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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
Line Vautrin Blue and White Mirrors Talosel Signed Brooch Pin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ultra-chic Line Vautrin Talosel geometric brooch pin. Encrusted with clear and blue mirrored glass with iridescence in a tridimensional modernist shape. Glass and Talosel, a techniqu...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Brooches

David Webb Green Enamel Frog Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
As the company says: "Frogs are lucky," was just one of David Webb's many quips. This dear frog was among the many frogs hatched by the jeweler in 1964. Webb creations are highly sou...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Enamel

Chanel Silver-Tone Metal CC Paris Round Brooch
Located in Irvine, CA
Chanel Silver-tone Metal CC Paris Round Brooch features interlocking CC logo at the center and silver-tone hardware. 54074MSC
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Natural Jadeite Jade Carved Chinese Sailboat and Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A vintage natural carved jade and 14K yellow gold sailboat brooch boasting (4) four round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately .08ct tw. Fitted with pin and safety catch - ready to sail away... These iconic ships have long been one of the defining symbols of Chinese naval warfare, travel, and trade. This intricately made Chinese...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Gold Rhinestone with Faux Dangling Pearl Brooch Circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Rhinestone with Faux Dangling Pearl Brooch Circa 1960s. Just the nice brooch to jazz you up. Classic and Chic!
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Mother of Pearl & Pastel Beaded Floral Cluster Brooch By Miriam Haskell, 1940s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '40s - Extremely rare, early design from the iconic designer Miriam Haskell - 2" x 1.5" - Mother of Pearl disc - Past...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Brooches

David Webb Platinum & Yellow Gold Amethyst, Coral and Rock Crystal Star Brooch
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst, Coral And Rock Crystal Star Brooch. An exciting brooch by David Webb crafted in 18K yellow gold with diamonds set in platinum. Center...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, ...

Vintage Trifari Basket Brooch Circa 1937
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Basket Brooch Circa 1937. The markings date this from 1937 to 1955. The basket is made of baguettes and the flowers are made of pear sha...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Mixed Metal

Gold Openwork Swan Brooch With Crystal Pavé By Lady Remington, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 3" x 2.75" - Gold plated - Crystal rhinestone details - By Lady Re...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches

Vintage Tiffany & Co Infinity Knot Brooch 14k Yellow Gold Signed Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Tiffany & Co infinity knot brooch, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1950s to 1960s). The brooch is a retired piece and no longer made by Tiffany & Co...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Jomaz Gold Diamante and Faux Turquoise Brooch Pendant Circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Jomaz Gold Diamante and Faux Turquoise Brooch Circa 1960s. Now this is a brooch. It has two layers that seem to elevate slightly upwards. The p...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Jean Louis Scherrer Gold Tone with Enamel Brooch, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Scherrer Gold Tone with Enamel Brooch. Two Different Blue Tone Enamel Flowers Unfold on top of the Gold Tone Brooch as if Blooming. A very mod...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Enamel, Mixed Metal

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Purple and Red Jeweled Pin Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
Lovely Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris jeweled pin brooch. Features gilt metal geometric star shape, carved, and see-thru ornate crystal rhinestones in purple...
Category

1990s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Judith Leiber Glass Cabochon Enamel Frog Brooch & Earrings Set c 1980s
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Charming glass cabochon white enamel frog brooch & earrings set c 1980s The set is designed with a trio of endearing creamy white enamel frogs; embellished with small glass cabochons in a myriad of jewel tone colors The trio of frogs makes a fun whimsical accessory...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Enamel, Gilt Metal

Sapphire "Jeweleaf" Maple Leaf Brooch By Alfred Philippe For Crown Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Rare, hard to find design - 2.5" x 2" - Rhodium plated (silver tone) - Clear and Sapphire blue-colored glass crystal baguettes - Clear Diamanté pavé - Designed by Alfred Philippe for Crown Trifari...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Vintage Gilded Swan Princess Figural Brooch by Erwin Pearl, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 2.5" x 2" - Gold plated - Crystal rhinestone accents - Faux pearl accents - By Erwin Pearl (signed on verso) - Circa 1990s - Estate acquired - Excel...
Category

1990s American Modern Brooches

David Webb Black Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Panther With Diamond Collar Brooch
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Black Enamel Panthere With A Diamond Collar 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Brooch. Designed as a sculpted black enamel and gold panther, to the pavé-set diamond collar and emerald-set eye, mounted in 18K yellow gold and platinum, length 7.5 cm. Beautiful vintage brooch...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Enamel Anchor Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
There is a very curious story about anchors in jewelry. In the early stages of Christianity, when Romans persecuted those who followed the religion, the anchor was a way that Christians could identify other Christians. They would leave anchors outside their home or even wear anchor jewelry...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

