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Modernist Pins Brooches

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Vintage Mikal-Jon Bayanihan Sterling Silver Modernist Pin/Brooch
Vintage Mikal-Jon Bayanihan Sterling Silver Modernist Pin/Brooch

Vintage Mikal-Jon Bayanihan Sterling Silver Modernist Pin/Brooch

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Vintage Mikal-Jon Bayanihan Sterling Silver Modernist Pin/Brooch This is an amazing Vintage Mikal

Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mikal-Jon Bayanihan Sterling Silver 925 Massive Modernist Pin Brooch
Mikal-Jon Bayanihan Sterling Silver 925 Massive Modernist Pin Brooch

Mikal-Jon Bayanihan Sterling Silver 925 Massive Modernist Pin Brooch

By Bayanihan

Located in Wallkill, NY

Vintage Mikal-Jon Bayanihan Sterling silver Brooch. This is amazing in person. Very cool Triumph

Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sigi Pineda Mexican Sterling Silver Black Onyx Modernist Pin Brooch Mexico
Sigi Pineda Mexican Sterling Silver Black Onyx Modernist Pin Brooch Mexico

Sigi Pineda Mexican Sterling Silver Black Onyx Modernist Pin Brooch Mexico

Located in New York, NY

. Signed Sigi Taxco Sterling and numbered 416 I believe. The Mexican sterling silver modernist brooch is a

Category

20th Century Mexican Modernist Brooches

Materials

Onyx, Sterling Silver

Lanvin Geometric Brooch Gilded Metal and Gray Enamel
Lanvin Geometric Brooch Gilded Metal and Gray Enamel

Lanvin Geometric Brooch Gilded Metal and Gray Enamel

By Lanvin Paris

Located in Atlanta, GA

This stunning Lanvin Paris modernist pin brooch is a statement piece from the early 1970s. It

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Enamel, Gilt Metal

Kalinger Paris Gilded Metal Resin Brooch Piece of Driftwood
Kalinger Paris Gilded Metal Resin Brooch Piece of Driftwood

Kalinger Paris Gilded Metal Resin Brooch Piece of Driftwood

By Kalinger

Located in Atlanta, GA

This spectacular Kalinger Paris modernist pin brooch features a dimensional old piece of driftwood

Category

Vintage 1980s French Modernist Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Christian Dior Vintage 1980s White Pearl Crystals Flower Clover Gold Pin Brooch
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s White Pearl Crystals Flower Clover Gold Pin Brooch

Christian Dior Vintage 1980s White Pearl Crystals Flower Clover Gold Pin Brooch

By Christian Dior

Located in Wokingham, England

Modernist Pin Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches, barely noticeable. A unique piece

Category

Vintage 1980s German Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Modernist Swarovski Retro Stylized Wing Brooch Pin
Modernist Swarovski Retro Stylized Wing Brooch Pin

Modernist Swarovski Retro Stylized Wing Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

A stunning stylized Retro wing pin set with clear marquis, rectangular and round-cut Swarovski

Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Brooches

Modernist Turquoise Brooch Pin Silver Brutalist Modern Art
Modernist Turquoise Brooch Pin Silver Brutalist Modern Art

Modernist Turquoise Brooch Pin Silver Brutalist Modern Art

Located in New York, NY

This is a stunning Modernist Brooch Pin with a wonderful Turquoise disc and cabochon in an artisan

Category

20th Century Unknown Modernist Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, Silver

Eisenberg Vintage Gold Plated Modernist Abstract Pin Or Brooch
Eisenberg Vintage Gold Plated Modernist Abstract Pin Or Brooch

Eisenberg Vintage Gold Plated Modernist Abstract Pin Or Brooch

By Eisenberg

Located in North Miami, FL

This sculptural form and au courant signed vintage modernist Eisenberg pin is forever. This is a

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Modernist Sterling Silver Amber Pin Brooch
Modernist Sterling Silver Amber Pin Brooch

Modernist Sterling Silver Amber Pin Brooch

Located in Wallkill, NY

Large bezel set Amber set in sterling silver. Hallmarked on the pin back. Measuring 1.75" w x 1.25

Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Amber, Sterling Silver

Mikimoto Modernist 14k Gold & Akoya Pearl Brooch or Pin
Mikimoto Modernist 14k Gold & Akoya Pearl Brooch or Pin

Mikimoto Modernist 14k Gold & Akoya Pearl Brooch or Pin

By Mikimoto

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Akoya pearls. Signed to the reverse. Simply a wonderful Japanese modernist brooch! Date: Mid to Late

Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Modernist Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold

Modernist Carved Jade Moonstone Brooch Pin Silver Brutalist Modern Art
Modernist Carved Jade Moonstone Brooch Pin Silver Brutalist Modern Art

