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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
Large Ladies Butterfly Brooch, 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Berlin, DE
Enchanting, large and heavy butterfly brooch, 18 Karat gold with diamonds and ruby. Perfect condition. Including certificate of authenticity.
Category

20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Australian Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Tie Tac Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Platinum Australian Black Opal and Diamond Tie Tac Brooch, center securely nestled with an oval Australian Black Opal weighing approx. 1.61 Car...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Vintage brooch with large honey colored rhinestone surrounded with flower 1940s
Located in Stuttgart, DE
An enchanting vintage brooch from the early 1930/40s in the USA. In the middle is a large rhinestone that is cut on both sides. Bordered with 6 enameled flowers and leaves. A beautif...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Platinum 4.50 Carats Carre Baguette And Round Cut 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

Emilio Jewelry 4.70 Carat Handmade Brooch or Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Approx total weight: 4.70cts Diamond Color: E-F Diamond Clarity: Vs Cut: Excellent As noted we are vetted and rated a Top Seller on 1stdibs falling into the top 25% of dealers listed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

David Webb Important Vintage Maltese Crosee White Enamel Pin/Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This important vintage David Webb Maltese cross pin/pendant is remarkable. It is composed of 18K yellow gold and platinum with white enamel an...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gilded and Resin Donut Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Yves Saint Laurent Paris signed brooch features a dimensional donut shape with textured gilt metal in a checkerboard pattern contrasted with rust resin elements with a ...
Category

1990s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Brooch / Pendant Flowers Brilliant, Baguette, Marquise Diamonds and Topaz
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning, elegant brooch/pendant with brilliant, baguette, marquise cut diamonds & 3.4 ct Topaze line carved Also possible to use as a pendant magnificent necklace. Diamonds: Br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold

Platinum Four Leaf Clover with Aquamarines and Diamonds Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Four Leaf Clover With Aquamarines And Diamonds Brooch. Center diamond: Round Cut 5.3mm wide (approx. 0.67ct) Diamond Carat Weigh...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

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

Ole Bjørn Krüger. Ten unique brooches in glazed stoneware in blue and green hues
Located in bronshoj, DK
Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007), Danish sculptor and ceramicist. Ten unique brooches in glazed stoneware in blue and green hues. From the 1960s/70s. In excellent condition. Partially ma...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Brooches

Bakelite brooch with Crystal inlays from 1950s USA
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A beautiful brown, typical color for Bakelite, brooch with cut rhinestones inlays. The brown Bakelite brooch is carved and it is a very stylish piece. Measurement: Width 9 cm, Hei...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Other

A Diamond-set Partridge Brooch
Located in London, GB
A diamond-set partridge brooch, the body pave-set with round brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 5 carats in total and a round fac...
Category

20th Century English Modern Brooches

Materials

Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Large Maltese Cross Hammered Finish Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This is a classic David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Heraldic Hammered Finish Pendant Brooch. Perfect to place on your oversized sweater or attach to a David Webb chunky chain. This brooch is a perfect pendant...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fabrice Paris Floral Carved Brass and Chrome Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fabrice, Paris designed this elegant floral brooch. The rare piece features a brass and chrome leaf design with dimensional hand-raised and carved detailing. The brooch has a securit...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Brass

18 Karat Rose Multi-Color Blue and Orange Sapphire 3 in 1 Brooch Ring Pendant
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Super special and one piece only! it took a long time to create such a masterpiece. it such a precise work or each patel and combination of colors to make the flower alive. detai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose ...

18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Rubelite and Green Garnet Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Rubelite and Green Garnet Brooch 7 Mixed Diamonds - 0.07 CT 48 Green Garnets - 0.73 CT 1 Rubelite - 1.44 CT 2 Rubies - 0.02 CT 12 Yellow Sapphires - 0.13 CT...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rubelite, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rare Designer Signed Angela Caputi Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare Beautiful Brooch by renowned Italian Designer Angela Caputi. In perfect unworn condition, with tag. Signed on the back: ANGELA CAPUTI. Measuring approx. 3”. Her designs are extr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

David Webb Diamond and Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pin
Located in New York, NY
This very elegant brooch made and signed by David Webb features white diamonds and rubies in the center. Followed by beautifully crafted 18K Yellow Gold weighting approximately 35.1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

14k pink gold brooch set with pink sapphire - 6.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold brooch set with pink sapphire - 6.9 grams Detailed description: The brooch is 4.9 cm wide and 9.0 mm high. Total weight: 6.9 grams Set with: - 7 x 6.0 mm x 3.0 mm ...
Category

