Skip to main content

Vintage Animal Brooch

1940s Textured Brass Scottie Dog Figural Brooch
1940s Textured Brass Scottie Dog Figural Brooch

1940s Textured Brass Scottie Dog Figural Brooch

Located in Milford, DE

accessory is ideal for collectors of vintage animal brooches or lovers of Scottie dogs. It’s lightweight and

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Brass

Christian Lacroix Vintage Jewelled Imaginary Animal Brooch
Christian Lacroix Vintage Jewelled Imaginary Animal Brooch

Christian Lacroix Vintage Jewelled Imaginary Animal Brooch

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage brooch featuring an imaginary animal embellished with multicolored

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Vintage gold tone emerald rhinestone frog animal brooch
Vintage gold tone emerald rhinestone frog animal brooch

Vintage gold tone emerald rhinestone frog animal brooch

Located in Palos Hills, IL

DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS

Category

20th Century Brooches

Heavy 18k ladybug Brooch - Vintage estate Italian collar brooch - enamel animal
Heavy 18k ladybug Brooch - Vintage estate Italian collar brooch - enamel animal

Heavy 18k ladybug Brooch - Vintage estate Italian collar brooch - enamel animal

Located in Antwerp, BE

For sale is this wonderful Italian Ladybug brooch. This 18k yellow gold animal is set with 11 small

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Panther Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Brooch Estate Fine Animal Jewelry
Vintage Panther Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Brooch Estate Fine Animal Jewelry

Vintage Panther Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Brooch Estate Fine Animal Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Unique & stylish vintage panther pendant/brooch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1980s to

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari 1980s Ruby Diamond Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Elephant Animal Brooch
Bulgari 1980s Ruby Diamond Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Elephant Animal Brooch

Bulgari 1980s Ruby Diamond Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Elephant Animal Brooch

By Bulgari

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed as a stylized whimsical elephant with layered geometric gold features Featuring organic wavy forms decorated with champlevé style enamel Opaque black and periwinkle in color...

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Swan Brooch with Diamonds and Rubies
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Swan Brooch with Diamonds and Rubies

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Swan Brooch with Diamonds and Rubies

$1,568Sale Price|20% Off

W 0.75 in L 0.72 in

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Swan Brooch with Diamonds and Rubies

Located in New York, NY

vintage and modern animal-motif brooches, highlighting their timeless appeal and collectible nature

Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tsavorite Garnet (Approx 3.55ct) W/ Yellow Diamond & Ruby Frog Brooch
Tsavorite Garnet (Approx 3.55ct) W/ Yellow Diamond & Ruby Frog Brooch

Tsavorite Garnet (Approx 3.55ct) W/ Yellow Diamond & Ruby Frog Brooch

Located in New York, NY

: Figural Brooch, Vintage Statement Brooch, Animal Motif Brooch Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: Approx

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18KT Yellow Gold Hand Carved Citrine Frog Brooch with Diamond Eyes
18KT Yellow Gold Hand Carved Citrine Frog Brooch with Diamond Eyes

18KT Yellow Gold Hand Carved Citrine Frog Brooch with Diamond Eyes

Located in New York, NY

A striking vintage brooch showcasing a beautifully hand-carved citrine gemstone sculpted in the

Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Kieselstein-Cord 1988 18K Yellow Gold Alligator Bypass Vintage Animal Brooch
Kieselstein-Cord 1988 18K Yellow Gold Alligator Bypass Vintage Animal Brooch

Kieselstein-Cord 1988 18K Yellow Gold Alligator Bypass Vintage Animal Brooch

By KIESELSTEIN-CORD

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Brooch is designed as a highly rendered alligator - terminating with its head and tail Featuring

Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Manatee Animal Bar Brooch
Vintage Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Manatee Animal Bar Brooch

Vintage Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Manatee Animal Bar Brooch

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed as two manatees - mother and child With a satin finish throughout and round brilliant cut diamond accents as eyes Flush set and weighing in total approximately 0.06 carat;...

