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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Period: 1970s
Style: Modern
Gilded Spotted Panther Figural Brooch By Florenza, 1970s
By Florenza
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '70s
- 2.25" x 2.25"
- Gold plated
- Clear crystal accents
- Green crystal eye details
- By Florenza (signed on vers...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Lapis-Lazuli Jasper 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Paris, FR
Yellow gold butterfly brooch with jasper body and lapis lazuli wings.
Dimensions : 54 x 28.49 x 8.70 mm (2.126 x 1.121 x 0.342 inch)
Weight of the brooch: 15 g
Piston clasp.
Fren...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Jasper, Yellow 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
Pair of Stone Inlay Bumble Bee Pins in Gold w/ Diamond Wings by Asch Grossbardt
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This delightful pair of Bumble Bee brooches were crafted by highly regarded designing jeweler, Asch Grossbardt. The specialty of this particular firm is intricate hard stone inlay, w...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond Black Enamel Yellow Gold Leopard Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond black enamel and yellow gold leopard brooch circa 1970. *
ABOUT THIS ITEM: a big leopard with emerald eyes and diamond spots, what is there not to like about that? This br...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Teddy Bear Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond and ruby gold Italian teddy bear brooch circa 1970. *
ABOUT THIS ITEM: #P-DJ29A. Scroll down for detailed specifications. Take a glance at this adorable teddy bear, it's ...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Diamond Floral Brooch
Located in Darnestown, MD
Jean Schlumberger was vice president of Tiffany and one of their premier designers. Among those who collected his work were Bunny Mellon; Babe Paley and Diana Vreeland. His pieces co...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Squirrel Clip Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond and ruby yellow gold squirrel clip brooch circa 1970. *
ABOUT THIS ITEM: #P-DJ310J. Scroll down for detailed specifications. The movements and...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Turquoise Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Turquoise and yellow gold handcrafted brooch pendant circa 1970. *
ABOUT THIS ITEM: #P-DJ130A. Scroll down for detailed specifications. Here we have a stunning vintage brooch that ...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gilbert Albert Pearls Diamonds 18 Carat Yellow Gold Seaweed Brooch
Located in Paris, FR
Gilbert Albert brooch featuring a seaweed in yellow and white gold set with pearl and diamonds.
Unique piece, signed and numbered.
Total estimated weight of diamonds: 0.20 carats
...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
"Pato de Diamantes" by Sanz-Duck with Mabé Pearl, Diamonds and 14k Gold
By Sanz
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Our happy little "Duck" was made by Sanz Joyeros in Madrid, Spain. The body of our duck is 14k yellow and white gold with approximately three quarters of a carat in diamonds (1.5-2....
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
Diamond Black Enamel Yellow Gold Leopard Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond black enamel and yellow gold leopard brooch circa 1970. *
ABOUT THIS ITEM: a big leopard with emerald eyes and diamond spots, what is there not to like about that? This br...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
MaryMcFadden 1970 TheMetCollected JewelrySeries Gilt Openwork Sculptural Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Like Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Hattie Carnegie, and Pauline Trigere, Mary McFadden produced jewelry in the 20th Century to compliment her own couture-clothing designs. Unlike those fashion designers, McFadden handcrafted her sculptural jewelry, whereby her studio designs in brass since...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Gold, Gilt Metal, Brass
Stunning Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Peacock Pin
Located in Johns Creek, GA
One 18kt yellow gold peacock bird pin. This beautiful, significant pin has 104 round, brilliant diamonds set. They are bright GH color, and weigh aproximately 1.33 cts total weight...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Gold, Platinum and Diamond Ginko Brooch
Located in Darnestown, MD
Gold and platinum ginko brooch designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany. The gold is beautifully sculpted to give the effect of a true leaf. The stem is made of diamonds set in plati...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ruby Enamel Yellow Gold Elephant Clip Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby enamel ruby and yellow gold figural elephant clip brooch circa 1970. *
ABOUT THIS ITEM: #P-DJ1130F. Scroll down for specifications. Looks like a wild elephant...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Rondette 18k Yellow Gold 0.90 Carat Diamond Sailfish Enamel Brooch with Sapphire
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Brooch of a Sailfish by Rondette
18k Yellow Gold with Blue Enamel, Diamonds, and Pear Shaped Sapphire Accents
Rhodium Accents on Sword
Total Diamond Weight = Approximately 0...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18 Karat Yellow Gold Multicolored Sapphire Diamonds Flower Brooch
By FRALEONI
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. yellow gold brooch with 8.91 ct. of round cut diamonds and 33.15 ct. of round and oval cut multicolored sapphires.
