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Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Cameo Brooch
Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Cameo Brooch

Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Cameo Brooch

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Cameo Brooch is a stunning example of timeless elegance and

Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Brooches

Vintage Victorian Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch
Vintage Victorian Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch

Vintage Victorian Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Vintage Victorian Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch is a stunning example of 19th-century artistry

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch
Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch

Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Cameo is a beautiful example of 19th-century craftsmanship and

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Vintage Victorian 12k Carved Shell Cameo Heart Brooch
Vintage Victorian 12k Carved Shell Cameo Heart Brooch

Vintage Victorian 12k Carved Shell Cameo Heart Brooch

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Vintage Victorian 12k Carved Shell Cameo Heart Brooch is a romantic and elegant piece

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Brooch Greek Young Lady
Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Brooch Greek Young Lady

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Brooch Greek Young Lady

Located in Chesterland, OH

We are thrilled to present this amazing Victorian Cameo Brooch, dating back to the 1830s-1850s. The

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pinchbeck

Victorian Carved Shell and Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch
Victorian Carved Shell and Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch

Victorian Carved Shell and Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive Victorian 15 karat yellow gold, carved shell cameo brooch; part of

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Right Facing Lady Shell Cameo Large Swivel Brooch
Victorian Right Facing Lady Shell Cameo Large Swivel Brooch

Victorian Right Facing Lady Shell Cameo Large Swivel Brooch

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

This is a Victorian large oval pin brooch crafted in pinchbeck. Circa 1860. The piece features a

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pinchbeck

Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch, Italy, Mid-19th Century
Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch, Italy, Mid-19th Century

Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch, Italy, Mid-19th Century

Located in Chesterland, OH

A refined and highly accomplished Victorian shell cameo brooch, confidently dated to the mid-19th

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Bacchante Pin Brooch, Circa 1890
Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Bacchante Pin Brooch, Circa 1890

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Bacchante Pin Brooch, Circa 1890

Located in Chesterland, OH

We are thrilled to offer you a beautifully carved Victorian Carved Cameo Brooch from the late 19th

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Antique 15ct Gold, Early Victorian Cherub Shell Cameo Portrait Brooch
Antique 15ct Gold, Early Victorian Cherub Shell Cameo Portrait Brooch

Antique 15ct Gold, Early Victorian Cherub Shell Cameo Portrait Brooch

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Cameo Brooch 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1860 This exquisite brooch showcases a charming

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant, Classical Goddess, 10K Gold
Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant, Classical Goddess, 10K Gold

Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant, Classical Goddess, 10K Gold

Located in Chesterland, OH

Antique Victorian hand-carved shell cameo brooch pendant, depicting a classical female warrior in

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Brooches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold

Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian Seed Pearl & Shell Cameo Portrait Brooch
Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian Seed Pearl & Shell Cameo Portrait Brooch

Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian Seed Pearl & Shell Cameo Portrait Brooch

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Cameo Brooch 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1875 This exquisite 15ct gold Victorian brooch

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold

Vintage Silver Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant Brooch
Vintage Silver Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant Brooch

Vintage Silver Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant Brooch

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Vintage Silver Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant is a versatile and elegant piece that reflects

Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Silver

Mid Victorian Shell Cameo
Mid Victorian Shell Cameo

Mid Victorian Shell Cameo

Located in New York, NY

Lovely mid Victorian shell cameo with a exquisitely carved Neoclassical beauty with ornate

Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Victorian Gold and Gem-Set Snail and Crab Sea Shell Brooch
Antique Victorian Gold and Gem-Set Snail and Crab Sea Shell Brooch

Antique Victorian Gold and Gem-Set Snail and Crab Sea Shell Brooch

Located in New York, NY

An antique Victorian scallop shell, gem-set, and gold brooch, comprised of two shells adjoined by a

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold

Victorian Hebe & Zeus Shell Large Cameo 9ct Brooch, Circa 1900
Victorian Hebe & Zeus Shell Large Cameo 9ct Brooch, Circa 1900

