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Vintage 1990s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Insect Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
hallmarked to the underside of a foot with the 18k gold fineness mark 750. This impressive vintage gemstone
Category

1990s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Vintage Agate and Diamond Yellow Gold Lovebird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
vintage gemstone brooch is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. Images do not always
Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 12.39 Carat Amethyst Pearl and Ruby Yellow Gold Insect Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
the 14k gold fineness mark (14K). This impressive vintage gemstone brooch is supplied with an
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage French 1960s 38.65 Carat Oval Cut Citrine and Ruby Gold Turtle Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
SSM'. This vintage gemstone brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Vintage Gemstone Insect Brooch
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A whimsical take on the insect brooch. This beautiful butterfly features agate, amethyst, citrine
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Gemstone Insect Brooch
Vintage Gemstone Insect Brooch
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W 1.25 in
Vintage Lapis Lazuli, 0.70 Carat Turquoise and 0.18 Carat Diamond Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
. This vintage gemstone brooch is hallmarked to the reverse with an Italian mark (ITALY) an the 18k
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Yellow Gold

Vintage Lapis Lazuli, 0.70 Carat Turquoise and 0.18 Carat Diamond Brooch
Vintage Lapis Lazuli, 0.70 Carat Turquoise and 0.18 Carat Diamond Brooch
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H 0.59 in W 1.4 in D 0.59 in Dm 1.4 in L 1.02 in
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Multi-Gemstone Brooch 6.3g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage floral design gemstone brooch. Stamped 14k and weighs 6.3 grams. There are four heart
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Italian 8.25ct Dyed Quartz, Turquoise and Ruby Yellow Gold Rabbit Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
fastening. This vintage gemstone brooch is hallmarked to the reverse with an Italian mark (ITALY), the 18k
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Brooches

Materials

Quartz, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

21.88ct Amethyst 1.80 Carat Diamond 1.44 Carat Sapphire and White Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
brooch secures to the reverse with a spring loaded hinged double pin fastening. This vintage gemstone
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Vintage 4.83 Carat Pink Sapphire and 1.10 Carat Tourmaline and Diamond Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
brooch secures to the reverse with a double hinged pin fastening. This vintage gemstone brooch has been
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Go...

Cartier Vintage Flower Basket Brooch with gemstones
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
Cartier Vintage Flower Basket Brooch with Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires This vintage
Category

Vintage 1950s French Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Multi Gemstones Vintage Style Butterfly Brooch in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
. All of our brooch are available in various kinds of gemstones, We offer four metals; white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Gold Brooch Vintage Cat Pin Gemstones
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This cat brooch has a charming, lifelike quality. The matte gold finish gives the cat a soft
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

18k Gold Brooch Vintage Cat Pin Gemstones
18k Gold Brooch Vintage Cat Pin Gemstones
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W 0.5 in L 2 in
Vintage Various Art Nouveau Brooches with Gemstones
Located in Stamford, CT
Three various brooches, all with the finest gold work from the early 1900's, are from the far right
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

1950s Italian 11.19ct Banded Agate, Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Cockerel Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
pin and safety fastening. This vintage gemstone brooch is hallmarked to the reverse with an Italian
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Yellow Gold, Enamel

1.65 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Flag Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
stone. Condition This impressive vintage gemstone brooch is exceptional quality, set with an
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.65 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Flag Brooch
1.65 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Flag Brooch
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H 0.14 in W 1.34 in L 1.18 in
Vintage gold tone faux gemstones dangle designer brooch
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with faux gemstones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Chanel Vintage Gripoix Multi-Gemstone & Crystal Flower Brooch
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Very Rare - Chanel Vintage Gripoix Multi-Gemstone & Crystal Flower Brooch Very rare is this gold
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

1950s Diamond and Pearl Yellow and Rose Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
each stone. Condition This stunning vintage gemstone brooch is exceptional quality set with impressive
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

1950s Diamond and Pearl Yellow and Rose Gold Brooch
1950s Diamond and Pearl Yellow and Rose Gold Brooch
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H 0.24 in W 2.52 in L 2.89 in
Vintage Yellow Gold Multi Gemstone Floral Spray Brooch
Located in New York, NY
brooch are a variety of colorful gemstones, including tourmaline, peridot, amethyst, sapphire, quartz
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline...

Vintage Yellow Gold Multi Gemstone Floral Spray Brooch
Vintage Yellow Gold Multi Gemstone Floral Spray Brooch
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H 0.32 in W 1.38 in L 2.12 in
Mabe Pearl Fancy Yellow Diamond Ruby Sapphire and Emerald Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive vintage gemstone brooch has been crafted in 18k
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Multi-Gemstone and Yellow Gold 'Cart' Brooch by Alabaster and Wilson
By Alabaster and Wilson
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
' brooch by Alabaster & Wilson; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This
Category

Vintage 1960s British Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Ruby, Tourmaline, Multi-gemstone, 9k Gold, Rose Gold,...

