Vintage Wishbone Brooch

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.

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.