1990s Dutch Modern Brooches

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

White Coral Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
White coral diamond flower brooch Round-cut diamonds of approximately 0.50 carat, six petals of white coral Size: width 2 inches, length 1.88 i...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond

Pin Jacket Silver White Diamonds Hand Decorated with Micro Mosaic
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Silver

Brooch with jade 14k gold - 30.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k three-color gold brooch set with an oval cut jade - 30.5 grams detailed description: the size of the brooch is 6.2 cm long by 4.6 cm wide weight 30.6 grams set with - 1 x 4....
Category

1990s Dutch Modern Brooches

Materials

Jade, 14k Gold

14k White Gold 1.77ct Diamond Studded Filigree Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Type : Antique Brooch Metal : 14k White Gold Gemstone : Diamond Diamond : 1.77ctw Weight : 10.5g Discover the timeless elegance of this exquisite antique brooch, crafted from luxurio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Napier Gilded Crystal Bouquet Demi-Parure Set, Signed, circa 1980
Located in McKinney, TX
This gorgeous 1980's gold-plated crystal bouquet set by Napier includes a pair of clip-on statement earrings and an oversized brooch. Studded with crystal accents, this set will add...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Brooches

Diamond 18 Carat White and Yellow Gold Calla Lily Brooch
Located in London, GB
This stunning calla lily flower brooch is made in 18 carat yellow gold with a white gold stem. The brooch is designed as a stylised calla lily, the ...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Saxophone Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Created in 1987 during the huge fashion trend for oversized brooches, this beautiful dynamic piece resembles an abstract saxophone, or even stylized ve...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Gold Tone With Faux Turquoise and Diamante Brooch Circa 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone With Faux Turquoise and Diamante Brooch Circa 1980s. This is a well-made and substantial brooch. The brooch features a dome of faux turquoise in the center, surrou...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage 3 Multi Design Ornamental Christmas Tree Holiday Brooches Pins
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Three Vintage Classic Multi Design Red and Green Gold-tone Ornamental Christmas Tree Holiday Brooches. More Beautiful in Real time! ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Contemporary 18K Gold Turtle Tortoise Reptile Tourmaline Brooch Pendant
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This wonderfully chunky and excellently modelled 18K turtle has been mounted as a pendant / brooch by Munich master-goldsmith, Günther Hahn. The lovely animal is decorated with 40 di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Brooches

Materials

Tourmaline, 14k Gold

Cilea Purple and Green Resin Floral Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed this stunning dimensional floral pin brooch. This elegant hand-made artisanal resin brooch features colorful berries and leaves in purple, red, green, and rust c...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Brooches

1990s Vintage Rochas Gold Tone Large Heart Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a large heart pin brooch designed by Rochas in 1990’s. This piece is gold plated and textured. There is an abrasion on the needle. Signed: "Rochas. Paris" Size: 7x7cm I...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage ruby 18k yellow gold poodle brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1970s 18k yellow gold poodle brooch is accented with vibrant ruby eyes, adding a playful and charming touch to any collection. Center ...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Francoise Montague Resin Pin Brooch Golden Brown Leaf
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed this charming dimensional resin pin brooch for French jewelry designer Francoise Montague. The floral-inspired hand-made artisanal piece features an oversized le...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Brooches

Robert Lee Morris Slugs in Love Sterling Silver Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Slugs in Love??? Well yes, the names Robert had to come up with for all his forms were often quirky and odd, and this brooch is from the Slug family of sha...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dominique Denaive, Paris 1990s Martele' Abstract Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Presented is an early handmade brooch by Parisian fashion designer Dominique Denaive. It features a large and sculptural abstract spiral design with five curls stemming off. The broo...
Category

1990s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Estate Modernist Tiger Brooch 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1960's gold tiger brooch 14k yellow gold Beautiful detail, captures the moment of a tiger's "prancing" Coiled tail, pronounced paws and face. 8.3 grams 2 x 7/8 inch
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Interlocking Crosses Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This is a large, flexible, moveable kinetic sterling silver brooch by Robert Lee Morris, constructed in the late 1980's as part of his mens collection. The bottom two crosses swing easily from the top three crosses. There is a sculptural dimension to the piece, and it is large enough to be a strong statement brooch. Perfect for a black leather jacket or winter coat. Minimal design, the iconic cross...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Designer J Cooper Gold Frog Brooch Pin Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Awesome Finely detailed Frog Brooch with Ruby Eyes. Hand crafted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Signed and marked: "COOPER 18K". This brooch epitomizes vintage charm and would make a lovel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Brooch Holger Lindström, Finland, 1963
Located in Orimattila, FI
Brooch Holger Lindström Finland 1963. Made in Helsinki, Finland. 813H Silver. Holger Lindström HGL
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Silver