Victorian Hebe & Zeus Shell Large Cameo 9ct Brooch, Circa 1900

Located in Brighton, GB

Victorian Hebe & Zeus Cameo Brooch 9ct Gold Circa 1900 The carving shows Hebe, seated and

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Brooches

Victorian Style Shell Cameo Yellow Plated Frame Brooch, 3.5cm x 2.5cm
Victorian Style Shell Cameo Yellow Plated Frame Brooch, 3.5cm x 2.5cm

Victorian Style Shell Cameo Yellow Plated Frame Brooch, 3.5cm x 2.5cm

Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA

This vintage Victorian-style shell cameo brooch features an intricately carved female portrait in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Brooches

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Shell Cameo Brooch, late 1800s
Antique Shell Cameo Brooch, late 1800s

Antique Shell Cameo Brooch, late 1800s

Located in Chesterland, OH

This fabulous carved Victorian brooch was made around the late 1800s. It depicts a beautiful

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Silver

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Carved White Pink Shell Cameo Brooch w/ Diamond Frame
Antique Victorian 18k Gold Carved White Pink Shell Cameo Brooch w/ Diamond Frame

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Carved White Pink Shell Cameo Brooch w/ Diamond Frame

Located in Montclair, NJ

This magnificent antique brooch was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold during the Victorian era. It

Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Early 20th Century Shell Cameo Brooch
Early 20th Century Shell Cameo Brooch

Early 20th Century Shell Cameo Brooch

Located in Atlanta, GA

providing nostalgic charm to modern wardrobes. This early 1900's carved shell cameo depicts a beautiful

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Massive Etruscan Framed Victorian Shell Cameo
Massive Etruscan Framed Victorian Shell Cameo

Massive Etruscan Framed Victorian Shell Cameo

Located in New York, NY

Massive Etruscan Framed Victorian Shell Cameo from the mid 19th Century. Beautifully carved cameo

Category

Antique 1850s American Victorian Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Gold Vermeil Shell Cameo "Metaphor for winter" Brooch
Antique Gold Vermeil Shell Cameo "Metaphor for winter" Brooch

Antique Gold Vermeil Shell Cameo "Metaphor for winter" Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Antique gold vermeil shell cameo brooch, finely hand-carved and titled “Metaphor for Winter.” The

Category

20th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold, Vermeil

Mid Century 18K Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Brooch/Pendant 1960s
Mid Century 18K Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Brooch/Pendant 1960s

Mid Century 18K Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Brooch/Pendant 1960s

Located in Towson, MD

This exquisite 1960s estate 18K yellow gold brown shell cameo brooch showcases classic Victorian

Category

Vintage 1960s Victorian Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 10K Rose Gold Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant, Circa 1900s
Antique 10K Rose Gold Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant, Circa 1900s

Antique 10K Rose Gold Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant, Circa 1900s

Located in Wallkill, NY

This is a beautifully executed cameo pin - pendant, set in 10K Rose gold with green gold Motifs surrounding the cameo. Fold down bale to wear as a pendant. Cameo measures 1.45 inche...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches

Materials

10k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Antique 9k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo "St Catherine Giving Ohms" Brooch
Antique 9k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo "St Catherine Giving Ohms" Brooch

Antique 9k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo "St Catherine Giving Ohms" Brooch

Located in New York, NY

This antique shell cameo brooch depicts St. Catherine in an act of compassion, offering alms to the

Category

20th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

John Brogden Shell Cameo Brooch and Earrings, English, circa 1870
John Brogden Shell Cameo Brooch and Earrings, English, circa 1870

John Brogden Shell Cameo Brooch and Earrings, English, circa 1870

By John Brogden

Located in London, GB

Antique shell cameo brooch and earrings by John Brogden, English, circa 1870. A yellow gold suite

Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique 15k Yellow Gold French Enamel Miniature "Cherub on Shell"  Brooch
Antique 15k Yellow Gold French Enamel Miniature "Cherub on Shell"  Brooch

Antique 15k Yellow Gold French Enamel Miniature "Cherub on Shell" Brooch

Located in New York, NY

A rare and exquisite example of Victorian-era artistry, this antique brooch features a fine french

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ammendola Oval Hand Carved 2 Ladies Italian Shell Cameo Brooch
Antique Ammendola Oval Hand Carved 2 Ladies Italian Shell Cameo Brooch

Antique Ammendola Oval Hand Carved 2 Ladies Italian Shell Cameo Brooch

Located in beverly hills, CA

Vintage shell cameo brooch, meticulously hand-carved from Italian cornelian shell. This exquisite

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Materials

9k Gold

Antique Shell and 21k Yellow Gold Three Graces Cameo Brooch Circa 1880
Antique Shell and 21k Yellow Gold Three Graces Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

Antique Shell and 21k Yellow Gold Three Graces Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A magnificent, fine and impressive, large antique Victorian shell and 21 karat yellow gold three

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique English Irish Victorian Three Graces Shell Cameo Pendant w Gold
Antique English Irish Victorian Three Graces Shell Cameo Pendant w Gold

Antique English Irish Victorian Three Graces Shell Cameo Pendant w Gold

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Magnificent hand-carved shell antique cameo brooch pendant featuring a the artist's depiction of

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

9k Gold, Gold

Antique Etruscan Revival Angel Skin Shell Cameo Medusa Brooch/Pendant, c. 1875
Antique Etruscan Revival Angel Skin Shell Cameo Medusa Brooch/Pendant, c. 1875

Antique Etruscan Revival Angel Skin Shell Cameo Medusa Brooch/Pendant, c. 1875

Located in Aspen, CO

Large and Exquisite Etruscan Revival pale pink hand carved conch shell cameo of Medusa, American

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian Brooches

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Shell 0.72 Carat Ruby and 0.78 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch
Antique Shell 0.72 Carat Ruby and 0.78 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch

Antique Shell 0.72 Carat Ruby and 0.78 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

brooch is excellent quality, set with a stunning shell cameo. The impressive rubies display fine colour

Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Leitão & Irmão Antique 19th Century Diamond Star Tortoise Shell Brooch Hair Comb
Leitão & Irmão Antique 19th Century Diamond Star Tortoise Shell Brooch Hair Comb

Leitão & Irmão Antique 19th Century Diamond Star Tortoise Shell Brooch Hair Comb

Located in Lisbon, PT

Leitão & Irmão Portuguese crown jewelers antique late 19th century diamond star brooch and

Category

Antique 1880s Portuguese Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

14kt White Gold Cameo Pin, Shell, Victorian Era, 19x15x10mm, Lady w/Single Cut
14kt White Gold Cameo Pin, Shell, Victorian Era, 19x15x10mm, Lady w/Single Cut

14kt White Gold Cameo Pin, Shell, Victorian Era, 19x15x10mm, Lady w/Single Cut

Located in San Diego, CA

Embrace the elegance of this stunning Victorian Era 14kt white gold cameo pin/pendant, measuring 19

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Brooches

Materials

White Gold

Silver & Gold Diamond Ruby Shell Cameo
Silver & Gold Diamond Ruby Shell Cameo

Silver & Gold Diamond Ruby Shell Cameo

Located in New York, NY

Silver and gold diamond ruby shell cameo, featuring a side profile of a Victorian lady 18 karat

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Belle Epoque Apollo God Lyre Musician Cameo Brooch 14 Karat Gold High Relief
Belle Epoque Apollo God Lyre Musician Cameo Brooch 14 Karat Gold High Relief

Belle Epoque Apollo God Lyre Musician Cameo Brooch 14 Karat Gold High Relief

Located in New York, NY

This is an absolutely stunning large size antique Victorian - Belle Epoque Shell Cameo Brooch Pin

