Question 1

Is a brooch a pin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a brooch is a pin. A pin is the general term for an accessory designed to slide through fabric and stay in place with the help of a fastener. A brooch is the term for a decorative pin. The word pin can also refer to a functional accessory that has no decorative embellishments. As a result, not all pins are brooches, but all brooches are pins. Explore a diverse assortment of brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is a paste brooch?

Accepted Answer

A paste brooch will feature hand-cut polished glass. The paste glass is usually polished with metal until it is smooth and shines like a gemstone. A paste brooch is made of such glass and became popular as a cheaper alternative to diamonds. Find a variety of paste brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What were brooches used for?

Accepted Answer

Brooches are used as fastenings to secure a cloak, shawl or scarf. Decorative brooches also let wearers accessorize and personalize their ensemble. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary brooches from some of the top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What are the types of brooches?

Accepted Answer

There are many types of brooches. Originating from Scotland, Luckenbooth brooches feature a single heart or two interlocking hearts and are common romantic gifts. Bar brooches have a long, slender design similar to tie bars. En tremblant brooches typically feature floral forms connected by wires that allow them to sway or tremble as the wearer moves. Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Aigrette brooches show off sweeping forms that resemble feathers. Cameo brooches have an oval or circular shape and flaunt a raised relief, usually depicting a person. Shop a large collection of brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is a brooch pin?

Accepted Answer

Brooch pins are beautiful pieces of jewelry with a sharpened metal wire on the reverse that adheres to garments. Traditionally, people wore pins and brooches on clothing such as skirts, sweaters, jackets, shirts, and hats. Brooches were used to hold garments together in the past. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage brooch pins.

Question 6

What is a bar brooch?

Accepted Answer

A bar brooch is a type of pin brooch. It is horizontal and elongated and comes in all shapes and sizes. Bar brooches are popular due to their ease of fastening. The pin of the brooch hooks through a looped fastening, once the brooch is attached to the wearer's lapel. Find a collection of antique and vintage brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is a navette brooch?

Accepted Answer

A navette brooch is a brooch that features a gemstone in a Marquise cut. Its sides gently curve and meet at points on either end. Shop a variety of gemstone brooches from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is a golden brooch?

Accepted Answer

A golden brooch is a decorative piece of jewelry designed with a hinged pin and catch that is fastened to clothing. It is a piece of ornament usually made of metal, often silver or gold. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage brooches.

Question 9

What are old brooches made of?

Accepted Answer

Old brooches may be made of a variety of materials. Silver and gold are the most commonly used, but some may be fashioned out of brass, nickel and other metals. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and modern brooches.

Question 10

What is an en tremblant brooch?

Accepted Answer

“En tremblant” is an old French phrase meaning “trembling”, which in jewelry refers to the feature of the piece. En tremblant brooches are crafted with gems and generally feature a floral motif, but can also branch out to birds and other designs. You’ll find a variety of en tremblant brooches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How can I tell how old my brooch is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old your brooch is, flip it over and examine the back, searching for markings. You can use these markings to learn more about your brooch and get a rough idea of its age. Depending on where and when the maker produced the piece, you may find metal purity, assay marks, serial numbers, date codes or maker's markings. When present, maker's markings are a great starting point for your research. By comparing the marking to reference guides available on trusted online resources, you can typically use it to identify the maker. From there, you can educate yourself on when the maker was in business and review guides on how to date its pieces using makings and other characteristics. Serial numbers, date codes, assay marks and purity marks may also be researched to uncover information about your brooch. If you don't find any marks at all, your brooch is possibly an antique, as most European countries have required marks for centuries, and the U.S. began mandating various marks in 1918. If you run into any difficulty while performing your research, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler can assist you with the dating process. Shop a large collection of brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 12

How can you tell if a brooch is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a brooch is valuable, you can take one of two approaches. The first option is to research what comparable pieces have recently sold for on trusted online platforms. Factors to consider when choosing comparable items include the maker, style, age, type and condition of your brooch. Another option is to have a certified appraiser, knowledgeable jeweler or experienced antique dealer provide you with an estimated value. Find a wide variety of brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How do you identify a Schreiner brooch?

Accepted Answer

To identify a Schreiner brooch, you have two main options available to you. Because Schreiner usually didn't mark its jewelry, the first option involves studying the details of your brooch. Some common characteristics of Schreiner jewelry include three-dimensional layered designs, hook and eye-type closures and inverted rhinestones. The settings of individual rhinestones can also provide clues, as Schreiner often produced highly decorative settings, such as crimped cupcake bezels, as well as dogtooth, fleur-de-lis and leaf-shaped prongs.

Another approach is to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer conduct the identification process for you.

Find a collection of Schreiner brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How do you identify a Trifari brooch?

Accepted Answer

To identify a Trifari brooch, turn it over and look for a maker's mark. Most Trifari jewelry features one of several backstamps. The earliest pieces made by the American jewelry brand usually read "KTF," for Trifari, Krussman, and Fishel. During the early 1930s, the stamp changed to "TRIFARI PAT.PEND.," and in 1937, the company introduced its crown logo. Pieces dating from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s will bear this logo plus a copyright symbol. Finally, the 1980s brought the addition of a “™” trademark marking. If you can't find a stamp or have difficulty reading it, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Trifari brooches.