Modernist Carved Jade Moonstone Brooch Pin Silver Brutalist Modern Art

Located in New York, NY

This is a stunning Modernist Brooch Pin with a wonderful hand carved Jade center with images of a

Category

20th Century Unknown Modernist Brooches

Materials

Jade, Moonstone, Silver

Antonio Pineda Mexican Modernist 970 Silver & Pearl Brooch or Pin
Antonio Pineda Mexican Modernist 970 Silver & Pearl Brooch or Pin

Antonio Pineda Mexican Modernist 970 Silver & Pearl Brooch or Pin

By Antoñio Pineda

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine Modernist silver brooch. In sterling 970 silver. By Antonio Pineda. Comprised of looping

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modernist Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Silver

Modernist Stainless Steel Brooch or Pin by Jose De Riviera
Modernist Stainless Steel Brooch or Pin by Jose De Riviera

Modernist Stainless Steel Brooch or Pin by Jose De Riviera

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A stainless steel brooch. By the American Modernist Jose De Rivera. In a stylized "S" curved

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Large Ed Wiener NYC Modernist 14K Gold & Diamond Brooch or Pin
Large Ed Wiener NYC Modernist 14K Gold & Diamond Brooch or Pin

Large Ed Wiener NYC Modernist 14K Gold & Diamond Brooch or Pin

By Ed Wiener

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine Modernist brooch. By Ed Wiener, the renowned New York City Mid-Century jewelry maker

Category

20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 14k Italy Brooch Pin Large Statement Modernist Swirl Design Tri Gold
Vintage 14k Italy Brooch Pin Large Statement Modernist Swirl Design Tri Gold

Vintage 14k Italy Brooch Pin Large Statement Modernist Swirl Design Tri Gold

Located in Greer, SC

good attention to detail, well finished, good condition. The brooch is 2.75" long with a pin tong and

Category

20th Century Italian Modernist Brooches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Mardi Jo Cohen 1980's Modernist Sterling Silver & Gemstone Brooch or Pin
Mardi Jo Cohen 1980's Modernist Sterling Silver & Gemstone Brooch or Pin

Mardi Jo Cohen 1980's Modernist Sterling Silver & Gemstone Brooch or Pin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

collections. With her etched signature and date '1986' to the reverse. Simply a wonderful Modernist brooch

Category

Vintage 1980s Modernist Brooches

Materials

Tourmaline, Sterling Silver

Marcin Zaremski Modernist Poland Oxidized Sterling Silver Brooch Pin
Marcin Zaremski Modernist Poland Oxidized Sterling Silver Brooch Pin

Marcin Zaremski Modernist Poland Oxidized Sterling Silver Brooch Pin

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Marcin Zaremski Modernist Poland Oxidized Sterling Silver Brooch Pin This is a fine Modernist

Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Modernist Studio 10 Karat Gold Opal & Diamond Pin or Brooch
Mid-Century Modernist Studio 10 Karat Gold Opal & Diamond Pin or Brooch

Mid-Century Modernist Studio 10 Karat Gold Opal & Diamond Pin or Brooch

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine Mid-century brooch or pin. In 10k gold with a textured finish. Bezel set with an opal

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold

Oscar de la Renta Abstract Modernist Ribbon Statement Brooch Pin in Gold
Oscar de la Renta Abstract Modernist Ribbon Statement Brooch Pin in Gold

Oscar de la Renta Abstract Modernist Ribbon Statement Brooch Pin in Gold

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Milford, DE

An abstract circular ribbon brooch/pin by Oscar de la Renta. Smooth gold finish. Hallmarks: Oscar

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Iconic Tiffany & Co. Modernist Pearl Sapphire Sterling Gold Brooch Pin
Vintage Iconic Tiffany & Co. Modernist Pearl Sapphire Sterling Gold Brooch Pin

Vintage Iconic Tiffany & Co. Modernist Pearl Sapphire Sterling Gold Brooch Pin

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Vintage Mid Century Modern Avant Garde Iconic Tiffany & Co. Comet Brooch Pin

Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold, Yellow Gold

Ed Wiener NYC Modernist 14 Karat Gold and Pearl Brooch or Pin
Ed Wiener NYC Modernist 14 Karat Gold and Pearl Brooch or Pin

Ed Wiener NYC Modernist 14 Karat Gold and Pearl Brooch or Pin

By Ed Wiener

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A very fine brooch by Ed Wiener. Additional Details: In 14k gold and set with cultured round white

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold

Swarovski Retro Tassel Pin Brooch
Swarovski Retro Tassel Pin Brooch

Swarovski Retro Tassel Pin Brooch

Located in Montreal, QC

A stunning Retro stylized figural Tassel pin set with clear round Swarovski Crystals; approx