Vintage Ornate Snowflake Brooch Diamond Turquoise & Star Ruby Gemstones
Located in MIAMI, FL
Beautiful snowflake brooch crafted in 14k yellow gold. The brooch highlights one star ruby gemstone
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Star Ruby, 14k Gold

Boucheron 1950s Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive vintage gemstone brooch has been crafted in 18k
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elizabeth Gage Vintage Carved Gemstone & Antique Elizabeth I Coin Brooch
By Elizabeth Gage
Located in London, GB
A vintage 18ct yellow gold brooch with original antique Elizabeth I silver coin and carved gemstone
Category

Late 20th Century English Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver

Opal & Red Gemstone Flower Brooch in 10K Yellow Gold Vintage
Located in Puyallup, WA
Elevate your attire with this vintage Opal & Red Gemstone Flower Brooch in 10K Yellow Gold. This
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Opal, Yellow Gold

Vintage Eisenberg Designer Signed Faux Gemstone Christmas Tree Brooch Pin
By Eisenberg
Located in Montreal, QC
Gemstones in Gold-tone mounting Holiday Brooch Pin. Measuring approx. 2.25" high. More Beautiful in Real
Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate

Vintage Eisenberg Designer Signed Faux Gemstone Christmas Tree Brooch Pin
By Eisenberg
Located in Montreal, QC
Gemstones in Gold-tone mounting Holiday Brooch Pin. Measuring approx. 2.25" high. More Beautiful in Real
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Massive Gold Tone and Faux Gemstones Brooch
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage massive gold tone brooch featuring a textured center adorned with faux
Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Massive Gold Tone and Faux Gemstones Brooch
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage massive gold tone brooch featuring a textured center adorned by faux
Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

David Webb Vintage Brooch Gold Grasshopper Enamel Gemstones Estate Jewelry
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An impressive vintage brooch by David Webb made of 18k gold, green enamel, and gemstones. This
Category

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

14K Rose Gold and Multi-Gemstone Brooch and Pin
Located in Towson, MD
This exquisite 1920s brooch and pin set is crafted from luxurious 14 karat rose gold, showcasing
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Multi-gemstone, Peridot, Quartz, Topaz, Tourmaline, 14k Gold...

Antique French Turquoise and 0.27Ct Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Grasshopper Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Street, London'. This impressive vintage gemstone brooch is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone
Category

Antique 1830s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Vintage Blue Gemstone Cabochon Pin Brooch in Decorative Filigree Bezel
Located in Milford, DE
Victorian-era pin brooch, featuring a light-blue gemstone cabochon set in a decorative silver-tone
Category

20th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Tiffany & Co. Vintage Pink Quartz Gemstone Yellow Gold Cat Face Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cute vintage Cat Face brooch by Tiffany & Co. made of pink quartz and 18k yellow gold. Features
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Quartz, Blue Sapphire, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage style Rose cut Diamond Gemstones Sterling silver Queen Bee Brooch pin
Located in Delhi, DL
This Gorgeous Queen Bee Diamond Sapphire brooch is a unique handcrafted art. It brings back the
Category

2010s Asian Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

3.35 Ct. Pink Tourmaline Multi Gemstone Antique Style Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Vintage Deco style white gold brooch depicting a central pink lotus flower bud under its leaves
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, W...

Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Seahorse Brooch Gold Enamel Gemstones
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Seahorse brooch, made of 18k gold, featuring enamel and
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bird Brooch 18k Gold - Vintage Animal Gold Brooch
Located in Magenta, IT
An 18 carat yellow gold brooch depicting a bird. Beautiful chiseled decorations all over the body
Category

Mid-20th Century European Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique 18k Gold Butterfly Brooch with Gemstones: Sapphire Diamonds Emerald
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage: Yes Diamond Clarity Grade: SI1-I1 Brand: Unbranded Type: Brooch Metal Purity: 18K (AU 72.91-75
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Asch Grossbardt 18K Yellow Gold DIAMONDs Inlaid Gemstone DragonFly BROOCH Pendan
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Materials: Stone Gemstone: Turquoise Stunning Asch Grossbardt 18K Yellow Gold Inlaid
Category

