Gold and Gems
Sumptuous Bouquet of Flowers Lapel Pin Brooch in Gold and Gems

Sumptuous Bouquet of Flowers Lapel Pin Brooch in Gold and Gems

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Absolutely Gorgeous Lapel Pin Pattern: Bouquet of Flowers mounted on an 18 carat gold structure, adorned in their center with 2 round rubies, diamonds and emeralds Hallmarks at bac...

Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

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Snake Ouroboros Sterling silver, Emerald Lapel Pin
Snake Ouroboros Sterling silver, Emerald Lapel Pin

Snake Ouroboros Sterling silver, Emerald Lapel Pin

By The Artemisian

Located in Marlton, NJ

Sterling silver , ruby or emerald eye, vintage watchband or as lapel pin. "The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow stronger" -W.B.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Sterling Silver

Colombian Emerald Carved Horse Head and Diamond Lapel Pin
Colombian Emerald Carved Horse Head and Diamond Lapel Pin

Colombian Emerald Carved Horse Head and Diamond Lapel Pin

By Thesis Gems and Jewelry

Located in Berkeley, CA

This lapel pin features a 5.7 carat hand carved Colombian Emerald in a hand forged 18 and 22 karat gold setting and clasp.

Category

2010s American Artisan Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, 22k Gold

AGT Certified Colombian Emerald Calla Lilly Lapel Pin Brooch
AGT Certified Colombian Emerald Calla Lilly Lapel Pin Brooch

AGT Certified Colombian Emerald Calla Lilly Lapel Pin Brooch

Located in New York, NY

This elegant Calla Lilly Lapel Pin contains an AGT Certified Pear Shaped Colombian Emerald weighing 2.32 Carats surrounded by white pavé diamonds.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold

Winning Post Tie or Lapel Pin, Diamonds and Emeralds in Platinum, English
Winning Post Tie or Lapel Pin, Diamonds and Emeralds in Platinum, English

Winning Post Tie or Lapel Pin, Diamonds and Emeralds in Platinum, English

Located in London, GB

Tie or lapel pin of an equestrian winning post mounted in platinum and set with brilliant cut diamonds and calibre set emeralds.

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Gem Encrusted Sea Horse Brooch & Lapel Pin
Gem Encrusted Sea Horse Brooch & Lapel Pin

Gem Encrusted Sea Horse Brooch & Lapel Pin

By Nancy Phillips

Located in Eugene, OR

Anyone looking for an amazing, unique and absolutely gorgeous brooch or lapel pin, look no further. This work of art has over 7 carats of Blue & Green Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamon...

Category

2010s Thai Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s Natural Colombian Emerald Tie Pin 18ct Yellow Gold Valuation
Vintage Circa 1980s Natural Colombian Emerald Tie Pin 18ct Yellow Gold Valuation

Vintage Circa 1980s Natural Colombian Emerald Tie Pin 18ct Yellow Gold Valuation

Located in Mona Vale, NSW

Lovely Vivid Green Natural Emerald Tie, Lapel, Pin This stunning Emerald pin is sure to delight any gentleman. 

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Cufflinks

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Lapel Pin
Cartier Lapel Pin

Cartier Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The great Cartier panther as a lapel pin. With emerald eyes and sapphire nose. In 18k gold.

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin
Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin

Cartier Panther Panthere Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Tie Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Diamond, Emerald Black Onyx nose Panther Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier.

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Vintage Retro Era 14KT Yellow Gold Emerald Bee Lapel Pin
Vintage Retro Era 14KT Yellow Gold Emerald Bee Lapel Pin

Vintage Retro Era 14KT Yellow Gold Emerald Bee Lapel Pin

Located in New York, NY

Enhance your jewelry collection with this stunning vintage retro era bee lapel pin. Made with 14KT yellow gold and featuring a dazzling 2.00CT-tw round cut emeralds, it's a timeless ...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

1960s Cartier Diamond Gold Lapel Clip Brooch Pin
1960s Cartier Diamond Gold Lapel Clip Brooch Pin

1960s Cartier Diamond Gold Lapel Clip Brooch Pin

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

This authentic vintage 1960's Cartier 18K yellow gold lapel brooch bears the Cartier signature and the purity mark '750' on reverse. It is designed as a stylized, openwork scrolled p...

Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Enamel Emerald Gold Turtle Lapel Pin
Enamel Emerald Gold Turtle Lapel Pin

Enamel Emerald Gold Turtle Lapel Pin

Located in Troy, MI

Vintage turtle pin is compromised of 18k yellow gold and green enamel with an emerald eye. Weighs 5.4 grams.

