Skip to main content

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.

to
346
989
661
511
231
172
761
204
193
124
122
3
854
536
2
1
2
8
30
42
114
49
97
52
810
577
6
519
115
79
43
37
to
99
48
44
26
23
1,917
1,670
1,393
1,152
1,135
558
467
458
164
121
103
48
22
19
18
14
6
1
1,192
201
916
315
Style: Modern
Line Vautrin Talosel and Mirrors Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous and rare Line Vautrin Talosel geometric brooch is encrusted with clear and blue mirrored glass with iridescence in a tridimensional modernist shape. The piece was craft...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Florenza Bug Brooch Pin w/Trembler Wings
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a 1950s Florenza bug pin/brooch with trembler wings. It's colorful wings are decorated with faux corals, turquoises and pears. This small go...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

JUDITH LEIBER 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Fish Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Stunning JUDITH LEIBER 18k yellow gold enamel fish brooch with beautiful colorful enamel in blue & green hues over a lively fish with cabochon ruby eye. The brooch is extremely well ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel

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

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

18K Gold Natural Turquoise Unicorn-Shaped Brooch with Diamonds
Located in Kowloon, HK
18K Gold Natural Turquoise Unicorn-Shaped Brooch with Diamonds Natural Turquoise - 1.85 GM Total Weight - 9.22 GM Diamonds & Sapphires & Rubies
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Mesmerizing Colombian Emerald Brooch with Diamonds in Platinum
Located in Lucerne, CH
The emerald has one of the longest histories and widest recognition of any gemstone through the ages. Known since the days of Ancient Egypt, for hundreds of years they have been worn...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1985 CUMMINGS 18k yellow gold 2-Diamond Twisted Rope Ribbon Brooch
Located in New York, NY
1985 ANGELA CUMMINGS Brooch 18k yellow gold twisted rope ribbon with 2 brillant cut diamonds on each ribbon end Approximate Weight: 2 Diamonds - 0.26 carat Gross - 7.10 grams Appro...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Elephant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Elephant Brooch. Crafted in 18K yellow gold mounted with round cut pave diamonds of E-F color VVS-VS clarity, a...
Category

20th Century French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tie Pin Brooch with Diamond & Blue Sapphires in 18 Karat White Gold by Gübelin
Located in Lucerne, CH
Introducing the epitome of sophistication: a tie pin brooch by the House of Gübelin. This masterpiece in 18 Karat white gold is designed in a unique pentagon shape. At its heart lies...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Breakell Sterling Silver Dogwood Leaf Flower Brooch Pin #19523
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Breakell Sterling Silver Dog Leaf Flower Brooch - This vintage brooch by Breakell features a modern flower dogwood design and is set in sterling silver. Size: 39.42 mm x 42.09 mm ...
Category

20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Purple and Red Jeweled Pin Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris jeweled pin brooch features a gilt metal geometric star shape carved and see-through ornate with crystal rhineston...
Category

1990s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

18k Gold Ornate Carved Multi-Gem Flower Bouquet Brooch
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
18k Gold Ornate Carved Multi-Gem Flower Bouquet Brooch Multiple Cut and Carved Gemstones Set in 18k Gold Feautures Citrine, Amethyst, Tourmaline, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Smoky Quar...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Tourmaline, Topaz, Quartz, Onyx, Lapis Lazuli,...

Ruby Diamond Onyx Pendant Brooch 18K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Ruby Pendant / Brooch is unique and special. It consists of 2 large Rubies of 0.65 points each, 3 small Rubies @ 0.33 points each the bottom has 5 oval pear shaped cabochons at...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Panther Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Brooch Estate Fine Animal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Unique & stylish vintage panther pendant/brooch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1980s to 1990s). One small estimated 0.01 carat emeral...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Gold Tone & Rhinestone Bow Brooch - Unsigned - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage gold tone and rhinestone bow brooch - unsigned - late 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no repairs - fine surface scratches from age and use ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Brooches

