Lisner Brooch
20th Century American Retro Brooches
Vintage 1960s American Modern Brooches
20th Century Retro Brooches
Crystal
Vintage 1980s American Modern Brooches
Mixed Metal
Early 2000s American Modern Books
Paper
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Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s American Brooches
Gold Plate, Silver
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Choker Necklaces
Sapphire, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Brooches
Crystal
Vintage 1930s French Brooches
Amethyst, Pearl, Quartz, Gold, Gilt Metal, Yellow Gold
20th Century Brooches
Crystal
Antique Early 19th Century British George III Drop Earrings
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Georgian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century French Modern Brooches
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Platinum
20th Century Retro Brooches
Vintage 1980s American Modern Brooches
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1960s American Modern Choker Necklaces
Antique 1880s Link Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s American Brooches
20th Century American Brooches
Vintage 1950s American Brooches
Vintage 1960s American Modern Brooches
Vintage 1950s American Modern Brooches
Vintage 1950s American Modern Brooches
Vintage 1950s American Modern Brooches
20th Century Retro Brooches
Crystal, Gold Plate, Enamel
20th Century American Art Deco Brooches
Vintage 1950s American Chain Necklaces
Finding the Right brooches for You
Antique and vintage brooches, which are decorative jewels traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones.
Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.
At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric.
Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.
Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.