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Modern Brooches

MODERN STYLE

Rooted in centuries of history of adornment dating back to the ancient world, modern jewelry reimagines traditional techniques, forms and materials for expressive new pieces. As opposed to contemporary jewelry, which responds to the moment in which it was created, modern jewelry often describes designs from the 20th to 21st centuries that reflect movements and trends in visual culture.

Modern jewelry emerged from the 19th-century shift away from jewelry indicating rank or social status. The Industrial Revolution allowed machine-made jewelry using electric gold plating, metal alloys and imitation stones, making beautiful jewelry widely accessible. Although mass production deemphasized the materials of the jewelry, the vision of the designer remained important, something that would be furthered in the 1960s with what’s known as the “critique of preciousness.”

A design fair called the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” brought global attention to the Art Deco style in 1925 and gathered a mix of jewelry artists alongside master jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and Boucheron. Art Deco designs from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels unconventionally mixed gemstones like placing rock crystals next to diamonds while borrowing motifs from eclectic sources including Asian lacquer and Persian carpets. Among Cartier’s foremost design preoccupations at the time were high-contrast color combinations and crisp, geometric forms and patterns. In the early 20th century, modernist jewelers like Margaret De Patta and artists such as Alexander Calder — who is better known for his kinetic sculptures than his provocative jewelry — explored sculptural metalwork in which geometric shapes and lines were preferred over elaborate ornamentation.

Many of the innovations in modern jewelry were propelled by women designers such as Wendy Ramshaw, who used paper to craft her accessories in the 1960s. During the 1970s, Elsa Peretti created day-to-night pieces for Tiffany & Co. while designers like Lea Stein experimented with layering plastic, a material that had been employed in jewelry since the mid-19th century and had expanded into Bakelite, acrylics and other unique materials.

Find a collection of modern watches, bracelets, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.

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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Modern
Vintage Tiffany and Co 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Owl Brooch Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Tiffany and Co 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Owl Brooch Pin. This gorgeous pin is crafted in 18k yellow gold. This gorgeous pin has genuin...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold

Heidi Daus Tom Turkey Crystal and Enamel Thankgiving Pin Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
Gobble up this holiday feast of sparkle. Attached to your favorite fall scarf, pinned on an oversized lapel, or even used as a glamorous table decoration for the big feast, this whimsical Tom Turkey...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Brooches

Darling Mid-Century Poodle Dog Brooch with Sapphires, Ruby & Diamonds 18K
Located in Bloomington, MN
Darling Mid-Century Poodle Dog Brooch with Sapphires, Ruby & Diamonds in 18K Gold Fall in love with this whimsical Vintage Poodle Brooch, meticu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Christian Lacroix Paris White Enamel Bow Pin Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare, stunning Christian Lacroix Paris signed pin brooch features an oversized dangling bow shape with an ex-voto heart, skull, and CL logo charms in white enameled metal ornate...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Enamel, Gilt Metal

Seaman Schepps Platinum Diamond And Pearl Double Clip Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the timeless allure of the Seaman Schepps Platinum Diamond and Pearl Double Clip Brooch, a masterpiece that marries the elegance of pearls with the brilliance of diamonds in ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Platinum

Heidi Daus Dazzling Damask Pumpkin Crystal and Enamel Pin Brooch Swarovski
Located in Houston, TX
Show the world you're ready for crisp leaves, cooler weather and pumpkin spiced lattes. This dazzling crystal and enamel-covered pumpkin pin jump starts your seasonal wardrobe transi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Brooches

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Satyr Head Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with the enchanting David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Satyr Diamond Face Brooch. This estate piece, measuring 2.2 inch...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald, Ruby And Diamond Openwork Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Multigem Openwork Brooch, a true testament to the designer's artistry. Measuring 6cm in widt...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Heidi Daus Signed Hippity Hoppity Rabbit Crystal Accented Pin Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
Hippity Hopitty Rabbit (With Pink Bow) Pin. Heidi Daus has designed beautiful bunny pins for years. Her Hippity Hopitty rabbit pin is a perfect example of he...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Brooches

