1930s Green Enamel and Yellow Gold Regimantal Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This exceptional, fine and impressive gold military brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a 14k yellow gold pin.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Platinum Salamanca Eagle Brooch with Diamonds and Ruby, 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.29 carat diamond and 0.02 carat ruby, platinum 'Salamanca eagle' military brooch; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18k Gold Brooch Diamond Coral Enamel & Gem-Set Military Musician French Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary French figural brooch, dating to the first half of the 20th century, depicts a wonderfully animated military musician dressed in elaborate ceremonial uniform.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Chanel Brooch with a Large Pear Shaped Faux Pearl
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Elegant military inspired entwined gilt Chanel brooch with a beautiful and large pear shaped faux pearl.
Unavailable
H 1.97 in L 0.99 in
Diamonds and Garnets Cross Templar Military Order of Christ Grand 1600s Brooch
Located in Viana do Castelo, PT
A Magnificent and very Rare, Museum Quality Seventeenth Century (1600s) Grand Cross of the Portuguese Military Order of Christ, the new face of the Templar Order. This Unique Grand ...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Silver
1940s Cartier 2.10 Carat Diamond Ruby Emerald Platinum Military Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive Cartier military brooch has been crafted in platinum and 12 ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
1920s Antique Diamond Emerald and Yellow Gold Platinum Military Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique military brooch has been crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold
H 0.38 in L 0.5 in
Oscar Heyman Mid-Century Diamond Sapphire Ruby 'Blue Star' Platinum Gold Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Greenwich, CT
It is known that two blue stars are meant to represent and honor two active military family members. This mid-century Oscar Heyman Brothers diamond, ruby, sapphire, platinum, and 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Vintage Diamond and Enamel White Gold 'RAF' Regimental Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.25 carat diamond and enamel, 18 karat white gold and platinum set 'RAF' military brooch; part of our diverse diamond jewellery collections.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
H 0.13 in W 0.46 in L 0.88 in
Antique Diamond and White Gold Highland Light Infantry Brooch, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique 1920's sweetheart military brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 14k gold and palladium.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Palladium
Sold
H 0.13 in W 1.06 in L 1.14 in
Diamond and Sapphire White Gold Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The impressive military brooch has been hallmarked with the maker's mark (JWB), the fineness mark for 9k white gold (9ct, 375), the Birmingham Assay Office hallmark (anchor) and the ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond and Ruby 9k White Gold Argyll and Sutherland Highlander Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The impressive military brooch has been hallmarked to the reverse of the bar with the 9ct white gold mark (9ct) and has been independently tested using state of the art technology (N...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Sold
W 2.37 in L 2.37 in
new CHANEL KARL LAGERFELD green clear plastic military resin shield badge brooch
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new CHANEL KARL LAGERFELD green clear plastic military resin shield badge brooch Brand: CHANEL Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Model Name / Style: Resin brooch Material: Plastic; Resin Colo...
Tiffany & Co. 1921 14K Yellow Gold Virginia Military Institute Antique Class Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as triangle shaped form grooved with academic motif Depicting an eagle with spread wings above a school building With laurel wreath surround and soldier figure out front Acc...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Crystal-Embellished Brooch
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Crystal-Embellished Brooch. Accent your favourite ensembles with this Blue and gold plated metal military star brooch from Yves Saint Laurent Vintage feat...
0.36Ct Diamond, Yellow Gold Royal Artillery Sweetheart Brooch - Vintage
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The military related brooch is modelled on the collar or lapel badge of the Royal Artillery: a flaming grenade (fusil) with seven flames*.
Diamond, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Royal Air Force Sweetheart Brooch of 14k Gold and Enamel
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A rare and meaningful piece of military and aviation history, this British Royal Air Force sweetheart brooch (circa 1930s) is finely crafted in solid 14k gold with striking red ename...
14k Gold, Enamel
Sold
H 0.3 in W 0.76 in L 1.82 in
2.13Ct Diamond & 15k Yellow Gold Royal Scots Fusiliers Regimental Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 2.13 carat diamond and 15 karat Royal Scots Fusiliers regimental brooch; part of our military jewelry collections This exceptional anti...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in Dm 1 in L 1 in
Diamond and Enamel Yellow Gold and Palladium Sweetheart Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique 1930's sweetheart military brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 15k gold and palladium.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Palladium, Enamel
Sold
H 0.09 in W 1.02 in L 1.46 in
Antique 2.52 Carat Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold and Palladium Sweetheart Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique 1930s sweetheart military brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 14ct gold and palladium.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Palladium, Enamel
Sold
H 0.19 in W 1.32 in L 1.65 in
Antique Diamond and Enamel Yellow Gold and Platinum Sweetheart Brooch Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique 1930s sweetheart military brooch is hallmarked to the reverse with the maker's mark (P.P.Ltd) and the 14k gold and platinum marks (14CT&PT).