Category

1990s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Enamel and Diamond Alligator Animal Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Vintage Enamel and Diamond Alligator Animal Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Vintage Enamel and Diamond Alligator Animal Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in Fairfield, CT

another animal to add to their zoo, this brooch combines artistry and high-quality materials. Whether as a

Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Giraffe Brooch 18 Karat Gold Pin Animal Jewelry Estate Fine Enamel
Vintage Giraffe Brooch 18 Karat Gold Pin Animal Jewelry Estate Fine Enamel

Vintage Giraffe Brooch 18 Karat Gold Pin Animal Jewelry Estate Fine Enamel

Located in Torrance, CA

Majestic vintage Giraffe brooch, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The giraffe features lifelike

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960's Vintage Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Modernist Animal Fox Brooch
1960's Vintage Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Modernist Animal Fox Brooch

1960's Vintage Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Modernist Animal Fox Brooch

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Brooch is designed as a stylized fox with bold features and a bushy tail Accented by prong set

Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jean Eté Yellow Gold Animal Clip Cocker Spaniel with Collar Vintage
Jean Eté Yellow Gold Animal Clip Cocker Spaniel with Collar Vintage

Jean Eté Yellow Gold Animal Clip Cocker Spaniel with Collar Vintage

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Cute yet classy cocker spaniel brooch/clip by French jewelry designer Jean Eté. Made of 18k

Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

18k Two Tone Gold, Diamond & Enamel Ladybird Brooch
18k Two Tone Gold, Diamond & Enamel Ladybird Brooch

18k Two Tone Gold, Diamond & Enamel Ladybird Brooch

By Miss Ladybird

Located in Los Angeles, CA

of fine estate jewelry, ideal for collectors of animal-themed brooches or lovers of whimsical vintage

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Carved Opal Horse Head Pendant Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Round Brooch Animal
Carved Opal Horse Head Pendant Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Round Brooch Animal

Carved Opal Horse Head Pendant Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Round Brooch Animal

Located in Torrance, CA

Elegant and finely detailed vintage carved opal pendant/brooch crafted in 14 karat yellow gold

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Bakelite Lea Stein Gomina Sleeping Kitten Kitty Cat Animal Pin Brooch
Vintage Bakelite Lea Stein Gomina Sleeping Kitten Kitty Cat Animal Pin Brooch

Vintage Bakelite Lea Stein Gomina Sleeping Kitten Kitty Cat Animal Pin Brooch

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage bakelite Lea Stein Gomina striped ivory/cream pin in the shape of a sleeping cat with

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Bakelite

Vintage Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Cat Animal Pin Brooch
Vintage Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Cat Animal Pin Brooch

Vintage Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Cat Animal Pin Brooch

Located in Miami, FL

This whimsical Vinatge cat brooch is crafted in 14-karat yellow gold, weighing 19 grams and

Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Swan Brooch 18k Gold  with Ruby, Chalcedony and Onyx - Vintage Animal Pin Brooch
Swan Brooch 18k Gold  with Ruby, Chalcedony and Onyx - Vintage Animal Pin Brooch

Swan Brooch 18k Gold with Ruby, Chalcedony and Onyx - Vintage Animal Pin Brooch

Located in Magenta, IT

An onyx, white chalcedony, ruby and 18k gold swan clip brooch. Stamped 750. Very good condition

Category

20th Century French Modern Brooches

Materials

Chalcedony, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 12.24cts Dragon Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Animal Pin Brooch
Vintage 12.24cts Dragon Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Animal Pin Brooch

Vintage 12.24cts Dragon Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Animal Pin Brooch

Located in Miami, FL

Bring a dash of color to your wardrobe with this unique Vintage Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Unique

Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage Lunch at the Ritz Animal Safari Tiger Themed Brooch/ Pendant
Vintage Lunch at the Ritz Animal Safari Tiger Themed Brooch/ Pendant

Vintage Lunch at the Ritz Animal Safari Tiger Themed Brooch/ Pendant

By Lunch at the Ritz

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Lunch at the Ritz Animal Safari Tiger Themed Brooch/ Pendant in good condition can us

Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Other, 24k Gold, Brass

Vintage Giraffe Brooch 18k Yellow Gold Pin Animal Jewelry Estate Fine Enamel
Vintage Giraffe Brooch 18k Yellow Gold Pin Animal Jewelry Estate Fine Enamel

Vintage Giraffe Brooch 18k Yellow Gold Pin Animal Jewelry Estate Fine Enamel

Located in Torrance, CA

Majestic vintage Giraffe brooch, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The giraffe features lifelike