Mid-Century Diamond & Sapphire Heart Brooch in 14K Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Wonderful Mid-Century Diamond & Sapphire Heart Brooch in 14K Gold Fall in love with this exquisite Mid-Century Heart Wreath Brooch, finely crafted in bright 14k yellow gold. The hea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver "Grapes" Brooch or Pin No. 217B
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Georg Jensen sterling silver pin or brooch. Model no. 217B (part of the 'Grapes' collection). Designed by Harald Nielsen for Georg Jensen in 1925. This brooch was produced ...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Heidi Daus Moonlighting Owl on Moon Crystal Accented Pin Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
Heidi Daus Moonlighting Crystal Accented Pin Brooch In the pale light of a crescent moon, you hear an owl screeching in the distance. A chill washes over you as you realize you're a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Brooches

Vintage Hallmarked Hattie Carnegie Brooch With Gilt Metal, Green, Blue Glass
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning vintage hallmarked Hattie Carnegie pin/ brooch can be angled or placed straight on. The gilt metal filigree work is surrounded by blue a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Heidi Daus New Fu Dog Enamel Beaded Crystal Feng Shui Protection Pin Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
Symbolizing power, protection, prosperity and guardianship -Heidi's brand new "Fu Dog" Enamel & Beaded Crystal Pin is a tasteful talisman for every jewelry wardrobe! Guardian lions, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Brooches

Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Coral, Black Enamel And Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Experience the timeless elegance of an estate Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Coral, Black Enamel, and Diamond Brooch. This exceptional piece showcases a vibrant orange cabochon-cut coral, m...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Gilded Bee Insect Brooch By Mimi di Niscemi, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 1.25" x 1" - Gold plated - Clear crystal rhinestone pavé wings - Faux coral gemstone eye - By Mimi di ...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches

Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold A Man Eating Noodles Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Presenting an extraordinary creation from the renowned jewelry house Tiffany & Co., designed by the visionary Jean Schlumberger, comes a Yellow Gold Brooch that exemplifies artistry ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Onyx & Diamond Penguins Brooch - 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the beauty of nature and elegance with this Onyx & Diamond Penguins Brooch, featuring a delightful pair of penguins adorned with a total cara...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Robert Lee Morris Gilded Snake Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This is a large, formidable, dramatic brooch to adorn a jacket or winder coat. Or a sash, or scarf or head wrap. So Glamorous and bold, this is iconic Robert...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Platinum 5.00 Carats Estate Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Perfect diamond brooch to decorate your blazer or your dress for the next event or special occasion. This brooch is made in platinum with 4.50cts in mixed cut diamonds and is all fir...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby And Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Discover a true masterpiece of artistry and design with the Estate 18K Yellow Gold David Webb Brooch. With an impressive width of 6cm, this brooch is a testament to meticulous crafts...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 1 CTTW Round X Shape Cut Multi Color Progress Pride Sapphire Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1 CTTW Round-Brilliant Cut Multi-Color Progress Pride Sapphire Pin. X Shaped. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold and weighing 5.6 grams, this pin showcases the vibrancy of a 1-carat ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Signed Designer Cooper Gold Frog Brooch Pin Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Designer Signed Awesome Frog with Ruby Eyes Brooch. Hand crafted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Signed and marked: "COOPER 18K". This brooch epitomizes vi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mings Hawaii Round White Jade Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 27.4 Grams Stone: Natural White Jade Brooch Measurements: ~2" x 2" Stamped: "Mings" Condit...
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Modern Gold Seagull Brooch or Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, signed seagull brooch or pin. By Tiffany & Co. In 18k yellow gold. Simply a wonderfully modern seagull captured in a perfect moment of flight! Condition: It is in overal...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold

Diamond Sapphire Emerald 14 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Vintage Pin Brooch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond, sapphire, and emerald floral brooch handcrafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The flower features a center round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately .15 carat and graded...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

