Fantasy Dragon Diamond Pave & Ruby 18K Rose White Gold Animal Pin Brooch
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 3.40x2.00x0.90cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "1 White Diamonds 0.04 CT 2 Ruby 0.02 CT 18KR 8.55 GM (WNTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Animal & Fantasy Je...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Antique Portrait Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Antique Portrait Brooch Pendant A brooch featuring a porcelian portrait of a bearded man with a crown. Surrounded are round garnets and antique diamonds. Made circa 1910 Measureme...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cat Brooch w Ruby Eyes and Chalcedony - VHK#1050
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cat Brooch with Ruby Eyes and Chalcedony - VHK#1050 Item Details Year: 1950s Metal Type: 18K Gold[Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8.92 grams *Eyes a...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Crown Trifari Vintage Unisex Gold Red Ruby Eye Green Jelly Belly Dog Brooch
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Crown Trifari 1950s Vintage Vivid Poodle Dog Jelly Belly Green Jade Ruby Red Eye Crystals Cabochon Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition, 100% genuine.
Gold Plate
Boucheron Carriage Brooch Clock
By BUCHERON
Located in New York, NY
Boucheron Vintage Carriage Brooch with Concealed Watch Description: A magnificent vintage brooch by Boucheron, designed in the form of an elegant horse-drawn carriage.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Red Ruby Gold Clover Crystal Long Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Vintage Unisex Gripoix Ruby Red Oval Clover Flower Crystal Cabochon Long Drop Circle Ring Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Plated Very excellent...
Gold Plate
Estate Craig Drake 18K Gold Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Fish Brooch - VHK#982
By Craig Drake
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Craig Drake 18K Gold Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Fish Brooch - VHK#982 Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 22.4 grams 12ct total weight...
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,800
Antique Butterfly Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Set with vibrant sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and pearls, this charming antique butterfly brooch is very charming.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Multi Gem American Flag Brooch
Located in New York, NY
American Flag Brooch An American flag brooch set with round cut sapphires, square cut rubies and round cut diamonds set in white gold The flag post swivels that lets the flag wave/...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Strutting Rooster Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Strutting barnyard rooster brooch in sterling silver with gold vermeil finish. Excellent Condition. 1950's USA. 1.25"
Ruby, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
$18,000
David Webb Frog Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold, green enamel, and Cabochon Rubies for the eyes. Signed by David Webb 1 3/4 x 1 1/4 inch
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Spanish Vintage Plique-a-Jour and Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch 1970s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
The brooch also boasts an impressive 0.06 carat ruby centerpiece, complementing the warm tones of the gold.
$19,850
Greek Soldier Gold Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Finely crafted of 14K yellow, white and rose gold, the brooch also brings the soldier's elaborate garb to life with 0.75 carat of diamonds, along with sapphires and rubies. 2 1/2“ w...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Retro Starburst Gold Brooch
Located in Darnestown, MD
Ten round rubies weigh approximately 19.65 dwt. The center is domed giving nice dimensionality to the brooch.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Platinum Diamond Cute Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Diamond Cute Bow Brooch. Details: This very cute bow brooch is made of platinum, diamond, sapphires, and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
$18,000
Multi Gem Bouquet Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gem Bouquet Brooch A floral basket brooch in yellow and white gold, set with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, citrine, and amethyst.
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold
$12,000
Multi Gem Floral Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gem Floral Brooch An 18-karat yellow gold brooch set with 33 round cut diamonds, 9 round cut rubies, and 2 round cut sapphires Stamped 18K Measurements: 1.88" x 1.38"
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sloan & Co. Antique 14 Karat Gold Enamel Pearl Ruby Fish on the Line Brooch
By Sloan & Company
Located in New York, NY
Sloan & Co. charming and highly unusual Art Deco fishing-themed brooch crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, dating to the early 20th century.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Sapphire Emerald and Diamond Elephant Brooch and Pendant
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 13.4 grams Year: 1980s Pin Measurements: Diameter: 1.5 x 1 inches Condition: Excellent
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18KY "Bengal Tiger" Brooch
By Pampillonia
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This fierce "guy" is beautifully made by Pampillonia Designs, Inc. 18 karat yellow gold tiger with etched fur design 2 round ruby eyes 1 prong set round diamond, approximately .05c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Multi Gemstone Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a vibrant butterfly brooch crafted from 18ct yellow gold. An expertly handcrafted frame exhibits a detailed butterfly design featuring a vibrant array of gemstones inclu...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian En Tremblant Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian En Tremblant Flower Brooch A antique brooch featuring 2 cabochon emeralds, 30 rubies, & 132 diamonds approximately 8.35 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Bird Brooch with Eggs in Nest
Located in Darnestown, MD
The bird has a ruby eye and an emerald on the branch on which she sits.