Category

Vintage 1950s Modernist Brooches

Emerald Nugget Gold Lizard Gecko Brooch Pin Retro Mid-Century Modernist
Emerald Nugget Gold Lizard Gecko Brooch Pin Retro Mid-Century Modernist

Emerald Nugget Gold Lizard Gecko Brooch Pin Retro Mid-Century Modernist

Located in New York, NY

An adorable Lizard, Gecko Retro Mid-Century Modern Brooch Pin with Emerald eyes in 10 Karat Nugget

Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

Henry Dunay Brushed 18 Karat Gold Brooch Pin
Henry Dunay Brushed 18 Karat Gold Brooch Pin

Henry Dunay Brushed 18 Karat Gold Brooch Pin

By Henry Dunay

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

'Florentine' finish. To the rear the brooch has a stainless steel and yellow hold hinged pin with trombone

Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Designer Red and Black Bakelite Bow Ribbon Pin Brooch
Designer Red and Black Bakelite Bow Ribbon Pin Brooch

Designer Red and Black Bakelite Bow Ribbon Pin Brooch

Located in Montreal, QC

Fabulous Designer Chunky Red and Black Bakelite Layered Bow Tie Ribbon Pin Brooch. For that Special

Category

Vintage 1980s Modernist Brooches

Beautiful Dove of Peace Sterling Silver Brooch Pin
Beautiful Dove of Peace Sterling Silver Brooch Pin

Beautiful Dove of Peace Sterling Silver Brooch Pin

By Coach House

Located in Montreal, QC

Exquisite Dove of Peace brooch with brushed finish. Beautifully crafted in Solid Sterling Silver

Category

1990s Modernist Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Sapphire Heart and Diamond Gold Brooch Pin
Vintage Sapphire Heart and Diamond Gold Brooch Pin

Vintage Sapphire Heart and Diamond Gold Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Blue Sapphire Heart and Diamond Vintage Brooch. Hand set with

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Designer E Pearl Signed Vintage Enamel Vintage Frog Brooch Pin
Designer E Pearl Signed Vintage Enamel Vintage Frog Brooch Pin

Designer E Pearl Signed Vintage Enamel Vintage Frog Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Rare Designer Signed Vintage Brooch Pin by E PEARL. Featuring a Green Enamel Frog

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Enamel

Pair of Lea Stein Mandarin Brooch Pins Estate Jewelry
Pair of Lea Stein Mandarin Brooch Pins Estate Jewelry

Pair of Lea Stein Mandarin Brooch Pins Estate Jewelry

By Lea Stein

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Lea Stein vintage Art Deco style a pair of Mandarin brooch pins These are very RARE. Beautiful

Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches

Diamond Violin and Bow Gold Vintage Brooch Pin
Diamond Violin and Bow Gold Vintage Brooch Pin

Diamond Violin and Bow Gold Vintage Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Diamond Violin and Bow Gold Brooch Pin. Hand set with Pave Diamonds, approx

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Swinging Monkey Sterling Silver Lapis Lazuli Brooch Pin
Swinging Monkey Sterling Silver Lapis Lazuli Brooch Pin

Swinging Monkey Sterling Silver Lapis Lazuli Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

from the adorned branch pin, body set with sparkling CZ rhinestones. Finely crafted in Sterling Silver

Category

1990s Modernist Brooches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver

Diamond Gold Fly Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
Diamond Gold Fly Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry

Diamond Gold Fly Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry

By Coach House

Located in Montreal, QC

Adorable Gold Fly Pin with Bulbous Gold Body and Diamond set Wings. Hand Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold

Category

1990s Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Sparkling Crystal and Pearl Panther Vintage Estate Brooch Pin
Sparkling Crystal and Pearl Panther Vintage Estate Brooch Pin

Sparkling Crystal and Pearl Panther Vintage Estate Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

on a Faux White Pearl. Hand crafted White Gold-plated mounting. Pin measures approx. 2” long

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Crystal, Gold Plate

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver "Grapes" Brooch or Pin No. 217A
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver "Grapes" Brooch or Pin No. 217A

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver "Grapes" Brooch or Pin No. 217A

By Georg Jensen

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine Georg Jensen sterling silver pin or brooch. Model no. 217A (part of the 'Grapes' collection

Category

20th Century Danish Modernist Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

2 Carat Amethyst Cat Gold Heart Vintage Brooch Pin
2 Carat Amethyst Cat Gold Heart Vintage Brooch Pin

2 Carat Amethyst Cat Gold Heart Vintage Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Gold. The Brooch epitomizes vintage charm. In excellent condition, recently professionally cleaned and

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Enamel and Diamond UNICORN Carousel Gold Brooch Pin
Vintage Enamel and Diamond UNICORN Carousel Gold Brooch Pin