18K White Gold Diamond, Multicolor Sapphire and Pearl Brooch and Pendant
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond, Multicolor Sapphire and Pearl Brooch and Pendant Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Length: 1.90 inches Width: 2....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18k White Gold Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire Gem American Flag Brooch
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous American Flag Brooch Set in 18k White Gold with 14k Gold Accents Features 3.40 cts Baguette Ruby and 2.20 ctw Diamond "Stripes" Features 0.50 ct Sapphire Cabochon with Alter...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

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

18K White Gold Open Work 1.25 Carat Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 1940's this remarkable brooch is made of 18K White Gold in an open work rectangular shape. Soft corner are adorned with round cut diamonds, and are further decorated with ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

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

Tiffany & Co. Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tiffany & Co diamond and platinum abstract swirl brooch circa 1980. Love it because it caught your eye, and we are here to connect you with beautiful and affordable jewelry. Decora...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Black and White Enamel Hedgehog Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Delightful! Vintage Black and White Enamel Hedgehog Brooch Pin. Silver tone mounting. Measuring approx. 1.45" h x 1.3" w. Exquisitely detailed, giving a 3D appearance. Perfect...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Enamel

18K Yellow Gold 3/8 Cttw Diamond and 6 3/4 Cttw Red Ruby Bumblebee Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Crafted from opulent 18K yellow gold, this captivating bumblebee brooch pin evocatively pairs nature's splendor with artisanal magnificence. Enveloped in 6 3/4 carats of vivid, color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 18k yellow and white gold violin brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1970s 18k yellow and white gold piece showcases a sleek design, blending timeless elegance with classic craftsmanship. Metal: 18k yellow and white gold Era: Vintage C...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Christian Lacroix Dangling Gold Tone Pearl Brooch Circa 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Christian Lacroix Dangling Gold Tone Pearl Brooch with Pearl, Crystal, Cabochon, and Small Crystals in Gilded Cage Heart with Dangling Pear Shaped Faux Pearl. This is espec...
Category

1990s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Mixed Metal

18 Carat White Gold Blue Sapphire Diamond Invisible Flower Brooch
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use the top quality sapphire which make in invisible setting. We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years. The invisible is a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Two Tone Sunburst Brooch With Coronet Royal Insignia By Monet, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible jewelry piece from the '80s - 2.5" diameter - Gold plated rays with silver tone monogram - Crystal rhinestone accents - By Monet (signed on verso) ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

David Webb White Unicorn 18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel, Diamonds, Rubies Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Designed as a unicorn, the eye and collar set with pear-shaped rubies, highlighted with round and single-cut diamonds, and applied with white enamel, signed Webb. The rubies are medi...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel

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

Diamond Brooch, Enhancer, Pendant 18 Karat Gold, in Floral Design
Located in Berlin, DE
Diamond Brooch, 18 Karat Gold, in floral design. Brooch can also be worn as a pendant. The diamonds are of very good quality, color and purity.
Category

20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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

Oscar de la Renta Lane Mythological Fantasy Goat Pin, Brooch, Pendant in Gold
Located in Milford, DE
A golden mythological horned animal pin to add some magical allure to your style! Can be worn as a pin brooch or a necklace pendant. By Oscar de la Renta. Gold plated mythological ...
Category

2010s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate

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

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Brooches

Materials

Tourmaline, 14k Gold

Platinum 1930s Deco Diamond Double Clip GIA Certified E VS2 Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco diamond double clip brooches have recently come back into fashion due to their classic and timeless design. Additionally, their popularity has been revived by the rise of vi...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Signed Birks Mid-Century Modern 18K Yellow Gold, Enamel, & Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century modern brooch. By Maison Birks, the storied Canadian jeweler out of Montreal. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a small round-cut diamond to the pistils and with bl...
Category

20th Century Canadian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k 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

Cartier Foliate Diamond Platinum Vintage Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Of foliate design, set with a cushion-shaped diamond weighing 1.35 carats, the mount highlighted with cushion-shaped, baguette and circular-cut diamonds, signed monture Cartier, Fren...
Category