24k Gold Teeth Grillz Brooch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Wild. Fun. Playful. Wear your teeth on your sleeve with the Mordekai Grillz Cuff. Mold "lifted” from our creative director’s mouth for the surreal collection: FACElift. Match it with...
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Tiger and Black Enamel Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Absolutely gorgeous you will love this tiger brooch by David Webb. From David Webb "Kingdom Collection" tiger brooch, crafted in 18k yellow gold. It is encrusted with round cut diamo...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage Givenchy Star Brooch Set with Rhinestones and Faux Sapphires c1980
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage Givenchy Star Brooch c1980. The brooch is gold plated with clear rhinestones and faux sapphires and is stamped 'Givenchy Paris New York...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise, Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Absolutely stunning David Webb turquoise and diamond brooch crafted in a shape of an exotic flower. Double stem pin. Can also be worn as a pendant. Diamonds: F-G color, vs1-VS2 calr...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Crystal Pavé and Lucite Swan Brooch By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 2" x 2" - Silver tone - Clear crystal rhinestone pavé - Black enamel detail - Clear lucite - By Kenneth Jay ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

LIA Golden Christmas Tree Pin and Brooch, Clear Baguette Crystal Ornaments
Located in Milford, DE
Festive Christmas tree pin brooch, featuring a textured golden evergreen fir tree decorated with baguette-cut clear crystals. Gold plated. Tags, ...
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Crystal

Vintage David Webb Coral and Emerald Brooch
Located in Derby, NY
This estate David Webb brooch is the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. The main stone on this brooch is a vibrant oval shaped coral, surrounded b...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gilded Three Dimensional Layered Flower Figural Brooch By Hobé, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 2" diameter - .75" depth - Gold plated - Cross hatch texture - Floral design - By Hobé (signed on ver...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Cilea Paris Resin Pin Brooch Purple Berries
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning dimensional floral pin brooch designed by Cilea Paris. This elegant hand-made artisanal resin brooch features colorful berries and leaves in assorted colors of purple, red, ...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Brooches

Gilded Mythical Merhorse Figural Brooch With Faux Jade Belly By Kramer, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Extremely rare, hard to find piece - 2.6" x 2" - Gold plated - Faux jadeite green resin "jelly belly" ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Green Marble Bakelite Carved Leaf Brooch, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 3.25" x 2" - Moss green with brown marbling Bakelite - Hand c...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches

Cilea Paris Resin Pin Brooch Multicolor Huge Butterfly
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant dimensional butterfly pin brooch was designed by Cilea Paris. A fantasy-inspired hand-made artisanal resin brooch features an oversized butterfly with a textured patter...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Brooches

Rosette Baroque Roach CLIP
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Make every smoking session the ultimate glamorous moment with this extender clip adorned with the iconic MORDEKAI queen bee and a lovely hand to hold the joint. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

Chalcedony and Diamond Grasshopper Gold Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Chalcedony and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch. Hand set with Chalcedony, Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.15tcw and accented w/MOP. Hand crafted in 18 Karat White Gold. Appro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rose Brooch 18kt Gold Tsavorite, Diamond & Ruby Pink Diamond Brooch
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare exquisite rose diamond brooch made with garnets, rubies and diamonds in 18KT whtie gold. GRAM WEIGHT: 16.43gr GOLD: 18KT white gold SIZE: 1.88...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

David Webb Platinum 40 Carat Diamond Feather Set of Two Brooches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of impressive platinum and 18k gold leaf brooches by David Webb, with a total of approximately 40 carats in round and baguette cut H/VS-SI1 d...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby Floral Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning floral brooch is encrusted with sparkling diamonds, vibrant emeralds, sapphires and rubies. Crafted in 18k yellow gold. This brooch measures 2.1 inches. The Gemstones a...
Category

2010s Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Emerald 1.56Cttw Ruby 2.04Cttw Diamond 1.92Cttw Brooch 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning openwork, 18k white gold brooch is set with glittering diamonds, vibrant emeralds and rubies. This brooch measures 2 1/4 inches tall by 1 7/8 inches wide. The Gemstones...
Category

1990s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold

Charming Cynophile's 18 Karat White Gold Coral Diamond Dachshund Dog Pin
Located in New York, NY
This brightly colored, shiny little pooch is just waiting to flit across some lucky wearer's lapel very soon. Crafted in Caserta, Italy of smoothly polished 18 karat white gold, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Diamond Horse Face Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This is an exciting horse head brooch with white enamel and featuring (1) emerald eye and (34) round diamonds. Measuring about 6cm long. Fastens with a double stem pin. Brooches and pins experienced a strong comeback in 2020 and 2021 bringing a touch of vintage and sophistication to almost every ensemble. Both men and women appeared wearing brooches in Hollywood and Canes, embellishing almost all thinkable and unthinkable garment parts. The adventurous Webb’s designs were based on ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, pre-Columbian, Indian and Chinese civilizations. Such inspiration he got staying in the Metropolitan Museum of Art for hours. His bold use of color utilized oversized pieces of coral, turquoise and jade, as well as ruby and emerald beads...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Flato Mid-Century Gold Aquamarine Ruby Diamond Spray Brooch
Located in New York, NY
American jeweler Paul Flato captured the hearts of royalty, New York society and Hollywood in the 1930s and 40s with his important diamond and colored stone jewels. This dramatic and...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Toothy Brooch/Lapel Pin (24k yellow gold)
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Handmade by soldering the teeth and open mouth into one surreal art piece to wear on your lapel or your scarf.. Wild. Fun. Playful. Wear your mouth on your sleeve with the Mordekai...
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