Vintage Enamel and Diamond UNICORN Carousel Gold Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Enamel and .04tcw Diamond Gold Unicorn Carousel Vintage Gold Brooch. Hand crafted

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Diamond Salamander Lizard Silver and Gold Statement Brooch Pin
Vintage Diamond Salamander Lizard Silver and Gold Statement Brooch Pin

Vintage Diamond Salamander Lizard Silver and Gold Statement Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Fabulous! Vintage Diamond Salamander Lizard Brooch Pin. Hand set with Diamonds, weighing

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Spider Bug Sterling Silver Mid Century Modern Vintage Brooch Pin
Spider Bug Sterling Silver Mid Century Modern Vintage Brooch Pin

Spider Bug Sterling Silver Mid Century Modern Vintage Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Whimsical spider pin, crafted in sterling silver; featuring four arched silver wire legs, bulbous

Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Modernist Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fabulous Mid Century Modern Enamel Sterling Silver Brooch Pin Collection
Fabulous Mid Century Modern Enamel Sterling Silver Brooch Pin Collection

Fabulous Mid Century Modern Enamel Sterling Silver Brooch Pin Collection

Located in Montreal, QC

Awesome Vintage Collection of 4 Enamel Sterling Silver Brooches, featuring a Terrier Dog encrusted

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Vintage Opals and Diamond 2-Tone Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin
Vintage Opals and Diamond 2-Tone Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin

Vintage Opals and Diamond 2-Tone Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Opals and Diamond Butterfly Vintage Brooch Pin. Securely Hand set

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Madeleine Albright's Georg Jensen Pin Brooch 374B Mobius Torun Bulow Denmark
Madeleine Albright's Georg Jensen Pin Brooch 374B Mobius Torun Bulow Denmark

Madeleine Albright's Georg Jensen Pin Brooch 374B Mobius Torun Bulow Denmark

By Georg Jensen

Located in New York, NY

Pin Brooch #374B Möbius designed by Vivianna Torun Bülow. Here we have the combination of one of the

Category

20th Century Danish Modernist Brooches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage Diamond and Ruby Violin and Bow Gold Brooch Pin Pendant
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Violin and Bow Gold Brooch Pin Pendant

Vintage Diamond and Ruby Violin and Bow Gold Brooch Pin Pendant

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Diamond and Red Ruby Violin and Bow Gold Vintage Brooch Pendant. Hand set with

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Vintage Pave RBC Diamond Articulating Bicycle Gold Statement Brooch Pin
Vintage Pave RBC Diamond Articulating Bicycle Gold Statement Brooch Pin

Vintage Pave RBC Diamond Articulating Bicycle Gold Statement Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Featuring a Diamond Bicycle with Articulating Wheels and Pedal Gold Brooch Pin

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pearl and Ruby Vintage HONORA Circle Gold Statement Brooch Pin
Pearl and Ruby Vintage HONORA Circle Gold Statement Brooch Pin

Pearl and Ruby Vintage HONORA Circle Gold Statement Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Pearl and Ruby Brooch Pin. Hand crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, centering a 6.2mm

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stunning Vintage Designer CINER Signed Faux Diamond Estate Brooch Pin
Stunning Vintage Designer CINER Signed Faux Diamond Estate Brooch Pin

Stunning Vintage Designer CINER Signed Faux Diamond Estate Brooch Pin

By Ciner

Located in Montreal, QC

Elegant & Stylish Modernist Estate signed CINER Gold tone articulated Ribbons inter-spaced with

Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Designer Signed HENRY DANKNER Diamond Gold Dragonfly Brooch Pin
Vintage Designer Signed HENRY DANKNER Diamond Gold Dragonfly Brooch Pin

Vintage Designer Signed HENRY DANKNER Diamond Gold Dragonfly Brooch Pin

By Henry Dankner & Sons

Located in Montreal, QC

Vintage Designer Signed HENRY DANKNER Diamond Gold Dragonfly Brooch Pin Simply Beautiful! Vintage

Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

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Modernist Pins Brooches For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of modernist pins brooches. Frequently made of Gold, Silver and Gold Plate, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 416 vintage editions and 9 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. There are many different pieces in our collection of modernist pins brooches to choose from, but Retro and Modern modernist pins brooches are of considerable interest. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Kenneth Jay Lane, Butler & Wilson and Hattie Carnegie are consistently popular. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 37 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. A selection of round cut, mixed cut and brilliant cut can be found today on these pages. Most of our modernist pins brooches for sale are for women, but there are 164 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Modernist Pins Brooches?

On average, modernist pins brooches at 1stDibs sell for $468, while they’re typically $108 on the low end and $18,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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 Modernist Pins Brooches
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    Brooch 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Brooch 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 ExpertMay 5, 2023
    The 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.