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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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Style: Modern
Mid-Century George Schuler for Tiffany Swirl Brooch In Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century George Schuler for Tiffany Swirl Brooch In Yellow Gold Experience the charm of Mid-Century design with this fantastic Tiffany & Co. Brooch ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gripoix Chanel Depose fur clip, 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Extremely rare and collectible Gripoix Chanel Depose fur clip. The brooch is a branch of red berries with leaves. The leaves are made of green glass ...
Category

1930s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Vintage Mid Century Green Sapphire Pin, 2.30 carats, 18k, Two Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Featuring a whopping 2.3 carat green sapphire and two mine cut diamonds weighing 0.4 cts, this luxe 18k yellow gold brooch is emblematic of the clean lines and rich colors of mid-cen...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold

14K Natural Diamond sapphire, ruby FROG Pin/Brooch 65x45MM
Located in Chicago, IL
The Pin/Brooch designed in the shape of the frog - I may add - very realistic depiction (the closest species I have found would be "tomato" frog or red-and-yellow mountainfrog). The ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, 14k Gold

Mikimoto 14k Yellow Gold Southern Cross Constellation Cultured Pearl Brooch
Located in Southport, CT
14k yellow gold brooch. This spectacular vintage brooch by Mikimoto is the Southern Cross constellation (the arms are intentionally slightly askew to mimic the stars in the sky). Eac...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Brooches

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Aztec Ancient God Vintage Brooch/Pendant In Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Aztec Ancient God Vintage Brooch/Pendant In Yellow Gold Unveil the grandeur of ancient civilizations with this magnificent Vintage Brooch/Pendant, exquisitely fashioned in 14kt Yel...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18kt. Yellow Gold Italian Tiger Estate Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Unlock the grandeur of this 18kt. Yellow Gold Italian Tiger Estate Pin! Make a bold statement with a timeless design from the H&H Estate and Vintage ...
Category

2010s Modern Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Natural Blue Sapphire Cabochon & Opal Flower Brooch
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Fine 14k yellow gold, blue sapphire and opal flower brooch. Gorgeous color combination of lustrous yellow gold rich blue sapphire and the play of c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.87 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Leaf Brooch 18 Karat White Gold Pendant
Located in IN
Step into the enchanting world of fine jewelry with this mesmerizing 2.87 Carat Baguette Diamond Leaf Brooch crafted in opulent 18 Karat White Gold. Inspired by the delicate beauty o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Brooche Two Bees with Tahiti Pearl and Diamond 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold brooch Two Bees on a twig, set with tahiti pearl and diamond total 0.60 carat – H/I – SI Detailed description the size of the brooch is 7.5 cm by 2.7 cm wide weight...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb Diamond Flower 10 Carat Brooch Pendant
Located in Rome, IT
Timeless Masterpiece: Vintage David Webb Diamond Flower Brooch/Pendant Step into a world of unparalleled luxury and sophistication with...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Brooch Ruby, Onyx and diamond 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18 kt yellow gold brooch set with ruby ​​tot. 0.80ct, onyx and single cut diamond to. 0.90 ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The size of the brooch is approximately 4.1 cm by ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Mexican Sterling & Copper Mixed Metals Bird Brooch with Azurite Inlay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Mexican brooch or pin. In sterling silver. In the form of a bird with a circular copper eye and azurite (and possibly some turquoise) chip inlay...
Category

20th Century Mexican Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper, Mixed Metal

Floral Brooch with Diamonds & Akoya Pearl in Platinum
Located in Lucerne, CH
Evoking the ethereal beauty of a freshly picked spring blossom, this exquisite flower brooch embodies timeless elegance. Skillfully fashioned in platinum, it blooms with an array o...
Category

20th Century European Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Platinum

18K White Gold Ruby Bow Brooch with Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Bow Ruby Brooch with Diamonds 1 Ruby - 3.33 CT 444 Rubies - 26.230 CT 55 Diamonds - 1.390 CT 18K White Gold - 25.54 GM Althoff Jewelry presents a butterfly-shaped br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Emerald Flower Brooch with Diamonds & Fancy Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Emerald Flower Brooch with Diamonds & Fancy Diamonds 9 Emeralds - 2.50 CT 377 Diamonds + Fancy Diamonds - 9.03 CT 18K Whi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Brooch with turquoise and diamonds 18k yellow gold and platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold and platinum brooch in the shape of a bunch of flowers with turquoise, brilliant and single cut diamonds. 0.70ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description the size of the ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Grima Aquamarine Diamond Brooch 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Andrew Grima Known as the doyen of modern jewelry design. Up for Sale A Large Oval Aquamarine set in 18k Yellow Gold approx 10Ct Aqua. Length 2.25 Inches by 1 inch Width 14 Round...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Taurus Bull Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Step into the world of exquisite craftsmanship with the David Webb Pin, a captivating piece adorned with enamel, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Of taurus d...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Brooch with Southsea Pearl, window enemal and diamonds 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18 kt yellow gold brooch decorated with window enamel set with South Sea pearl and brilliant cut diamond to. 0.25ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed de...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diminutive, Lifelike, Yellow Gold Tiger Brooch with Enamel & Bright Emerald Eyes
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This petite but very bold and dramatic 18k yellow gold tiger brooch appears at rest, but ready to pounce. With a length of 1 3/16 inches, width of 1 inch and height of 1/2 inch, this...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold

Brooch set with enamal and diamonds 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold brooch decorated with enamel and brilliant and single cut diamonds. 0.78 carat – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description the size of the brooch is 6.6 cm by 3.6 cm wide w...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

8.29 carats of diamond leaves brooch
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with exquisite precision, this enchanting brooch epitomizes elegance in every curve and sparkle. Meticulously fashioned from 18k white gold, weighing 22.91 grams, it exudes o...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

10K Stunning Vintage Tiger's Eye Brooch
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Stunning vintage tiger's eye brooch from the 1970s. The tiger's eye stone is bezel set featuring a twisted rope edge. The stone has bands of warm honey and rich browns that appear to...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Tiger's Eye, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond elephant Brooch 1.32 Carat WSI, 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
This fully set elephant diamond brooch is a masterpiece of sophistication and elegance. With 73 brilliant cut diamonds totaling 1.32 carats, the exquisite craftsmanship and attention...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Butterfly Emerald, Ruby, Diamond Gold Stick Pin
Located in Newton, MA
Elevate your style with this fashionable butterfly stick pin accessory that effortlessly combines nature's beauty and precious gemstones, offered b...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14Y Vintage Natural Black Coral and Freshwater Pearl Brooch
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Wonderful rare vintage black coral and 14k yellow gold Iris flower brooch. The black coral branch pin features a wishbone shape overlaid with a be...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hawaiian Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold

SARAH COVENTRY - Large Faux Pearl & Silver Tone Brooch - Signed - Circa 1960's
Located in Chatham, CA
SARAH COVENTRY - Vintage faux pearl & silver tone brooch - hinged pin to the back - signed © SARAH COV - United States (Rhode Island) - circa 1960's. Excellent vintage condition - n...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Brooches

Mid-Century Cabochon Moonstone Vine Brooch In Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century Cabochon Moonstone Vine Brooch In Yellow Gold Introducing a captivating Vintage Brooch with a Mid-Century Leaf Motif, adorned with a row of four stunning 10-11mm Cabocho...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond Bow Brooch In 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Diamond Bow Brooch In Yellow Gold Presenting this whimsical vintage Bow Brooch, meticulously crafted in 18k yellow gold. With a si...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14kt Yellow Gold Diamond Estate Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
This 14kt yellow gold diamond estate brooch is the epitome of elegance and class. 13 dazzling diamonds sparkles brightly. Creating a timeless piece of jewelry, this brooch is a perfe...
Category

2010s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond & Sapphire Scallop Brooch In Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Diamond & Sapphire Scallop Brooch In Yellow Gold Introducing our stunning Vintage Pendant, masterfully crafted in 18k yellow gold. This pendant, characterized as a Scalloped Brooch,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A dainty little bird brooch by Kramer NY, 1950s with lots of small rhinestones
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A dainty little bird brooch by Kramer NY, 1950s with lots of small rhinestones and enameled sitting on a branch picking on a tiny flower. Signed on the back...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Base Metal, Brass

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Diamond Goat Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the whimsical charm of this exquisite goat brooch, a true masterpiece designed by Webb. Crafted in 18-karat gold and platinum, this brooch is a testament to craftsmanship ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Lion With A Green Emerald Eye Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the regal allure of the jungle with the David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Lion Brooch, a captivating piece that seamlessly blends sophistication and statement-making design. This ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tahitian South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bumble Bee Gold Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Fabulous Vintage Bumble Bee Brooch, 1.00tcw Hand set Diamonds, enhancing the Wings and Body and featuring a Tahitian South ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Diamond Goat Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of David Webb with this whimsical black enamel and diamond brooch featuring a charming ram or goat design. Crafted in 18K yellow gold and pla...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Schiaparelli Rare Charming Jeweled Frog Brooch c 1960
Located in University City, MO
SCHIAPARELLI Rare charming jeweled frog brooch c 1960 The unique brooch is designed with an enchanting frog perched on a gilt metal lily pad leaf The frog is embellished with a smo...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

"Mouse" 18ct gold brooch
Located in Idar-Oberstein, RP
Designed by gemstone-carving-master Alfred Zimmermann, following his designs of his one of a kind gemstones carvings. This unique brooch has been made in our own goldsmith workshop i...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

925 Sterling Silver Nature Inspired Unisex Emerald Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
This Nature Inspired Unisex Emerald Brooch enhances your attire and is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and charm to any outfit. Crafted with exquisite craftsmanship and adorne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver

14k Yellow Gold Chalcedony Ruby Bee Brooch - Whimsical and Unique Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Unleash your playful side with our 14k Yellow Gold Chalcedony Ruby Bee Brooch, weighing a delicate 8.4 grams. This whimsical and unique accessory combines the enchanting beauty of ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Chalcedony, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Asprey Multigem Brooch
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning multigem brooch by Asprey from their Chaos series. The crescent shaped brooch consists of 6 carats of blue topaz; 1.7 carats of peridot; 1.65 ...
Category

Early 2000s British Modern Brooches

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold

The Silversmith Ella Cone Sterling Silver Modernist Leaf Pin/Brooch #14191
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage modernist sterling silver leaf pin/brooch by The Silversmith. Ella L Cone was the proprietor of The Silversmith's Shop in Boston an...
Category

1940s Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Moira Poppy Plique À Jour Enamel, Diamond, Silver and Gold Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Moira design poppy brooch, with blue to green plique a jour enamel petals, black enamel stamens, with a green enamelled pistil, set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in go...
Category

Early 2000s British Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver, Enamel

14K Gold, Diamond And Ruby Bulldog Pin/Brooch
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 14K Yellow Gold, Diamond and Ruby Bulldog Pin/Brooch. It depicts a standing up Bulldog adorned with a necklace of four diamonds in pave setting a...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Bee Brooch Pin Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in London, GB
A diamond bee brooch pin set in 18 karat white gold. This sweet and realistically detailed brooch is set to its head with two pinkish tinted round brilliant cut diamond for eyes. Th...
Category

1990s British Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Egger, Denmark. "Flora Danica" brooch in gold-plated sterling silver.
Located in bronshoj, DK
Egger, Denmark. "Flora Danica" brooch in gold-plated sterling silver. Approximately from the 1970s. Hallmarked. Perfect condition. Dimensions: Width 5.5 cm x Height 4.0 cm.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

"Tsavorite Lizard" 18ct gold brooch
Located in Idar-Oberstein, RP
Designed by gemstone-carving-master Alfred Zimmermann, following his designs of his one of a kind gemstones carvings. This unique brooch has been made in our own goldsmith workshop i...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Brooches

Materials

Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold

10.80 Carat Blue Topaz Wreath Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Houston, TX
This 10.80 Carat Blue Topaz Wreath Brooch enhances your attire and is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and charm to any outfit. Crafted with exquisite craftsmanship and adorned...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

Materials

Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver

Ruby Turtle Brooch
Located in Idar-Oberstein, RP
Designed by gemstone-carving-master Alfred Zimmermann, following his designs of one of a kind gemstones carvings. This unique brooch has been made in our own goldsmith workshop in Id...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ruby Turtle Brooch
Ruby Turtle Brooch
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Christian Lacroix Gilt Metal Baroque Heart Pin Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely Christian Lacroix Paris signed pin brooch features a Baroque heart shape with a dangling charm. The gilded metal framing is carved and textured, topped with metallic bron...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Ole Bjørn Krüger. Seven unique brooches in glazed stoneware in different colors.
Located in bronshoj, DK
Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007), Danish sculptor and ceramic artist. Seven unique brooches in glazed stoneware in different colors. From the 1960s/70s. In excellent condition. Partially...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Brooches

Ole Bjørn Krüger. Seven brooches in glazed stoneware in blue and green shades.
Located in bronshoj, DK
Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007), Danish sculptor and ceramic artist. Seven unique brooches in glazed stoneware in blue and green shades. From the 1960s/70s. In excellent condition. Part...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Brooches

Ole Bjørn Krüger, Danish ceramic artist. Seven brooches in stoneware.
Located in bronshoj, DK
Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007), Danish sculptor and ceramic artist. Seven unique brooches in glazed stoneware in blue and green shades. From the 1960s/70s. In excellent condition. Part...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Brooches

Heavy Elegant 18k bow Brooch - 1940's collar pin - solid gold rose cut diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
We are happy to introduce you to this lovely work of art from the mid-century, the 1940's, also known as the retro period. This collar brooch is crafted 18 K solid gold and depicts a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Diamond, Citrine and Platinum Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A large butterfly en-tremblant brooch, with brilliant-cut and marquise-cut diamond set wings, thorax, eyes and antennae. The abdomen is set with a large oval faceted golden citrine, ...
Category

1990s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

"Young Foal" 18ct Gold & Diamond Horse Brooch
Located in Idar-Oberstein, RP
Designed by gemstone-carving-master Alfred Zimmermann, following his designs of his one of a kind gemstones carvings. This unique brooch has been made in our own goldsmith workshop i...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Fabrice Paris Brass and Copper Pin Brooch Water Lily Leaves
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely floral pin brooch was designed by Fabrice, Paris, and features an oversized brass and copper water lily leaves design with dimensional hand-raised and carved detailing. T...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Brass, Copper

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