20th Century French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire and Ruby Panther Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18 karat yellow gold Panther brooch. The body is adorned with round white diamonds and round blue sapphires. The panthers eyes are made with rubies. This is a very clean and sleek de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Robert Lee Morris Large Gilded Spiral Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This dramatic coil of matte 24k gold plated on brass, is an iconic Robert Lee Morris style, it is his unique vocabulary of forms that are all family members to the organic movement. ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Modern Plique À Jour Enamel, Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Gold Dragonfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A modern gem set dragonfly brooch, with a cushion shaped faceted sapphire, weighing 0.86 carats, set in the thorax, with surrounding round brilliant-cut diamonds, with blue to green...
Category

2010s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

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

Sonia Rykiel Paris Giant Gilded Bow Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Sonia Rykiel Paris brooch features a massive, three-dimensional bow shape with gilt metal, all textured and carved with see-through stars. The rare piece is signed by t...
Category

1990s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Vintage IRADJ MOINI Turquoise Peridot Glass Flower Fur Clip Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Large Iradj Moini floral bouquet fur clip 3 flowers with oval turquoise & peridot, clear rhinestones & color glass cabochon, Oversize brooch is crafte...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Peridot, Turquoise, Base Metal

Cellini Jewelers 18 Karat White Gold, 8.85 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cherry Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini Jewelers NYC .This lovely 18 karat white gold cherry brooch is meticulously set with round Rubies for the fruit & round Diamonds for the stem. The cherry...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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

Cellini 18 Karat White Gold, Diamond, Pink and Blue Sapphire Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini NYC ....This lovely 18 karat white gold brooch is set with round brilliant Pink Sapphires. The four wings are trimmed with round brilliant cut Blue Sapph...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Rose Gold Flower Ruby & Pink Sapphire 3-in-1 Diamond Brooch Ring Pendant
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Flower Ruby & Pink Sapphire 3-in-1 Diamond Brooch Ring Pendant 33 Diamonds - 0.61 CT 16 Colored Diamonds - 0.65 CTa 468 Pink Sapphires - 17.15 CT 209 Rubies - 7.79 CT ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

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

David Webb 18k Yellow Gold 1970's Multicolor Gemstone Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular brooch crafted in 1970's by David Webb. This is a multicolor gemstone brooch set with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.Set with 69 White Round Diamonds, 9 Green...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Diamond Frog Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Hammered Gold, Platinum, Rock Crystal, Diamond and Cabochon Emerald Frog Clip-Brooch by David Webb. This beautiful creature is created in 18 kt. gold, the stylized hammered gold frog...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Sabbadini Large Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Flower Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This outstanding Collectable flower brooch pin was designed by Sabbadini, Italy. It is handcrafted in solid 18K yellow gold weighing approx. 69.9 grams. It features a flowerhead desi...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Diamonds Bee Brooch 42 Diamonds 0.16 CT 24 Fancy Diamonds 0.25 CT 1 Pink Sapphire 0.55 CT 1 Purple Sapphire 0....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Heraldic Green Emerald Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage Multi-Color Rhinestone Brooch - Unsigned - Circa 1950's
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage gold tone brooch set with various shapes, sizes and colors of rhinestones - original hinged pin to the back - unsigned - circa 1950's. Excellent vintage condition - no loss ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Gold Teddy Bear Pin on a Rainy Day with Diamonds & Rubies by E. Wolfe & Co.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The British house of E. Wolfe & Co. has a very long history of creating wonderful and whimsical animal brooches and, this adorable little Teddy Bear is certainly no exception. With a...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

18K White gold invisible Ruby Flower Brooch
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use the top quality ruby which make in invisible setting.We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years.The invisible is a highly...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Boucheron, France 1960s Gold, Diamond, and Enamel Cat Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A whimsical Mid-Century gold, diamond, and enamel brooch in the form of a cat with a diamond-set head, enameled facial features, and a curved and ribbe...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Recently Viewed

View All