Retro Fraternity Pins
1950s American Art Deco Retro Fraternity Pins
Pearl
Late 20th Century Unknown Retro Fraternity Pins
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
People Also Browsed
1870s British Retro Fraternity Pins
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Asian Early Victorian Retro Fraternity Pins
Pearl, Diamond, Sterling Silver
1980s Austrian Retro Fraternity Pins
Gilt Metal
Excellent condition.
Late 19th Century American Victorian Retro Fraternity Pins
Diamond, Ruby, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
2010s Asian Early Victorian Retro Fraternity Pins
Diamond, Sterling Silver
20th Century English Retro Fraternity Pins
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s Art Deco Retro Fraternity Pins
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
20th Century French Retro Fraternity Pins
Gilt Metal
20th Century Retro Fraternity Pins
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary Retro Fraternity Pins
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Fraternity Pins
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Retro Fraternity Pins
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Retro Fraternity Pins
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s French Art Deco Retro Fraternity Pins
Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
1960s Unknown Modern Retro Fraternity Pins
20th Century French Retro Fraternity Pins
Gilt Metal
Recent Sales
1960s Retro Fraternity Pins
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold, 10k 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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