Gem Set Butterfly
Unavailable
Gem Set Butterfly
Located in New York, NY
Gem set, 18k gold, handmade Italian Butterfly
Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Gem Set Butterfly
Located in New York, NY
Gem set, 18k gold, handmade Italian Butterfly
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$19,500
18 Karat Gold Gem-Set Scrolled Quatrefoil Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Greenwich, CT
Vintage scrolled quatrefoil motif brooch, set with cabochon rubies, emeralds and sapphires
Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$938
Vintage Gemstone Brooch 18 Karat Yellow White Gold
Located in Geneva, CH
there. A symphony of precious gemstones graces this brooch, including rubies, blue sapphires, and
White Gold
Broche “ plume ”en or 18 Carats ornée d’émeraudes, Diamants, saphirs et rubis
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
Broche en or 18 carats de forme plume, elle est constituée de fils d’or et rehaussée de 10 diamants
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,856
Victorian Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Clover Pendant / Brooch
Located in Essex, GB
emerald, a ruby and a sapphire. Seventy-one rose cut diamonds of graduating size are set in the silver
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yell...
Unavailable|$47,150
Italian Sapphire Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings and Brooch set
Located in Roma, IT
, cabochon cut sapphires, rubies and emeralds. The diamonds with a total weight of circa 8.00 carats and the
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$16,000
Van Cleef & Arpels Inspired Ballerina Sapphire Ruby Emerald Pendant Brooch
Located in Antwerp, BE
AIG Certification number: J90530098BE Gold: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 24,53 gr. Diamonds: 1,60ct. F
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$10,261
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald Bow Pendant and Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Inverness, GB
changed back by a good jeweller. It is 18 ct yellow gold with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$130,000
Outstanding Multi-Gem Pendant Brooch by Frederic Boucheron, circa 1890
Located in Warrington, PA
diamond ribbon-bow, suspending a floral bouquet of variously-cut sapphires, rubies, emeralds and an old
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Signed Goldman Kolber Custom Inca or Mayan Lady Pendant Brooch Combo
Located in Warrington, PA
set with Colombian emeralds, vivid rubies, and sapphires. The pendant depicts a woman with diamond
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$13,993
Cartier St Petersburg Cross Yellow Gold Chain Pendent Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Neung-sur-beuvron, FR
to Russia in the early 20th century. Pendant 18 karat yellow gold studded with rubies, sapphires
Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Floral Brooch, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Floral Brooch made in 18k Gold. The stones weigh
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
David Webb Emerald Diamond Ruby Sapphire 18k Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Emerald Diamond Ruby Sapphire 18k Brooch Large cabochon emerald (13.5 x 20 mm) of
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby Floral Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning floral brooch is encrusted with sparkling diamonds, vibrant emeralds, sapphires and
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald 18K Gold Floral Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
1960s Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald 18K Gold Floral Pin Brooch See life in Vivid colors with these
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Circular Floral Design Brooch, 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Circular Floral Design Brooch made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,450
Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Brooch
Located in Lexington, KY
This lovely pin features three blooms of Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamonds, all nestled in 18K
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Butterfly Brooch with Diamonds, Sapphires, Emeralds and Rubies
Located in Aspen, CO
Charming antique butterfly brooch set with an oval sapphire, 10 emeralds, 30 rose cut diamonds and
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Circle Brooch
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A gold circle brooch set with oval cut sapphires, rubies, emeralds and in between each stone 2 old
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
18k yellow gold bird brooch featuring 40 round and marquise cut sapphire and rubies weighing
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carved Tutti Frutti Brooch with Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, 18K & Platinum
Located in New York, NY
A Tutti Frutti Brooch with carved Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Diamonds. The Diamond weight is 1.70
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Bouquet Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat two-tone gold, sapphire, emerald, ruby, and diamond bouquet brooch, designed as a floral
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Butterfly Pendant Brooch Sapphires Emeralds Rubies Diamonds, 1930
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Butterfly Pendant and also a Brooch with fine Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds. The fine
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Coral Gold Parrot Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful 18k yellow gold bird brooch featuring cabochon 45 sapphire, 19 rubies, 8 emerald, 16
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond-Set Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, Swiss. Set with excellent quality diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage French 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Rubies and Sapphire Floral Brooch
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
cluster of colored gemstones (emeralds, rubies, and sapphires) surrounding a single round diamond. Offered
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Rubies and Sapphire Floral Brooch
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
cluster of colored gemstones (emeralds, rubies, and sapphires) surrounding a single round diamond. Offered
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Silver Dragonfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18k gold and silver dragonfly brooch, adorned with emeralds, sapphires, rubies and approx. 0.40ctw
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Cazzaniga Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Insect Brooch
By Cazzaniga
Located in Litchfield, CT
working techniques, finishes, and colors with brilliant diamonds, sapphires, rubies and a single large
Amazonite, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century 18K Gold Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Horse Brooch
Located in New York, NY
-shaped rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and orange sapphires, each centered by a round brilliant diamond
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow...