This classic brooch is hand-made in Italy.
The brooch can al...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robert Lee Morris Gilded 8 inch Tusk Pin
Located in New York, NY
This is a listing for one single 8.25" gold plated brass Tusk pin. The photo shows two of them, for dramatic reasons, but these are sold separately. The Tusk pin became an iconic des...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Vintage Fancy Yellow White Diamond 'Camellia' Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Vintage Fancy Yellow White Diamond 'Camellia' Brooch from our Signed Vintage Jewels Collection
In 1957 Van Cleef & Arpels introduced the “Camellia” design, w...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
White Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tiffany pearl and diamond yellow gold brooch, circa 1970s.
ABOUT THIS ITEM: P-CDJ1012. Scroll down for specifications. This Tiffany specia...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Blue and Pink Bakelite Brooch, France 1970s
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid Century Bakelite flower brooch, France circa 1970s.
The brooch has a flower shape, with 2 layers of four petals.
The Bakelite is petroleum blue and fuchsia pink with some black v...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Brooches
1970's Italian 18-Karat Gold and Diamond Leaf Brooch
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Remarkable Italian 18-karat gold and diamond brooch. A textured yellow-gold leaf with a strong design nesting in its center a cluster of top-quality diamonds ( F VVS or better). In the back, a double pin clasp with safety. It is a striking very well-made brooch in perfect condition.
Diamonds: ± 1,02 carats ( 10 and 20 pointers...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 2.33ct Diamond Streamer Brooch
Located in Dallas, TX
This platinum diamond set brooch features three marquise diamonds sprouting from the top weighing approximately 0.65 carats combined. The other 56 baguette diamonds weighing approxim...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Satin Gold Abstract Brooch by Monet, circa 1970s
By Monet
Located in McKinney, TX
This gorgeous gilt brooch by Monet, circa 1970s, is a wonderful example of the quality and innovative designs that the coveted vintage costume jewelry brand is known for. With a sat...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
18k White Gold, Pavé Setting Ruby Diamond Fly Bee Brooch
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Amazing and original 18 Kt white gold bee or fly brooch with pavé setting white diamonds and rubby.
Looks perfect on a Business Jacket or on a Cocktail D...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Carat Gold Ruby Eyed Beetle Brooch
Located in London, GB
Delightful beetle brooch
created in 14ct Gold
with pink ruby eyes set in platinum
Beetle holds a hand carved natural Stone
which has natural pink , blue & green hues.
Marked 14k &...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Ruby, Gold
1970's Diamond Chalcedony 18K Yellow Gold Turtle Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
For all the collectors, this is a must-have piece.
This adorable vintage turtle pin brooch is crafted in 18K yellow gold.
Weighing 15.0 grams and measuring 1.5" x 1". The body of t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Chalcedony, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris 1970s Celtic Design Cabochon Amethyst Coral Gold Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris 1970s Celtic Design Cabochon Amethyst Coral Gold Brooch Pin in an openwork design. The most suitable elegant dress or suit pin. Chic 1970s...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Amethyst, Coral, 18k Gold, Gold
White Enamel Lion and Phoenix Medallion Statement Brooch By Napier, 1970s
By Napier
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '70s
- 2.5" diameter
- White enameling
- Gold plated
- Lion, phoenix bird and crown openwork motif
- By Napier (sig...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch, 'Chick', London, 1970
Located in Heerlen, NL
One (1) 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch, with safty lock.
