Very Old Brooches
Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s British Brooches
Aquamarine, Gold
Antique Early 19th Century English Brooches
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1860s European Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Swiss Brooches
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century German Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold
Early 20th Century Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1870s European Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 10k Gold
Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Brooches
Tourmaline, Natural Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 19th Century Brooches
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1950s French Brooches
Mixed Metal
Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1950s French Artist Brooches
Mixed Metal
Antique Early 1900s European Late Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century French Georgian Brooches
Diamond, Silver
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Brooches
14k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s European Jugendstil Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Mid-20th Century Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Gold
Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1940s American Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Brooches
White Diamond, Diamond, Black Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, ...
Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Brooches
Vintage 1950s French Brooches
Vintage 1950s French Artist Brooches
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1950s French Artist Brooches
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1960s French Artist Brooches
Vintage 1940s French Artist Brooches
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1950s French Artist Brooches
Mixed Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Retro Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s French Brooches
Vintage 1950s French Brooches
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1950s French Artist Brooches
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1950s French Artist Brooches
Pearl, Mixed Metal
Vintage 1950s French Artist Brooches
Other, Mixed Metal
Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 15k Gold
Antique 1780s Brooches
Diamond, Silver
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Very Old Brooches For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Very Old Brooches?
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.
- What are old brooches made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Old brooches may be made of a variety of materials. Silver and gold are the most commonly used, but some may be fashioned out of brass, nickel and other metals. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and modern brooches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell how old a cameo brooch is for certain, you usually need to consult a licensed jewelry appraiser. This is because many authentic pieces do not have marks, and there are many modern reproductions that resemble the antique jewelry. Find a selection of expertly vetted antique cameo brooches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023How old an old European-cut diamond is varies. The old European cut is a precursor to the modern round brilliant cut. The stone appears circular when looked at from the top (because of its low table or largest facet) and has a high crown (the part above the middle of the stone) with larger facets. The tip of the stone, or the culet, is flat instead of pointed. This style was used predominantly in the 19th century, hence the name. It is best to consult a certified appraiser for assistance with dating and identifying antique jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a variety of European-cut diamond jewelry.
- How old is Spode?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Spode pottery dates back to the 1770s and the originator of the company, Josiah Spode. Josiah Spode was born in 1733 and learned the trade by working for other local potters until 1775 when he established his own company. Find a collection of expertly vetted Spode pottery from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How old is the crucifix?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The crucifix is roughly 1,700 to 2,000 years old. Sculptures depicting Christ on the cross hung on in early Christian churches during the 1st century. Normally, they were on the eastern walls and intended to help worshipers determine which direction to face while in prayer. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Russian lacquer boxes.
- How old is Valentino?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Valentino, the Italian luxury brand, is 61 years old and was founded in 1960. Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavan, the founder of Valentino, is 89 years old and was born 1932. Valentino clothing and accessories are available directly through Valentino’s website or boutiques as well as through selected authorized sellers, such as 1stDibs.
- How old are hourglasses?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The first hourglass is believed to have been invented in the 8th century A.D. by Liutprand, a French monk. The first hourglass used sand to record the passage of time. However, modern designs use sand, liquid and other materials. Shop a selection of vintage hourglasses on 1stDibs.
- What are the types of brooches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024There are many types of brooches. Originating from Scotland, Luckenbooth brooches feature a single heart or two interlocking hearts and are common romantic gifts. Bar brooches have a long, slender design similar to tie bars. En tremblant brooches typically feature floral forms connected by wires that allow them to sway or tremble as the wearer moves. Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Aigrette brooches show off sweeping forms that resemble feathers. Cameo brooches have an oval or circular shape and flaunt a raised relief, usually depicting a person. Shop a large collection of brooches on 1stDibs.
- What is a golden brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A golden brooch is a decorative piece of jewelry designed with a hinged pin and catch that is fastened to clothing. It is a piece of ornament usually made of metal, often silver or gold. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage brooches.
- What is a brooch pin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Brooch pins are beautiful pieces of jewelry with a sharpened metal wire on the reverse that adheres to garments. Traditionally, people wore pins and brooches on clothing such as skirts, sweaters, jackets, shirts, and hats. Brooches were used to hold garments together in the past. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage brooch pins.
- What is a bar brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A bar brooch is a type of pin brooch. It is horizontal and elongated and comes in all shapes and sizes. Bar brooches are popular due to their ease of fastening. The pin of the brooch hooks through a looped fastening, once the brooch is attached to the wearer's lapel. Find a collection of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs.
- What were brooches used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Brooches are used as fastenings to secure a cloak, shawl or scarf. Decorative brooches also let wearers accessorize and personalize their ensemble. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary brooches from some of the top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
- What is a navette brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023A navette brooch is a brooch that features a gemstone in a Marquise cut. Its sides gently curve and meet at points on either end. Shop a variety of gemstone brooches from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a paste brooch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A paste brooch will feature hand-cut polished glass. The paste glass is usually polished with metal until it is smooth and shines like a gemstone. A paste brooch is made of such glass and became popular as a cheaper alternative to diamonds. Find a variety of paste brooches on 1stDibs.
- Is a brooch a pin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Yes, a brooch is a pin. A pin is the general term for an accessory designed to slide through fabric and stay in place with the help of a fastener. A brooch is the term for a decorative pin. The word pin can also refer to a functional accessory that has no decorative embellishments. As a result, not all pins are brooches, but all brooches are pins. Explore a diverse assortment of brooches on 1stDibs.
- How old is EPNS silverware?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024How old EPNS silverware is varies. George Richards Elkington patented the electrochemical process used to produce electroplated nickel silver in 1840, and the oldest examples of silverware featuring the technique date back to the decade that followed. A small number of contemporary silversmiths continue to manufacture EPNS silverware, so some examples may be much newer. To date your silverware, use trusted online resources to research its maker, or seek the help of a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer. Shop a wide range of silverware on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024To tell how old a mirror is, examine its back. Many pieces will feature a maker's mark or logo. By researching the mark or logo using trusted online resources, you may be able to determine who the manufacturer was and when they were active. Wooden backs often signify that a mirror is an antique, while paper backings are usually found on newer mirrors. If you need help dating a mirror, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer. Shop a wide range of mirrors on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell how old jewelry is, you can compare its stylistic features to images of pieces featured on trusted online resources (engraving on a signet ring, for example, may indicate that a piece dates back at least to the 1900s). Another option is to look for a stamp or hallmark that indicates who the maker is. With some research, you may be able to determine where a manufacturer was located and how long the company was in business. It’s important to note that not all vintage or antique-looking jewelry is actually vintage or antique. Experts recommend that you take the jewelry to a certified appraiser who can evaluate and date the piece. Shop a range of jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How old is Anasazi pottery?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The earliest Anasazi pottery is more than 2000 years old, dating back to 200 CE. These pieces were produced out of clays sourced from floodplains or soil and contain large amounts of iron, giving the pottery a rich brown color. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Native American pottery.
- How old are peacock chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023How old peacock chairs are, as well as their origin, has been debated for decades. Not to be confused with the Peacock chair created by Danish furniture maker Hans J. Wegner, the iconic wicker seating design is believed to have first appeared in the Philippines. The American silent film-era actress Norma Talmadge posed in a peacock chair for a promotional photograph, and the seats became a staple of photo shoots, earning acclaim during the mid-century years in the United States when they appeared in publicity materials for prominent musicians and other celebrities. The chair became popular again during the 1960s in Haight-Ashbury, and it was featured at the time in a famous photograph of political activist and Black Panther Party cofounder Huey P. Newton. On 1stDibs, shop a range of peacock chairs.
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