Antique Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire and Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An Antique 18 karat gold butterfly brooch with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. The
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k Gold & Platinum GIA 47.37ctw Sapphire Diamond Emerald Ruby Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Cushiony Oval Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Orangy Yellow
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pl...
LB 18k Yellow Gold 2.85ct Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby Peacock Brooch
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
diamonds and has its tail feathers adorned with emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. The brooch measures 2.5" x
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
David Webb, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Clip Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
cabochon rubies, sapphires and emeralds, enhanced with round brilliant-cut diamond leaves, the border set
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Gold and Platinum Baroque Pearl Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Parrot Brooch
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Retro Composition: 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Primary Stone: Baroque Pearl Brooch
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Pendant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald And Diamond Pendant Brooch. Of bombé design
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Feather Brooch with Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Boucheron
Located in Bethesda, MD
its use of exceptional gemstones, including diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, sourced from
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tiffany Retro Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond Brooch, circa 1965
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Aspen, CO
, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. In all, there is nearly 3.5 cts of fine natural rubies, sapphires and
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
David Webb 18kt Gold Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
x W.6.60mm; six emeralds, four blue sapphires, approx. L.7 x W.5mm; four rubies approx. L.5.5-6mm
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
René Boivin Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby and Gold Starfish Brooch
By René Boivin
Located in New York, NY
A French 18 karat gold starfish brooch with sapphire, diamond, emerald and ruby by René Boivin. The
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Picchiotti Parrot Bird Brooch 18K Yellow Gold with Emerald Rubies Sapphires
Located in Fairfield, CT
Picchiotti Parrot Bird Brooch 18K Yellow Gold with Emerald Rubies Sapphires This exceptional 18K
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Assil 18k TT Gold Diamond Emerald Sapphire & Ruby Set of 3 Bee Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) Numerous Natural Genuine Emeralds, Sapphires & Rubies - Oval Cut - Bezel Set - Green, Blue & Red Color
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Ruby Emerald Sapphire Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Circle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18k gold triple circle brooch, adorned with vivid rubies, emeralds and sapphires, as well
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Tiffany & Co. Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond Double Clip Brooch, circa 1965
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Aspen, CO
, emeralds and diamonds. In all, there is nearly 3.5 cts of fine natural rubies, sapphires and emeralds and
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Multi-Gemstone Peacock Brooch with Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires
Located in Mayfair, London, London
feather are square cut sapphires totalling 0.24ct and square emeralds totalling 0.24ct. The brooch
Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire Diamond Ruby Emerald 18 Karat Gold Fan Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color and SI clarity With round cut sapphires, rubies, and emeralds weighing in total approximately
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
4.25 Ct. Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Peacock Brooch in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
, sapphires, and diamonds, capturing light and attention with every movement. Brooch Information Style: Art
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dog Poodle French Brooch 18 Karat Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald
Located in MIAMI, FL
the haircut! Natural Diamond choker, Ruby nose, Sapphire eyes and an Emerald tiara are all small
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1980s Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch Clip
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18 karat (stamped) yellow and white gold, set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...
Diamond Emerald Sapphire and Ruby Butterflies and Flowers Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
emeralds, rubies, and blue sapphires. The butterflies are set "en tremblant". 18K white gold.
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1960s Vintage Ruby Sapphire Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Owl Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
owl brooch is fine quality set with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and very well color matched, very high
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$28,809
Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A sapphire, emerald and diamond butterfly brooch, with a rose-cut diamond set thorax, weighing an
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1960s Vintage Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald and Yellow Gold Spray Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.06 carat diamond, 0.13 carat sapphire, 0.16 carat ruby, 0.07 carat emerald
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Gold Diamond Burmese Ruby, Emerald and Yellow Sapphire Brooch
Located in Great Neck, NY
A playful & beautiful Victorian bar brooch with emeralds, yellow sapphires and a Burmese Ruby
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Belle Epoque French Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Silver Gold Rooster Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
colorless diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Hand crafted in a combination of silver and gold which
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
French Victorian Emerald Diamond Sapphire Ruby 18 Karat Gold Snake Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cut sapphire, ruby, or emerald Brightly colored and weighing in total approximately 0.65 carat
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
Tutti Frutti Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Floral Deco-Style Pendant Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
brilliance and sparkle. Emeralds weigh 23.43 carats, rubies 7.13 carats and sapphires 4.95 carats. Made in
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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.