Model: "CHICK".
Set with two (2) cabuchon cut natural Sapphires = 0.12 ct. (no treatment) and with...
Category
1970s British Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Gilded Chain Link Brooch with Crystal Pavé by Christian Dior, 1970s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Measures 2" wide
- Gold plated
- Crystal rhinestone accents
- By Christian Dior (signed on verso)
- Circa 1970s
- Estate acquired
- Excellent vintage condition
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Brooches
Juwelier Weyersberg Pearl, Diamond and 18K Gold Brooch Circa 1974
Located in New York, NY
A pearl, diamond, and 18-karat gold brooch by Juwelier Weyersberg, c. 1974. Signed "W", stamped 750. A one-of-a-kind brooch of exceptional craftsmanship and beauty.
This jewel won the "Gold Shell" award for "most beautiful piece of pearl jewelry of the year" at the 4th annual competition of the GDE-Juwelen-Institut in 1974. It is a much-admired brooch in Mahnaz Collection...
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Elephant Brooch
Located in Brisbane, QLD
Add a touch of whimsy to your ensemble with this 18kt yellow gold elephant brooch pin, featuring a brilliant cut ruby, and a 0.07ct brilliant cut diamond. The piece has a hinged pin ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Palermo, IT
brooch in the shape of "unfurled sails" in 18 kt yellow gold and 0.12 ct natural diamond G -Vvs2.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Lovely Coral and Diamond Enamel Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
This elegant flower brooch in 18 karat yellow gold features three oval cabochon shaped corals and one brilliant cut diamond of 0.09 carats, G/H color and vs clarity. The leaves are s...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Asprey of London 18 Karat Gold and Enamel Monkey Brooch Pendant
By Asprey
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A gold, enamel, and diamond set novelty brooch pendant, by Asprey of London. Modelled as a howling monkey, the head is decorated with black and red en...
Category
1970s British Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Malachite Diamond Mushroom Brooch 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Unique nature inspired diamond and sapphire mushroom brooch. The top of the mushroom is pave set with round brilliant cut diamonds and 10 blue sapphire...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Malachite, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sterling Silver, Amethyst And Citrine Flower Pin Or Brooch Hallmarked
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely hallmarked flower pin or brooch is signed Sterling and AE. Most likely Mexican from the 70's. It is sterling silver, amethyst and citrine. The measurements are 4" H or 4"...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Amethyst, Citrine, Sterling Silver
David Webb Black Enamel 18 Karat Gold Emerald Eyes Tiger Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Enameled Gold Diamond and Emerald Black Panther Brooch
Spectacularly made by David Webb in a classy combination of yellow and white go...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
John Donald Morganite, Diamond and Gold Brooch 1972
By John Donald
Located in New York, NY
A faceted Morganite, diamond and 18 karat gold brooch, by John Donald, 1972.
The brooch is stamped with maker's mark JAD, and dated with London hallmarks.
John Donald is a designer...
Category
1970s British Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Morganite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1970s Italian Coral Lapis and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
An original 1970s piece, this moon crescent designer brooch is a quintessential representation of the era's exuberant approach to jewelry design. Crafted from textured 18 karat gold,...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Gold
1980s Multi-Gem Gold Flower Basket Lapel Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
The basket is filled with a colorful bouquet of moving flowers, enriched with three genuine lustrous white south sea genuine pearl measuring approx. 14-12mm in diameter.
It is enri...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Citrine, Blue Sapphir...
Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Gold Diamond Platinum Ginko Leaf Brooch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Angela Cummings is one of the few renown jewelry designers publicly acknowledged to have designed for the iconic Tiffany & Co. alongside the likes of Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso....
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Brooches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
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