Category

20th Century French Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Panthere Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Panter Tie Lapel Pin
Cartier Panthere Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Panter Tie Lapel Pin

Cartier Panthere Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Panter Tie Lapel Pin

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

This classic Cartier tie lapel pin from the iconic Panthere collection features a sitting panther crafted in 18k yellow gold with emerald eyes and a black onyx nose.

Category

1990s French More Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Swiss Bucherer Hidden Manual Lapel Pin Watch Silver Ruby Emerald Marcasite
Swiss Bucherer Hidden Manual Lapel Pin Watch Silver Ruby Emerald Marcasite

Swiss Bucherer Hidden Manual Lapel Pin Watch Silver Ruby Emerald Marcasite

By Carl F. Bucherer

Located in Tustin, CA

Exquisite 800 silver "Horse and Carriage" lapel brooch pin by Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Carl F.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Silver

Cartier Diamond Panthere Lapel Pin 18 Karat
Cartier Diamond Panthere Lapel Pin 18 Karat

Cartier Diamond Panthere Lapel Pin 18 Karat

By Cartier

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This Cartier Diamond Panthere Lapel Pin has been discontinued. This iconic Panthere was made in 1992 with 0.9 carats of Brilliant cut Diamonds, Onyx nose, 2 Faceted Emerald Eyes (li...

Category

1990s French Artisan Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Highly Unusual Calibre Emerald, Diamond and Ruby Lapel Pin
Highly Unusual Calibre Emerald, Diamond and Ruby Lapel Pin

Highly Unusual Calibre Emerald, Diamond and Ruby Lapel Pin

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Highly unusual calibre emerald, diamond and ruby lapel pin.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Diamond

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Lapel Pin
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Lapel Pin

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Lapel Pin

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

An emerald and diamond set lapel pin centring on two emerald cut pale emeralds, measuring 5.00mm x 4.50mm, in millegrain settings, set to the centre of a scroll openwork panel, grain...

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Emerald Tie or Lapel Pin with Diamond Surround, English, circa 1970
Vintage Emerald Tie or Lapel Pin with Diamond Surround, English, circa 1970

Vintage Emerald Tie or Lapel Pin with Diamond Surround, English, circa 1970

Located in London, GB

Vintage tie or lapel pin set with an oval emerald centre and a surround of twelve brilliant cut diamonds.

Category

20th Century British Edwardian More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Burma Ruby No-Heat 4.75 Carats Set in Vintage Platinum Mounting, Certified
Burma Ruby No-Heat 4.75 Carats Set in Vintage Platinum Mounting, Certified

Burma Ruby No-Heat 4.75 Carats Set in Vintage Platinum Mounting, Certified

Located in Northampton, MA

An enormous, spectacular four-carat cabochon-cut vivid pinkish-red no-heat Burma ruby commands attention in this extraordinary platinum Mid-century ring. The stoplight-red ruby measu...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Jean Schlumberger Platinum & Gold Butterfly Motif Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet
Jean Schlumberger Platinum & Gold Butterfly Motif Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet

Jean Schlumberger Platinum & Gold Butterfly Motif Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Jean Schlumberger Platinum & Gold Butterfly Motif Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet. A sophisticated butterfly motif defines this platinum and 18k gold design that shines with dazzling ...

Category

20th Century French Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18 kt. White Gold Adler Genève 4 Strand Pearl Necklace Choker & Diamond Pendant
18 kt. White Gold Adler Genève 4 Strand Pearl Necklace Choker & Diamond Pendant

18 kt. White Gold Adler Genève 4 Strand Pearl Necklace Choker & Diamond Pendant

By Adler

Located in Antwerp, BE

18 kt. White Gold Adler Genève 4 Strand Pearl Necklace / Choker With Gorgeous Diamonds Pendant from Estate Sultan Of Oman Qaboos Bin Said Diamonds: 6 Ct Material: 18 kt. white go...

Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Steven Battelle 16.8 Carat Cabochon Pink Tourmaline 18K Gold Ring
Steven Battelle 16.8 Carat Cabochon Pink Tourmaline 18K Gold Ring

Steven Battelle 16.8 Carat Cabochon Pink Tourmaline 18K Gold Ring

By Steven Battelle

Located in Soquel, CA

A high-grade almost flawless deep pink Mozambique pink tourmaline 13 x 18 mm cabochon is held in a spiral carved and fluted 4 prong setting atop a substantial split double spiral mot...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Emerald Platinum Estate Rectangular Brooch Pin
Art Deco Diamond Emerald Platinum Estate Rectangular Brooch Pin

Art Deco Diamond Emerald Platinum Estate Rectangular Brooch Pin

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Original Art Deco diamond and emerald brooch handcrafted in platinum. The brooch features Old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 4.00 CTW and graded G-H color and SI clarit...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Cartier Panthere head ring
Cartier Panthere head ring

Cartier Panthere head ring

By Cartier

Located in London, England

A statement piece, the Panthère de Cartier ring, yellow gold 750/1000 with black lacquer, tsavorite garnets, onyx. Size 52 Width of the pattern: 18.6 mm for size 52. The Panthere d...

Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Iconic 18 Karat Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch, by Cartier
Iconic 18 Karat Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch, by Cartier

Iconic 18 Karat Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch, by Cartier

By Cartier

Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse

Brooch around 1980, esigned as a family of elephants walking along a bamboo path, of polished and brushed design in soid 18 K yellow Gold, all elephants with a circular-cut emerald e...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA 17.91 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum
GIA 17.91 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum

GIA 17.91 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum

Located in La Jolla, CA

GIA certified 17.91 carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum Old Cushion Diamond Ring features a Center Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond with beautiful vintage carving ...

Category

20th Century North American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Maillon Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Link Collar Necklace
Cartier Maillon Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Link Collar Necklace

Cartier Maillon Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Link Collar Necklace

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Maillon Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Link Collar Necklace From the luxury brand's iconic Maillon collection, this collar necklace is made of alternating steel and 18 karat yellow...

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Cartier Delices Pink Gold Diamond -Set Bracelet Watch ref 3382
Cartier Delices Pink Gold Diamond -Set Bracelet Watch ref 3382

Cartier Delices Pink Gold Diamond -Set Bracelet Watch ref 3382

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Delices Pink Gold Diamond -Set Bracelet Watch ref 3382 Brand/Designer: CARTIER Model Name: Delices De Cartier Reference Number: 3382 Gender: Ladies Movement: Quartz Cas...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Cartier Les Delices De Goa Diamond Rose Gold Ring Earrings Pendant Set
Cartier Les Delices De Goa Diamond Rose Gold Ring Earrings Pendant Set

Cartier Les Delices De Goa Diamond Rose Gold Ring Earrings Pendant Set

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

This stunning and vibrant jewelry set from Cartier's Les Delices de Goa jewelry set consists of a matching ring, earrings, and pendant necklace crafted in 18k rose gold and featuring...

Category

Early 2000s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring
Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring

Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring

Located in Lisbon, PT

Art Deco Style diamond and sapphire target stylized engagement or cocktail/dress ring in platinum, 2000s. This ring features a round brilliant-cut diamond millegrain-set to the cente...

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Oscar Heyman 14.21ct Cat's-Eye Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Oscar Heyman 14.21ct Cat's-Eye Sapphire & Diamond Ring

Oscar Heyman 14.21ct Cat's-Eye Sapphire & Diamond Ring

By Oscar Heyman

Located in New York City, NY

This Oscar Heyman ring is made from platinum and contains a rare 14.21ct Cat's-Eye Sapphire and 14 colorless round diamonds weighing 1.48cts. Cat's-eye sapphires display the phenomen...

Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Cartier Charm Bracelet in 18 Karat White Gold With 8 Charms
Cartier Charm Bracelet in 18 Karat White Gold With 8 Charms

Cartier Charm Bracelet in 18 Karat White Gold With 8 Charms

By Cartier

Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL

Cartier Charm Bracelet, a stunning piece of jewelry that is sure to capture your heart. Crafted from 18kt white gold, this exquisite bracelet features eight dazzling charms that are ...

Category

Late 20th Century French Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cartier 18k Gold Diamond and Emerald Horse Brooch
Vintage Cartier 18k Gold Diamond and Emerald Horse Brooch

Vintage Cartier 18k Gold Diamond and Emerald Horse Brooch

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A sought-after vintage Cartier 18k gold Horse brooch set with round brilliant-cut diamonds and an emerald eye. Crafted in 18k white gold, the design portrays a galloping horse, its d...

Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

GIA Certified 0.82 E VS2 Diamond and Ruby Deco Style Ring
GIA Certified 0.82 E VS2 Diamond and Ruby Deco Style Ring

GIA Certified 0.82 E VS2 Diamond and Ruby Deco Style Ring

Located in New York, NY

This Platinum Art Deco style ring features a stunning E/C diamond weighing 0.82 carats certified by GIA as E color and VS2 clarity. Adorned with smaller round diamonds totaling 0.15 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

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Emerald Lapel Pin For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the emerald lapel pin you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 38 vintage or 2 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect emerald lapel pin 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. For this particular piece, are consistently popular carat weights. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic emerald lapel pin over the years, but those made by Cartier, BUCHERON and Erwin Pearl are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Take a look at an emerald lapel pin featuring emerald from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. 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 emerald cut and brilliant cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an emerald lapel pin, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Emerald Lapel Pin?

Prices for an emerald lapel pin can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $145 and can go as high as $115,999, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,850.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Emerald in Jewelry Design

No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”

There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!

There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.

On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.

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.