Scepter Pin
Antique 1880s Russian Classical Roman Brooches
14k Gold, Gold
Antique 1880s Russian Russian Empire Brooches
14k Gold, Gold
Antique Early 19th Century French Baroque Brooches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1980s French Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century French Brooches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Brooches
Diamond, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s British Victorian More Necklaces
Silver
Antique 1890s American Victorian Chain Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold-filled
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Gold-filled
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Brooches
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s American Russian Empire Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches
18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 1840s Italian Early Victorian Drop Earrings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Russian Russian Empire Pendant Necklaces
Vermeil
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Scottish Romantic Brooches
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Victorian Brooches
Citrine, Agate, 15k Gold
Antique 1890s Scottish Brooches
Agate, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Pocket Watches
18k 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.
Read More
This Gem-Encrusted Boucheron Brooch Is a Symbol of Mid-Century Glamour and Clever Design
Though it sparkles with more than 27 carats of diamonds, this multifaceted gem delivers more than just dazzle.
The Editor of ‘Town & Country’ Loves Jewelry and History in Equal Measure
Stellene Volandes takes us on a glittering, engrossing tour through the centuries.
5 Fresh Jewelry Trends That Will Bring You Joy This Spring
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
Tastemaker Bunny Mellon’s Extraordinary Schlumberger Jewels
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.