Monique Vedie Talosel Resin Purple and Green Floral Brooch, Line Vautrin School
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Monique Vedie Talosel or resin brooch features a stylized dimensional flower shape in pearlized purple and green colors. The rare piece has a security closing clasp at ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Tiffany & Co. Frank Gehry Keshi South Sea Pearl Silver Buckle/Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Estate Collection Metal- Sterling Silver 0.925. 176.30 Grams. Stones- Baroque Keshi South Sea Pearl 15.20 x 13.20 (Approximate Measurements) A striking and sculpt...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Silver

Vintage Trifari Diamante Pink and Baguette Brooch, Circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Diamante Pink and Baguette Brooch Circa 1960s. It resembles flowers wrapped around a vine. The flowers are represented by oval-shaped pink stones interspersed with s...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Mixed Metal

Robert Lee Morris Gilded Double Dolphin Wave Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Created in 1987 for Donna Karan's fluid clothing, this brooch is gold plated brass, and is a depiction of two dolphins swimming in the sea. The iconic look of these organic motions, ...
Category

1880s American Antique Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Feather Shaped Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Kowloon, HK
Feather Shaped Diamond Gold Brooch White Diamond Stone: 0.96ct Total weight: 9.05grams This 18K gold feather-shaped brooch is a triumph of nature-inspired luxury and meticulous cr...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Sparkling Crystal Golden Fox enveloping a Faux Pearl Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Delightful! Vintage Golden Crystal Fox with a Faux Pearl Brooch Pin. The Fox, Beautifully encrusted with Sparkling Golden Crystals, enveloping a Faux Pearl. Yellow Gold tone m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Pearl, Gold Plate

Antique Circa 1900s Diamond Sapphire Pearl Brooch 14 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Our lovely Bee Bee Brooch is a delicate 14 carat yellow gold bar adorned with two buzzing bees, each set with diamonds and sapphires. A chipped sapphire adds a touch of uniqueness, w...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lapponia Brooch Man and Child Björn Weckström Finland Modernist Man From Mercury
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning brooch by Björn Weckström for Lapponia Jewelry, from the Space Series, the vintage modernist sculptural sterling silver Man and Child brooch...
Category

Early 2000s Finnish Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Philippe Ferrandis Aqua Baléares Brooch
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Comme une onde aquatique, simple et translucide. Les pierres de cristal aux coloris marins et floraux évoquent Formentera et les falaises du mont Vedra… Composition Pierres de crist...
Category

2010s French Modern Brooches

Andrew Clunn Scorpio Zodiac Pendant Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Andrew Clunn Scorpio Zodiac Pendant Brooch 18K Yellow Gold This bold brooch by Andrew Clunn features a sculptural scorpion rendered in 18k yellow gold. Detailed with a segmented bo...
Category

1990s Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Incredibly Lifelike Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Setter Dog Brooch with Ruby Eyes
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seeing this magnificent vintage 18k yellow gold Setter brooch, one is taking in the very best of the jewelry craft. This large brooch, fabricated entirely from 18k yellow gold, is ch...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Squiggle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The iconic organic styling of Robert Lee Morris is so evident in this dramatic large brooch created in the late 1980's. Due to his long collaboration with designer Donna Karan, Rober...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Motorcycle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
What a fun and dramatic piece this one is! Very large and important, a true statement of glamour and high fashion, this brooch is composed of two spirals that are joined by a sweepin...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

18 Karat White Gold Diamond 0.86 Carat Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A lovely designed 18 karat white gold bee brooch. The bee is crafted in a high polished white gold. The wings are set with round brilliant diamon...
Category

1990s Israeli Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified Pink Natural Saltwater Conch Pearl & Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
Natural Saltwater Conch Pearl Platinum Brooch - GIA Certified with Diamonds GIA-certified natural saltwater conch pearl brooch set in PT950 platinu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

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

Large 1960s Louis Feraud Vintage Moderninst Abstract Brooch
Located in Sparks, NV
Large gold tone Louis Feraud modernist brooch from the 1960s. Signed on the back. The piece measures approximately 2" in diameter.
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Gold & Enamel Benzie Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club Burgee/Roosevelt Flag Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine gold and enamel yacht club pin. In 9ct yellow gold. In the form of The Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club burgee and the private signal of George E. Roosevelt and John K. Roos...
Category

1970s British Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel

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