David Webb Maltese Cross 18 Karat Yellow Gold Green Enamel Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Vintage David Webb diamond & 18K gold large size brooch/pendant. The shimmering diamonds weigh approximately 10.50 carats, ranging F to G color and VS clarity. A breath-taking and d...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage British Traffic Control Light Brooch with vivid color Signal Indicators
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful early 20th century British 18 karat yellow gold pole mounted traffic control light brooch is a nostalgic visual delight. Three bright round...
Category

Early 20th Century British Modern Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Signed Gerry's Figural Crouching Leopard Brooch Pin Exotic Cat
Located in Sausalito, CA
Vintage signed Gerry's figural crouching leopard brooch. Size: 2-1/4" x 5/8" Weight: 15.2 Markings: Jerrys Condition: Very good vintage condition with minimal gold...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Mourning Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k yellow gold Gemstone: Seed pearls Gemstones Shape: sphere and round Diameter: 1.45" long, 0.80" wide Total Weight: 6.9 grams Condition: Preowne...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Heidi Daus Shimmering Dragon Crystal Accented Dragon Pin Red Version
Located in Houston, TX
Heidi's Chinoiserie inspired "Shimmering Dragon" Crystal Dragon Pin brings the majesty and fine craftsmanship of the Far East to your jewelry wardrobe in the most jaw-dropping fashio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Brooches

Estate 18K Yellow Gold 27.00cts Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Behold the resplendent beauty of the Estate Diamond Rose Brooch, a true masterpiece that melds nature's grace with the brilliance of diamonds. Crafted in the finest 18K yellow gold, ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Signed Mid-Century 14K Gold & Ruby Boxer Dog Pin or Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine American Mid-Century brooch or pin. In 14k gold. In the form of a boxer dog standing erect and alert with a ruby studded collar around its neck and with a brushed finish thr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Maz Shell Brooch
Located in Darnestown, MD
Beautiful natural shell brooch by Maz. The green has lovely shading from light to dark. Around the shell are gold dots topped with a gold shell shaped spiral. The brooch can be worn ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Maz Shell Brooch
Maz Shell Brooch
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Mourning Black Enamel Gold Brooch 14k
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications:​ Metal: 14k yellow gold Gemstone: Seed pearls Gemstones Shape: sphere and round Diameter: 2.2" long, 0.60" wide Total Weight: 4.1 grams Condition: Preown...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

SAL Swarovski Golden Bow Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stylish Swarovski gold-tone metal bow brooch with pavé-set clear crystals laid out on one band. Marked S.A.L. (Swarovski American, Ltd.) on the ba...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate

12k Gold-Filled Bow Brooch with Freshwater Pearl By Winard, 1940s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '40s - 1.75" x 2" - 12k gold-filled - Genuine freshwater pearl - By Winard (signed on verso) - Circa 1940s - Estate...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Gold-filled

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Ram Diamond Head Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Step into the enchanting realm of the David Webb "Kingdom Collection" with this extraordinary and rare Ram's Head brooch pendant. Crafted in luxurious 18 KT yellow gold, this piece i...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Diamond Floral Brooch By Henry Dunay
Located in New Orleans, LA
This sophisticated brooch from the famed American jeweler Henry Dunay takes the form of a bouquet of beautiful amaryllis flowers. Two colored diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 car...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

David Webb Platinum & Gold Sagittarius Diamond Zodiac Pendant Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your gifting with a touch of legendary elegance from renowned New York-based jeweler David Webb. The mastermind behind iconic adornments for style icons like the Duchess of Windsor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis during the glamorous '60s and '70s, Webb's legacy shines bright in this exquisite creation. Behold the captivating David Webb Sagittarius...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