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Cat & Mouse Brooch Vintage 18k Gold Pink Diamond Emerald Fine Animal Jewelry
Cat & Mouse Brooch Vintage 18k Gold Pink Diamond Emerald Fine Animal Jewelry

Cat & Mouse Brooch Vintage 18k Gold Pink Diamond Emerald Fine Animal Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Finely detailed cat & mouse brooch, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Diamonds total an estimated

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Elephant Brooch 9k Yellow Gold Pin Animal Jewelry Estate Fine Garnet Eye
Vintage Elephant Brooch 9k Yellow Gold Pin Animal Jewelry Estate Fine Garnet Eye

Vintage Elephant Brooch 9k Yellow Gold Pin Animal Jewelry Estate Fine Garnet Eye

Located in Torrance, CA

Majestic vintage Elephant brooch, crafted in 9 karat yellow gold (circa 1969). One estimated 0.05

Category

Mid-20th Century British Modern Brooches

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Double Dachshund Dog Pendant Angel Halo Vintage 14k Gold Diamond Animal Jewelry
Double Dachshund Dog Pendant Angel Halo Vintage 14k Gold Diamond Animal Jewelry

Double Dachshund Dog Pendant Angel Halo Vintage 14k Gold Diamond Animal Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Finely detailed vintage double Dachshund pendant/brooch crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1960s to

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tiffany & Co Horse Head Stick Pin 14 Karat Gold Equine Animal Jewelry
Vintage Tiffany & Co Horse Head Stick Pin 14 Karat Gold Equine Animal Jewelry

Vintage Tiffany & Co Horse Head Stick Pin 14 Karat Gold Equine Animal Jewelry

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Torrance, CA

Finely detailed vintage Tiffany & Co stick pin, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The horse head

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Onyx Mother of Pearl and Diamonds
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Onyx Mother of Pearl and Diamonds

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Onyx Mother of Pearl and Diamonds

Located in New York, NY

brings timeless charm to both casual and formal looks. Collector’s Note: Vintage animal-themed brooches

Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Toliro 18K Yellow Gold Rough Mabe Pearl Belly Ruby Eye Ostrich Brooch
Vintage Toliro 18K Yellow Gold Rough Mabe Pearl Belly Ruby Eye Ostrich Brooch

Vintage Toliro 18K Yellow Gold Rough Mabe Pearl Belly Ruby Eye Ostrich Brooch

By Toliro

Located in Houston, TX

gold animal pearl vintage brooch. The metal was tested and determined to be 18K yellow gold. Engraved

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

LB offers Vintage Art Nouveau French belt buckle centerpiece Agates Necklace
LB offers Vintage Art Nouveau French belt buckle centerpiece Agates Necklace

LB offers Vintage Art Nouveau French belt buckle centerpiece Agates Necklace

By Lorraines' Bijoux

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

centerpiece necklace. This buckle is layered with vintage Sterling Silver and Marcasite animal brooches and

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Amethyst, Marcasite, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Brass

Diamond Turquoise Animal Brooch
Diamond Turquoise Animal Brooch

Diamond Turquoise Animal Brooch

Located in NY, NY

18K TT VINTAGE DIAMOND, TURQUOISE ANIMAL: PICES PIN / BROOCH, 20.80 dwt., 2.00ct. TW ROUND

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

People Also Browsed

Christian Lacroix Vintage Silver Toned Crystal Choker Necklace
Christian Lacroix Vintage Silver Toned Crystal Choker Necklace

Christian Lacroix Vintage Silver Toned Crystal Choker Necklace

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage silver toned articulated choker necklace embellished with multicolored crystals (clear, grey, pink, blue). Silver tone metal hardware. Adjustable lobster ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Cascading Necklace
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Cascading Necklace

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Cascading Necklace

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage gold tone cascading necklace made of various chains, embellished with clear crystals. Marked CHRISTIAN LACROIX CL Made in France. Indicative measurements ...

Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Gold Tone Opulent Cross Brooch
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Gold Tone Opulent Cross Brooch

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Gold Tone Opulent Cross Brooch

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage gold tone opulent cross brooch embellished with multicolored crystals, faux pearls and iridescent glass cabochons. Embossed CHRISTIAN LACROIX CL Made in Fr...