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Sold
H 1.19 in D 0.4 in Dm 1.19 in
Spanish military lapel medal or buttonhole pin, gold and silver metal, enamel
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
It is a true gem! A Spanish military decoration that can be used as a brooch or even strung on a chain to create a beautiful pendant.
Gold, Silver, Enamel
1930s Enamel Yellow Gold Royal Navy Reserve Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive military sweetheart brooch has a central black enamel panel ornamented with an applied 15k white gold anchor and the initials 'RNR'.
Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold
W 2.17 in L 1.19 in
1940s Collection Military Tank Enamel Diamonds Platinum 18k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Extraordinary 1942 military tank, enamel, old European cut diamonds, platinum and 18karat yellow gold brooch.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Garrards 18 Carat White Gold Royal Military College of Canada Sweetheart Brooch
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in St Helens, GB
A stunning 18ct White Gold, Diamond, Ruby and Enamel brooch modelled in the form of the Royal Military College of Canada crest.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
H 0.3 in W 0.77 in D 0.18 in
Cartier 14K Gold Enamel U.S. Military WWII Patriot Son In Service Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL
Cartier 14K Gold Enamel U.S. Military WWII Patriot Son In Service Brooch Pin. In excellent condition for it's 75 year age.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Butler & Wilson Gold and Silver Tone Eagle Head Brooch with Rhinestones
By Butler & Wilson
Located in London, GB
Fabulous Butler & Wilson silver plated eagle head brooch, embellished with rhinestones, and with a black rhinestone for the eye. The beak, eye surround and reverse is gold plated...
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Pearl Enameled Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Refined Fusion of Color and Classic Elegance Indulge in the charm of a bygone era with this Antique 18K Yellow Gold Pin Brooch, beautifully accented by a 0.10-carat round diamond, ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 18K Gold Matador Brooch with Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.15 carat sapphire and 0.22 carat ruby, 0.51 carat diamond and 18k gold 'matador' brooch; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections. This fine and impr...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,246Sale Price|20% Off
W 2.28 in L 3.23 in
1950s Mid-Century Diamond Coral, Emerald & Sapphire 18K Gold Giardinetto Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
A magnificent and highly important Mid-Century "Giardinetto" statement brooch, masterfully crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold. This monumental piece, weighing a luxurious 56.30 gr...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, ...
Victorian Natural Pearl Green Enamel Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
1890's Green enamel winged brooch with natural graduated pearls. There is a hook on the back to ad a pendant or small dangle watch. Circa 1890-1900 5 natural gray pearls 2.2-3.1mm ...
Natural Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K White Gold Diamond and Ruby Bird Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond and Ruby Bird Brooch Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Length: 2.00 inches Width: 1.5 inch Metal: 18K White Gold...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels "Jewels of a Rajah" Musical Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Jewels of a Rajah" Musical Brooch Description: This charming Van Cleef & Arpels brooch from the iconic Minaudière series The Jewels of Rajah Brooch is in...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$10,500
W 1.25 in L 1.75 in
French Yaèche Frères 18k Gold Figural Brooch Coral Turquoise Vintage Retro Clip
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Yaèche Frères CIRCA: 1940s MATERIALS: 18k Gold GEMSTONE: Turquoise, Coral, Ruby WEIGHT: 7.9 Grams MEASUREMENTS: 1 ¼” x 1 ¾” HALLMARKS: Yaèche Frères, Paris, French gold ea...
Turquoise, Coral, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Enamel Coral Diamond Gold Jester Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Enamel Coral Diamond Gold Jester Brooch This whimsical Van Cleef & Arpels Jester Brooch is a charming representation of playful elegance, crafted with meticulous ...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Maison Gripoix for Hattie Carnegie Oval Brooch
By Hattie Carnegie
Located in New York, NY
Hattie Carnegie poured glass oval brooch produced Maison Gripoix by Gripoix, France. Gilt metal is twisted to form the crest shaped brooch with large emerald glass cab center. 1950'...
Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Edwardian Green Gold and Enamel Brooch
By Cresarrow
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Edwardian Green Gold and Enamel Brooch of wonderful quality. Taking cues from the decorative arts of the period, a wonderful a mix of French blue guilloche enamel, green go...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Barrego Wonderfully Whimsical Huge Multi Color Enamel with Gold Hardware Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Barrego wonderfully huge multicolor whimsical floral gilded gold vermeil hardware scattered with faux diamonds throughout. Vivid colors of tangerine, cranberry, greens, and ye...
$285Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Art Nouveau gold tone brass green glass brooch
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with glass • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku A64 ❤️❤️ VI...