Early 2000s Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique 2.60 total weight gemstone pearl 18k yellow gold floral brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and pearls for a striking vintage statement. Total gemstone weight
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Cartier Sapphire Gold Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Measurement: 1 5/8" x 1 7/16" Hallmarks: Cartier, Paris A feminine vintage Cartier brooch of floral design
Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Cartier Sapphire Gold Brooch
Vintage Cartier Sapphire Gold Brooch
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W 1.44 in L 1.63 in
Aldo Cipullo Cartier Octopus Diamond Brooch 18k Gold Gemstones Estate Jewelry
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An Aldo Cipullo for Cartier Octopus diamond brooch, made of 18k gold and featuring gemstones. This
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Donald Claflin for Tiffany & Co. Giraffe Gold Brooch Gemstones Estate Jewelry
By Donald Claflin for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular brooch by Donald Claflin, made of 18k gold, featuring colored gemstones and diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Zircon, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Owl Brooch, c.1975
Located in London, GB
This intricately crafted brooch is crafted in the likeness of an owl. The beautiful 18 carat yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold

14k Gold Diamond & Gemstone Baroque Pearl Artist Painters Pallet Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent, handmade, vintage brooch or pendant is crafted from solid 14k yellow gold. It
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby, ...

Elizabeth Gage 18K Flower Brooch
By Elizabet Gage
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Vintage 18K Flower Brooch by Elizabeth Gage is a true marvel of elegance and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Elizabeth Gage 18K Flower Brooch
Elizabeth Gage 18K Flower Brooch
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W 2 in L 1.75 in
Modernist 1970 Convertible Maltese Pendant Brooch 18Kt Gold 106.86 Cts Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
Convertible Maltese Cross pendant brooch. A flamboyant and colorful iconic piece, created with
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, Malachite, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Pearl Diamond Multi-Gemstone Clown Brooch and Pendant
Located in Banbury, GB
Featuring a Unique Vintage Multi-gem Clown Pin Pendant, handcrafted in 18k Yellow Gold; the clown
Category

Early 2000s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s Yellow Gold Poodle Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine vintage 18 karat yellow gold brooch in the form of a poodle; part of our vintage jewelry and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1960s Yellow Gold Poodle Brooch
Vintage 1960s Yellow Gold Poodle Brooch
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H 1.6 in L 1 in
Vintage 1970s Yellow Gold Piggie Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1970s yellow gold and ruby Piggie brooch. The vintage 1970s yellow gold and ruby Piggie
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s Yellow Gold Piggie Brooch
Vintage 1970s Yellow Gold Piggie Brooch
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W 1.43 in L 0.94 in
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 Platinum Diamond Flower Brooch Pendant
Located in Darien, CT
Elevate your style in a most extravagant manner with this Platinum Diamond brooch pendant. The
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum Diamond Flower Brooch Pendant
Vintage Platinum Diamond Flower Brooch Pendant
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W 1.5 in L 1.625 in
Vintage Gem Set Floral Pendant/Brooch
Located in London, GB
This is a lovely vintage gem set pendant/brooch. The pendant has been set with an array of round
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Ruby, Silver

18K Solid gold honey bee Brooch - Vintage estate handmade collar brooch
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this very cute well detailled insect brooch. This 18k yellow gold animal is set with a
Category

Late 20th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18ct Gold & Enamel Hedgehog Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Hedgehog Brooch 18ct Gold Circa 1960’s Beautiful vintage hedgehog brooch. Set with a
Category

Mid-20th Century English Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 18ct Gold & Enamel Hedgehog Brooch
Vintage 18ct Gold & Enamel Hedgehog Brooch
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H 1.19 in W 0.99 in
Vintage Diamond Scorpion Brooch, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Created in 18 carat yellow gold, in the likeness of a scorpion, this vintage brooch is a truly
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Silver Spiral Brooch with Green Detail
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
A vintage silver spiral brooch with green detail sounds like a beautiful and intriguing piece of
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Silver

Vintage Silver Spiral Brooch with Green Detail
Vintage Silver Spiral Brooch with Green Detail
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H 0.25 in W 2 in L 1.75 in
Vintage Onyx & Pearl Brooch 14 Karat Gold
Located in Austin, TX
The details for this fabulous vintage brooch are listed below: Metal Quality: 14 karats Length: 1
Category

Mid-20th Century American Revival Brooches

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Vintage Gemstone Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage gemstone brooch you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Yellow Gold and 14k Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 34 vintage editions and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect vintage gemstone brooch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic vintage gemstone brooch over the years, but those made by Chopard, Alabaster and Wilson and Custom Neiman Marcus are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A vintage gemstone brooch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 9, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. 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 brilliant cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a vintage gemstone brooch, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Vintage Gemstone Brooch?

The price for a vintage gemstone brooch starts at $140 and tops out at $28,000 with these brooches, on average, selling for $1,850.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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 Gemstone 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.