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Art Deco Chinoiserie brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco brooch designed as a jade Buddha with a radiating diamond aura and ruby belly button seated on a carved onyx, coral and diamond plinth, in platinum.
Coral, Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian 14K Gold Ruby Hat Pin, 0.65ct Round Ruby, Antique 1880s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
his exquisite 14K antique hat pin features a timeless design centered around a single round 5mm ruby. The vibrant ruby, bezel set within a delicate triangle-shaped frame, adds a refi...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,900
Multi-Gem Clover Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with a Pearl, Square cut Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald, as well as Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of 1.75 carat. 1 1/8 x 1 inch
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$25,000
Rare Veiled Lady Brooch
Located in Honolulu, HI
This veiled lady brooch is superbly crafted in platinum and 18K yellow gold, with approximately 4.60 ct micro pave round diamonds on her veil.
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Frascarolo Tiger Brooch
By Frascarolo
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold, white, black, and red enamel with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds and Round cut Rubies as the eyes. Signed by Frascarolo Circa 1960s 1 1/2 inch diameter
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Earl Pardon Modernist Brooch
By Earl Pardon
Located in New York, NY
Trained as painter and sculptor, he found his niche in precious metal. The brooch here, a miniature sculpture if you will, is a composition in sterling silver, gold, and copper, set ...
Amethyst, Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Copper
Victorian Briolette Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Briolette Diamond Bow Brooch A Victorian bow brooch set with round cut diamonds and square cut rubies, adorned with three dangling briolette diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Poodle Brooch, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
This delightful brooch has been crafted in the likeness of a poodle in the 1960s.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$49,000
Raymond Yard Gemstone Brooch
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in Austin, TX
A large 1950's Retro Raymond Yard hand crafted yellow and white 14K gold brooch with a total of approximately 45 carats of moonstones, 14 carats of sapphires, 1.04 carats of rubies, ...
Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Ancient Roman Carved Emerald Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Emeralds, diamonds and rubies complement the carved emerald, while a single Baroque pearl dangles from the center.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Silver
Vintage 1940s Retro Cupid Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k rose gold with Pearls, Round cut Rubies, Single cut Diamonds and two Round cut Blue Sapphires for eyes. Circa 1940s 1 3/8 inches
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Georgian "Regard" Basket Brooch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique 18K gold cannetille basket brooch set across the top with a ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and diamond.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Turquoise, Multi-gemstone, 18k...
Biwa Pearl Birdie Stickpin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Charming Biwa Pearl Birdie on branch stickpin brooch, made from irregular biwa pearls with ruby eyes, all set in 14k gold. 1950's USA.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Lizard Brooch
Located in London, GB
Colour: G-I, Clarity: VS-SI Ruby Dimensions: 2 (1mm) Fastening: C Clasp Tested As: 18ct Gold Box: Antique Brooch Box
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Bee Brooch with Gemstones
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lovely antique insect brooch featuring some of our favorite stones. The large wings have lovely diamonds set into them.
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
J.E. Caldwell Moonstone and Ruby Suite
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This moonstone and ruby and tri-color gold suite of earrings and brooch by J.E.
