Olaf Skoogfors
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Brooches
Topaz, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1970s American Artisan Drop Necklaces
Aventurine, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Brooches
Pearl, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modernist Brooches
Topaz, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Brooches
Gold
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21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vanity Items
14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
2010s French Modern Band Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Boxes and Cases
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Modern Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Retro Bracelets
Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Crystal, Silver
20th Century French Choker Necklaces
Gilt Metal
2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Citrine, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Stud Earrings
Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Norwegian Engagement Rings
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Brazilian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold
20th Century French Vanity Items
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Finnish Modernist Chain Necklaces
Bronze
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.