Vintage Ruby Crystal Brooch, Regal Motif, Silver-Tone Setting Mid 1900s
Located in Milford, DE
Size: 1 1/8 inches Discover the elegance of the past with our vintage mid-1900s brooch, featuring a striking triangular pattern of ruby-colored crystals. Each crystal is meticulousl...
Crystal
$135Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage gold tone colorful enamel rhinestones clown figural designer brooch
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with enamel and rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sk...
Tiffany & Co. Jade Brooch Pin 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Retro Tiffany
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning antique Tiffany & Co. Jade Brooch Pin in 14 Karat Yellow Gold signed Tiffany & Co. The antique vintage Tiffany brooch is set with five oval cabochon jade gems. ...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
“Antique 14k Gold Tremblant Brooch with 2.60ct Diamonds, Moscow 1890”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold brooch on tremblant designe with old mine cut diamonds H colour white vs clearity and estimate diamond weight of 2.60 carats brooch was made in moscow 1890.c diring ...
Cartier Diamond "Dragon" Cufflinks
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Diamond Dragon Cufflinks With Emerald Eye. The cufflinks are set with 124 round brilliant cut diamonds of different sizes and 2 emeralds set as eyes of the dragons. The drago...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Rose Gold, 1940s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Aquamarine Cocktail Ring 18ct Rose & White Gold Tested Circa 1940’s Introducing a stunning 1940s 18ct gold cocktail ring that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
An early 20th century diamond-set tiara by Skinner & Co
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century diamond-set tiara/necklace by Skinner & Co, the five principal old-cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of 2 carats, each rub over millegrain-set to...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian opal and diamond tiara/necklace, consisting of seven knife-edge gold bars graduating from the centre, each set with two round cabochon-cut opals and an old-cut diamo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co Cabochon Emerald Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co Cabochon Emerald Brooch A Tiffany & Co. brooch that converts to a pendant, set with 12 round-cut diamonds and a cabochon emerald. Approximate Length: 1.50" Metal Type:...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vanity Case 279 Grams, Art Deco, 279 Gm Gold, Rare
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully crafted Vanity case by Cartier in 18-karat yellow gold from the Art Deco period of the 1930s Cartier - Art Deco 18-karat yellow gold vanity or compact box with diamonds...
18k Gold
$120,000
Diamond Tiara by J.E. Caldwell
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
this breathtaking tiara is a vision of elegance and refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold and platinum, it features an intricate lattice-like design adorned with shimmering rose-cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Circa 1925 18K Gold Pearl & Diamond Bangle, 3.60 Ct TCW
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Art Deco bangle is 1925 circa Marvellous timeless design in a combination of natural cultured sea Pearl & Diamond for a sensual visual effect Totally hand crafte...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are exceptionally delighted to offer this spectacular Victorian diamond star tiara made c.1890. The tiara will come in a fully fitted presentation case as photographed. Upon pond...
Diamond, Gold
A Cartier New York Art Deco Tutti Frutti Double Clip Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier New York Art Deco Tutti Frutti double clip brooch. An exceptional piece, a beautiful example of Cartier's iconic Tutti Frutti design adorned with carved emeralds, baguette...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
$125,000
H 4.5 in Dm 5.75 in L 17 in
Elegant 18K White Gold, Turquoise and Diamond Encrusted Crown, Fit for a Queen
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very important 18k white gold vintage crown is set with a total of exactly 60.08ct of round brilliant cut and baguette diamonds, and with thirty four panels of vintage turquoise...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Diamond Tiara
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond set tiara. This striking handmade Victorian yellow gold and silver diamond tiara is of scrolling floral design set to its centrepiece with four larger old cut di...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
18 Karat Gold Diamond Tiara and Necklace
Located in Macau, MO
This fabulous diamond tiara is designed with floral and foliate pattern, decorated with brilliant cut diamonds together weighing approximately 22.47 carat, mounted in 18 Karat white ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Tiara
Located in London, GB
A Victorian old cut diamond tiara. This exquisite, handmade Victorian yellow gold and silver diamond tiara is comprised of a central foliate design, vertically set with round old cu...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Edwardian natural pearl and diamond pendant/brooch, circa 1905.
Located in London, GB
Edwardian natural pearl and diamond pendant/brooch. An impressive convertible pendant/brooch, set to either side with two natural saltwater pearls and suspending four additional natu...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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.
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.
The care that went into crafting this jewel, with its lifelike carved petals and diamond accents, matches the sentiment it represents.
For starters, it is one of the jewelry designer’s most celebrated works.
Though it sparkles with more than 27 carats of diamonds, this multifaceted gem delivers more than just dazzle.
Stellene Volandes takes us on a glittering, engrossing tour through the centuries.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.