Vintage Mourning Brooch
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Mourning Brooch
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Mourning Brooch
Pearl, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s Italian Arts and Crafts Vintage Mourning Brooch
Garnet, Gold, Enamel
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Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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1980s American Modern Vintage Mourning Brooch
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19th Century American Victorian Vintage Mourning Brooch
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19th Century British Victorian Vintage Mourning Brooch
Garnet, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century British Victorian Vintage Mourning Brooch
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Gold, 15k Gold
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19th Century British Victorian Vintage Mourning Brooch
Silver Plate
19th Century Russian Vintage Mourning Brooch
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19th Century Vintage Mourning Brooch
Garnet, Yellow Gold
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20th Century Vintage Mourning Brooch
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Mourning Brooch
Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Mourning Brooch
Diamond, 14k Gold
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20th Century Vintage Mourning Brooch
Gold
Finding the Right brooches for You
Antique and vintage brooches, which are decorative jewels traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones.
Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.
At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric.
Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.
Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021As 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To 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.
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