Moonstone, Ruby
Yellow Gold and Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in Aspen, CO
Yellow and white gold with fine diamonds set on the darling vintage bee brooch. He is .75 inches long and his hand etched wing span is 7/8th inches across. There are 19 brilliant cut...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
David Webb Horse Brooch, Kingdom Collection
By David Webb
Located in Bethesda, MD
From David Webb's iconic Kingdom Collection, a horse head brooch. Meticulously crafted in 18 karat with cabochon rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Swooping Birds Diamond Drop Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a Victorian brooch showcasing an elegant portrayal of two swallows in flight.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lady Mary Monro's Gibraltar Presentation Brooch
By Alexander Clark & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
The brooch contains 67 round Swiss cut white pavé set diamonds totaling approximately 1.10 carats, 17 step cut sapphires totaling an estimated 1.70 carats and 12 step cut rubies tota...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire
Victorian Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century rose diamond and ruby bee set on a pearl capped staff. Charming subject matter typical of Victorian novelties.
Excellent condition.
Diamond, Ruby, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Honora Gold Clown Brooch
By Honora
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Cut Rubies and Sapphire. Signed by Honora Circa 1970s
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Dragon Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with white enamel over 18k yellow gold with a Pear-Shaped Cabochon Ruby. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Zolotas En Tremblant Pot of Flowers Brooch
By Zolotas
Located in Darnestown, MD
The brooch measures 1 3/4 inches tall and 1 5/16" at its widest.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18 karat gold Art Nouveau brooch - floral brooch with a bouquet of flowe
Located in Antwerp, BE
Round in shape, this lovely antique brooch represents a beautiful flower bouquet. The brooch itself is a plain round disc with hand-made engravings set with two little seed pearls, a...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18ct Gold, Pearl & Diamond Lizard Brooch
Located in London, England
Two vivid ruby cabochons bring the little creature to life as its gleaming eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Carlo & Arthur Giuliano Brooch, Circa 1890.
By Carlo and Arthur Giuliano
Located in London, GB
Moonstone, diamond and ruby cabochon brooch by Carlo & Arthur Giuliano, circa 1890.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century multi-gem treasure chest brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century gold brooch in the form of an opened treasure chest set with ruby, emerald, diamond, and sapphire, in 18k.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giovani Gemstone and Diamond Brooch
By Giovane
Located in New York, NY
Gemstone, Diamond, and 18k Yellow Gold Flower Pin. This pin has 11ct of diamonds, 3ct of rubies, and 25ct of emeralds all set in 18k yellow gold. Stamped 750, GIOVANI, Italy
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
7.00ct Ruby Diamond Gold Cat Pin
Located in New York, NY
This is a fabulous 18k yellow gold cat pin. The pin is set with lovely round cut rubies that weigh approximately 7.00ct. The rubies are accentuated by sparkling round cut diamond acc...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Gem Set Floral Pendant/Brooch
Located in London, GB
This is a lovely vintage gem set pendant/brooch. The pendant has been set with an array of round brilliant cut diamonds, peridots, rubies and citrine gemstones in a floral design set...
Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Ruby, Silver
Vintage 18ct Gold Bird Brooch, c.1961
Located in London, GB
Crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, this charming brooch features a trio of singing birds. Each bird features a small ruby of 0.01 carat detailing their eyes.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$17,370 / item
Ruby Heart Customized Bag Bijoux
By Ashna Mehta
Located in Dubai, AE
A timeless emblem of passion and vitality. The HEART Bag Bijoux by Ashna Mehta is masterfully crafted in glowing 18K rose gold and ablaze with natural rubies—gemstones revered for th...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond and Multigem Parrot Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
This fun little parrot is a perfect friend for your shoulder! Containing numerous top quality round brilliant and baguette cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.50 carats total toget...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Classic Vintage Brooch/ Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Classic Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, ruby, sapphire & emerald brooch/pendant. Spectacular colorful brooch with 3.32 carats of diamonds, rubies are 4.5 carats, sapphir...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique French Butterfly Brooch Pin, 1890s
Located in Chicago, IL
France, circa 1890s The brooch is finely modeled as a butterfly. It is handcrafted in silver-topped 18K gold and is encrusted with rose cut diamonds, sapphires and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Amethyst Brooch 18KT yellow gold pin
Located in Jupiter, FL
10mmx8mm amethyst in stunning brooch with a ruby eye and intricate hand design!
Amethyst, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories 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.