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Carved Shell Cameo Papal Brooch & Earrings Suite
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Carved Shell Cameo Papal Brooch & Earrings Suite

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Carved Shell Cameo Papal Brooch & Earrings Suite

Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB

A Victorian shell, and yellow gold brooch and earrings, each with a carved shell panel depicting

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Vatican Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct Gold Victorian Cherub, Eros and Dolphin Chariot Shell Cameo Pendent/Brooch
18ct Gold Victorian Cherub, Eros and Dolphin Chariot Shell Cameo Pendent/Brooch

18ct Gold Victorian Cherub, Eros and Dolphin Chariot Shell Cameo Pendent/Brooch

Located in Brighton, GB

exquisite Victorian cameo, crafted from shell and set in radiant 18ct yellow gold, is a stunning tribute to

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 12k Handcarved Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant
Vintage 12k Handcarved Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant

Vintage 12k Handcarved Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Vintage 12k Hand-Carved Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant is a timeless treasure that reflects the

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Antique 14 Karat Carved Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant
Antique 14 Karat Carved Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant

Antique 14 Karat Carved Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Antique 14 Karat Carved Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant with engraved filigree around octagon bezel

Category

Vintage 1920s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Aurora Goddess Cherub Angel Putti Cameo Pendant Brooch Necklace 18 Karat Gold
Aurora Goddess Cherub Angel Putti Cameo Pendant Brooch Necklace 18 Karat Gold

Aurora Goddess Cherub Angel Putti Cameo Pendant Brooch Necklace 18 Karat Gold

Located in New York, NY

This is an absolutely stunning museum quality antique Victorian Shell Cameo Pendant or Brooch in 18

Category

20th Century Italian Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch
Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch

Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch

Located in Chesterland, OH

Victorian Cameo Brooch. Fabulous carved Victorian brooch made around the late 1800s. It depicts a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Pin Brooch
Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Pin Brooch

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Pin Brooch

Located in Chesterland, OH

Victorian Carved Cameo Brooch. Beautifully carved Victorian brooch made around the 1890s to 1910s

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant
Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant

Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant

Located in Chesterland, OH

Victorian Cameo Brooch. Fabulous carved Victorian brooch made around the late 1800s. The execution

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Materials

10k Gold

Antique Victorian Antinous Vertumnus Shell Cameo Brooch
Antique Victorian Antinous Vertumnus Shell Cameo Brooch

Antique Victorian Antinous Vertumnus Shell Cameo Brooch

Located in London, GB

more than desirable collectors piece, rare and museum quality cameo. Material: Sardonyx Shell, Size

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Materials

15k Gold

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Brooch Greek Young Muse
Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Brooch Greek Young Muse

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Brooch Greek Young Muse

Located in Chesterland, OH

Victorian Cameo Brooch. Amazing carved Victorian brooch made around the 1830s to 1850s. It depicts

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pinchbeck

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Victorian Shell Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact victorian shell brooch you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 14k Gold and Yellow Gold. Finding the perfect victorian shell brooch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. A victorian shell brooch from John Brogden — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. While most can agree that any victorian shell brooch from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 6 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes mixed cut and old european cut alternatives. Finding a victorian shell brooch for sale for women should be easy, but there are 42 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Victorian Shell Brooch?

Prices for a victorian shell brooch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $95 and can go as high as $21,632, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,950.

A Close Look at Victorian Jewelry

The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.

The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.

Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.

Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs. 

Finding the Right Brooches for You

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 GucciVersaceDior 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.

Questions About Victorian Shell Brooch
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    As the name suggests, mourning jewelry represents connection to a deceased individual or loved one. In the Victorian era, people were expected to wear mourning clothing and accessories following the death of a loved one. As brooches were popular during the Victorian period, they became a favorite for those who wanted to memorialize the dead. Find a collection of vintage and antique brooches on 1stDibs today.