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Cascading Crosses Lapel Pin Brooch
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Cascading Crosses Lapel Pin Brooch

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Cascading Crosses Lapel Pin Brooch

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage gold tone lapel pin brooch featuring cascading crosses embellished with glass cabochons, multicolor crystals and faux pearls. Pearled heart top with CL mono...

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Gold Tone Jewelled Torque Cross Pendant Necklace
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Gold Tone Jewelled Torque Cross Pendant Necklace

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Gold Tone Jewelled Torque Cross Pendant Necklace

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage textured gold tone torque necklace featuring a cross pendant embellished with multicolored crystals, glass and faux turquoise cabochons. Adjustable hook cl...

Category

20th Century French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Necklace Rainbow Collection
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Necklace Rainbow Collection

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Necklace Rainbow Collection

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage gold tone necklace featuring textured free form links embellished with multicolor crystals. CHRISTIAN LACROIX Rainbow Collection. T-bar and toggles closur...

Category

20th Century French Link Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

1980s Christian Lacroix Heart Bird Necklace
1980s Christian Lacroix Heart Bird Necklace

1980s Christian Lacroix Heart Bird Necklace

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Paris, FR

1980s Christian Lacroix heart bird necklace featuring black/bronze-tone stone, bead detailing, heart motif, cable-link chain, lobster claw fastening, adjustable-length chain. Length ...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Beaded Necklaces

Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Matador Dangling Earrings
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Matador Dangling Earrings

Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Matador Dangling Earrings

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage rare dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring a textured heart-shaped top embossed with a CL monogram and an enameled matador. Marked CHRISTIAN LACROIX CL Mad...

Category

20th Century French Dangle Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Enamel Cross Brooch
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Enamel Cross Brooch

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Enamel Cross Brooch

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage gold tone cross brooch embellished with purple enamel and muticolored crystals. Marked CHRISTIAN LACROIX CL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max....

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Enameled Seaweed Dangle Brooch
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Enameled Seaweed Dangle Brooch

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Enameled Seaweed Dangle Brooch

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage silver tone with multicolored enamel dangle brooch featuring a seaweed design embellished with clear crystals and glass cabochons. Embossed CHRISTIAN LACRO...

Category

20th Century French Brooches

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Floral Brooch
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Floral Brooch

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Floral Brooch

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage gold tone floral brooch embellished with multicolored crystals and garlands. Cursive signature CHRISTIAN LACROIX Made in France (on the reverse side). Ind...

Category

20th Century French Brooches

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Blue Heart Brooch
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Blue Heart Brooch

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Blue Heart Brooch

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Nice, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage gold tone brooch featuring an iridescent blue heart at the center, blue crystals, turquoise color cabochon, rhodoid elements, resin faux pearl and blue flow...

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Christian Lacroix multicoloured brooch
Christian Lacroix multicoloured brooch

Christian Lacroix multicoloured brooch

By Christian Lacroix

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX (Made in France) Stylized cross brooch made of gilted metal and plexiglas containing multicoloured glitters. Condition: Very good condition Measurements: Height: ...

Category

1990s French Brooches

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage Animal Brooch", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage Animal Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage animal brooch for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Yellow Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Finding the perfect vintage animal brooch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic vintage animal brooch over the years, but those made by Billy Boy and Tiffany & Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A vintage animal brooch of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 4, is particularly popular. See these pages for a brilliant cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cabochon cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a vintage animal brooch, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Vintage Animal Brooch?

The price for a vintage animal brooch starts at $135 and tops out at $17,999 with these brooches, on average, selling for $1,593.

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 Vintage Animal Brooch
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    To tell if a brooch is vintage, take a look at its fastener. Pieces made during the first half of the 20th century often had a long thin fastener that you push to open or close. This style of hardware is commonly known as a trombone clasp. Locking safety clasps emerged during the 1930s, and jewelers used them throughout the rest of the 20th century. You can also check brooches for a date stamp or research the maker's mark to determine who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine the age. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or professional jeweler examine the piece. On 1stDibs, find a variety of brooches from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To identify vintage brooches, look for the maker's marks. You can usually find them on the backs of brooches. Take a photo of the marking on your brooch, and then conduct a reverse image search to learn who the maker is. If you're unsuccessful, research the marks using trusted online resources or consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Shop a diverse assortment of vintage brooches on 1stDibs.