Lips Bejeweled Lapel Pin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Lips that won't gossip? It's a keeper.
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

Victorian Revival Gilt Brooch with Garnet & Opal Rhinestones by Florenza, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 3.25" tall - Gold plated - Garnet colored crystal rhinestones - Opal colored crystal rhinestones - By Florenza (signed on verso) - Circa 1960s - Esta...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Joan Parcher Glass & Vitreous Enamel on Copper with Silver Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine modern Joan Parcher brooch. From the "Phosphene" series. With small glass beads applied to a vitreous enameled bent copper disc. (Formed in the s...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Silver, Copper, Enamel

Toothy Brooch/Lapel Pin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Handmade by soldering the teeth and open mouth into one surreal art piece to wear on your lapel or your scarf.. Wild. Fun. Playful. Wear your mouth on your sleeve with the Mordekai...
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

LookingLips Brooch/Lapel Pin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Shhhhh... she's peeping. Lips x Eye combo; spice up a black blazer. This completely handmade brooch joins the lips and eye jewels into one. This pain staking...
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

Platinum 10 Carat Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This is a lovely and lustrous diamond bow brooch mounted with round cut diamonds and baguette-cuts of F-G color, VS1-VS2 clarity. Estimated carat weight 10.00cts. This brilliant and ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Eye Lapel Pin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Take a third eye with you anywhere you go. Pairs perfectly with a black blazer.
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

Eye Lapel Pin
Eye Lapel Pin
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Iconic Mid-20th Century 18K Yellow Gold Flower Brooch with Diamonds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This scintillating 1960's flower cocktail brooch is unmistakably Mid-20th Century chic! With lots of hand made details, this is truly a unique and beautiful article of jewelry. Spre...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Plique-à-Jour Stained Glass Butterfly Figural Brooch By Nolan Miller, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 3" x 1.75" - Gold plated - Blue, purple and green stained glass - Crystal rhinestone accents - By Nolan Miller (signed on verso) - Circa 1980s - Estate acqui...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Vintage Sterling Hatchet/Scepter Amethyst Emerald Diamante Brooch Circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Sterling Hatchet/Scepter Brooch with Amethyst Circa 1940s Emerald and Diamante. This beautiful brooch set on a gold tone metal is in such beaut...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Mixed Metal

Gilt & Black Enamel Brooch With Chain & Pearl Tassel, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible jewelry piece from the '80s - 4.75" x 2" - Satin gold plate - Black enameling - Chain fringe with faux pearl accents - Circa 1980s - Estate acquir...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches

Cartier Vintage 6.50cts Diamond Platinum Elegant Botanical Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
Dazzle yourself with this Vintage Cartier Diamond Platinum Botanical Pin Brooch Exquisitely crafted in solid platinum, the botanical pattern, Signed Cartier. This stunning vintage ...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Crescent Moon Diamond Pendant Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Necklace Celestial Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed crescent moon diamond pendant/brooch crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1950s to 1960s). Diamonds total an estimated 0.35 carats (estimated at H-I color and VS2-SI2...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Gold Blue Sapphire Diamond Leaf Brooch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
18k gold, vibrant blue sapphire and diamond leaf brooch measuring 2.5" in length. Oxidized grayish 18k white gold mounting set with o...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Zodiac Aquarius Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Circular-shaped, Aquarius zodiac brooch, accented by round-cut diamonds, mounted in 18k yellow gold and platinum, signed "Webb" for David Webb. 52mm in...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Shell Brooch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
David Webb raised shell form brooch measuring approximately 2.5" in length. Graduated tiers with textured shell design finish. Signed "WEBB 18k" on the...
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Green Imperial Jadeite Jade and Diamond Brooch in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Vintage Green Jadeite Jade and Diamond Brooch in 14k White Gold. Gorgeous hand crafted brooch with a botanical design featuring 23 pear and nav...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, White Gold, 14k Gold

Enameled Peach Flower Figural Brooch w Swarovski Crystals by Nolan Miller, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 2.7" tall - Gold plated - Enameled - Swarovski crystals - By Nolan Miller (signed on verso) - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage cond...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches

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