Rat Brooch
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Brooches
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Modernist Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Brooches
Agate, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches
18k Gold
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Antique 1890s European Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses
Vintage 1910s Unknown Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Czech Beaded Necklaces
Crystal
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Chinese Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Dangle Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1840s British Victorian Brooches
Garnet, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
20th Century Brooches
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
20th Century French Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Hematite, Marcasite, Silver Plate, Cut Steel, Gilt Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique 17th Century English Band Rings
Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
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Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian More Necklaces
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2010s Irish Artist Brooches
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century French Retro Brooches
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
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