1950s Mikimoto Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mikimoto Cultured Pearl and Yellow Gold Brooch, circa 1950. SPECIFICATIONS: PEARLS: Cultured Pearls from 3.4mm to 7.6mm. METAL: 14K yellow gold WEIGHT: 10.7 grams. DIMENSION...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Chanel Starburst Brooch Pin c2001 Large Crystal Yellow Gold Tone
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Chanel Large Starburst crystal brooch (circa 2001) crafted in yellow gold tone. Small crystals are set into the large starburst motif. Large...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Base Metal

IO SI 18K White Gold 2.31ctw Diamond Pin
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
io Si by Stefan Hafner Pin 18K White Gold Diamond: 2.31ctw Italian made Retail price: $14,225.00 SKU: BLU01962
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Angela Cummings Gold and Enamel Sunflower Brooch
Located in Darnestown, MD
This 18 karat gold and enamel Sunflower brooch by Angela Cummings is wonderfully textured and dimensional. The height of the enamel floral center is i...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Monkey On A Pearl And Emerald Eyes Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the whimsical charm of this delightful David Webb monkey brooch, a true testament to the brand's artistic brilliance. Crafted with met...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Tiffany & Co. Platinum 7.20cttw Diamond Double Clip Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Prepare to be enchanted by the sheer elegance and versatility of this Tiffany & Co. diamond brooch. Crafted in exquisite platinum, this remarkable piece showcases a stunning display ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Vintage Multi Gem Diamond Parrot of Splendor Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Vintage Collection Multi Gem Diamond Parrot of Splendor Brooch Van Cleef & Arpels mastered the art of precious birds in flight in the early 1920s. No Paris...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Brooches

David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Airplane Lapis And Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Prepare to be mesmerized by the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic flair of this David Webb brooch. Handcrafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum, this brooch is a true testament to ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Porrati 18K White Gold Diamond & Pearl Brooch
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Porrati Brooch 18K White Gold Diamond: 5.08ctw Italian made Retail price: $41,000.00 SKU: BLU02085
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Carved Coral Rose Gold Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved coral and gold rose brooch circa 1960. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #P-DJ93A. Scroll down for detailed specifications. Designed as a flower stem sho...
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, 14k Gold

18K White Gold Large Quartz And Diamond Wings Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Discover the epitome of bespoke craftsmanship with this exquisite custom-made brooch, a fusion of elegance and versatility. Crafted in 18k white gold, the centerpiece boasts an oval ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Lion Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Unleash your inner queen with the magnificent David Webb Lion 18K Yellow Gold Brooch. This awe-inspiring piece is a symbol of strength and power, crafted with...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Unsigned Diamante Domed Brooch Circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Unsigned Diamante Domed Brooch. Pave and Baguette make up this small brooch that would look great on a lapel or hat or even on a black silk co...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Mixed Metal

Heidi Daus Fabulous Tabby Crystal Accented Brooch Pin
Located in Houston, TX
Find the purr-fect finishing touch to any outfit in Heidi's glittering, crystal-studded tabby. It's the cat's meow perched on your fave scarf, coat, dress, top, and more. Approx. 2-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Brooches

Stefan Hafner 18K White Gold Diamond Pin
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Stefan Hafner Pin 18K White Gold Diamond: 0.65ctw Italian made Retail price: $7,100.00 SKU: BLU01298
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cilea Paris Resin Pin Brooch Playful Red and Brown Hot Air Balloon
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed this cute dimensional hot air balloon pin brooch. This fantasy-inspired hand-made artisanal resin piece features a massive air balloon shape with different textu...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Brooches

Tiffany & Company 18k Gold and Citrine " Fireworks" Brooch and Earrings Set
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very interesting set absolutely does conjure up the feeling of fireworks exploding and lighting up the evening sky. Crafted from 18k yellow gold with rich Rio Madera natural Cit...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold

Estate 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum 20.00cttw Round Diamond Bird Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The estate diamond bird brooch is an extraordinary piece of jewelry that captures the essence of grace and elegance. Crafted with meticulous artistry, this brooch showcases a stunnin...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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