Question 15

What is a Victorian mourning brooch?

Accepted Answer

As the name suggests, mourning jewelry represents connection to a deceased individual or loved one. In the Victorian era, people were expected to wear mourning clothing and accessories following the death of a loved one. As brooches were popular during the Victorian period, they became a favorite for those who wanted to memorialize the dead. Find a collection of vintage and antique brooches on 1stDibs today.

Question 16

How can you tell if a brooch is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a brooch is vintage, take a look at its fastener. Pieces made during the first half of the 20th century often had a long thin fastener that you push to open or close. This style of hardware is commonly known as a trombone clasp. Locking safety clasps emerged during the 1930s, and jewelers used them throughout the rest of the 20th century. You can also check brooches for a date stamp or research the maker's mark to determine who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine the age. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or professional jeweler examine the piece. On 1stDibs, find a variety of brooches from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 17

How do you identify vintage brooches?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage brooches, look for the maker's marks. You can usually find them on the backs of brooches. Take a photo of the marking on your brooch, and then conduct a reverse image search to learn who the maker is. If you're unsuccessful, research the marks using trusted online resources or consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Shop a diverse assortment of vintage brooches on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I know if my brooch is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To know if your brooch is valuable, first look for hallmarks that signify the maker. Then, use trusted online resources and/or reverse image searches to determine who produced your brooch. Once you know who the maker is, you can examine sales histories on online platforms to learn how much similar brooches have sold for in the past. You can also have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate your brooch and give you an estimate of its value. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of brooches.

Question 19

How do I authenticate a Chanel brooch?

Accepted Answer

You can authenticate a Chanel brooch by checking the back for a little oval stamp or embossed mark. It should be noted that some of the oldest jewelry pieces were not marked, but these pieces are extremely rare and do not often come up for sale. Most of the Chanel jewelry and brooches you will find are from the 1980s or later and will include an oval tag, plate, or stamp. Shop expertly vetted Chanel jewelry from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What are brooch pins called?

Accepted Answer

Brooch pins are usually called brooches or pins. The practice of wearing pins dates back to the Bronze Age. At the time, people referred to a pin as a fibula. Its purpose was to fasten clothing. Shop a range of brooch pins on 1stDibs.

Coral Brooch Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Baroque Beaded Necklaces

Crown Trifari 1950s Coral Orange Floral Cabochon Openwork Set Necklace Brooch

Antique 19th Century Collectible Jewelry

Rare and Fine Antique Carved Coral Corallium Rubrum Pendant Brooch and Earrings

Antique 19th Century More Jewelry

Rare Fine Carved Coral Corallium Rubrum Pendant Brooch and Earrings, C. 1880

20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Plunging V Cocktail Dress w Coral Rhinestone Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Baroque Beaded Necklaces

Crown Trifari Vintage 1950s Coral Orange Floral Beaded Gold Set Necklace Brooch

Vintage 1910s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Vintage Cameo Brooch Pin Pendant 14K Yellow Gold Antique Art Deco Hand Engraved

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Drop Earrings

Pery Et Fils 1960 Paris Convertible Earrings Brooch 18Kt 51.91 Cts Diamonds Ruby

Antique 19th Century Unknown Brooches

Antique Coral Brooch

Vintage 1950s Chinese Brooches

Carved Coral Crysanthemum Brooch

Vintage 1920s Italian Brooches

Natural Branch Coral Brooch

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Brooches

Victorian Coral Medusa Brooch

Vintage 1920s American Brooches

Coral Set Seahorse Brooch

20th Century Brooches

Unique Coral Brooch 14k Gold

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Brooches

Vintage Red Coral Branch Brooch

Vintage 1960s American Modern Brooches

Seaman Schepps Coral Seashell Brooch

Vintage 1950s French Brooches

Cartier Coral Gold Love "Target" Brooch

Early 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Carved Natural Coral Antique Brooch Pin

Mid-20th Century Austrian Brooches

Carved Coral Nephrite Jade Gold Brooch

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

1890s Victorian Coral Gold Dove Brooch

Vintage 1930s Modernist Brooches

Red Coral Cluster Brooch

Vintage 1950s Italian Brooches

Italian Branch Coral Brooch

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Brooches

1960s Coral Ruby Gold Sparrow Brooch

Vintage 1980s American Brooches

David Webb Carved Coral Frog Brooch

Vintage 1950s Italian Brooches

Coral Sapphire Silver Octopus Brooch / Pendant

Late 20th Century French Artist Brooches

Amethyst, Diamond and Coral Butterfly Brooch

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Brooches

Luise Coral Diamond Onyz Cicada Brooch

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

French Art Deco Coral Clip Brooch

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Coral Cameo Diamond Pearl Gold Brooch

Early 20th Century Brooches

14K Yellow Gold Pink Coral Brooch, 26g

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Antique Victorian Coral Scorpio Brooch Circa 1880

Antique Early 19th Century American Brooches

Antique Victorian Coral Cameo Gold Brooch

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Large 18K Yellow Gold Coral Reef Brooch

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Brooches

14 Karat Angel Skin Coral Flower Brooch

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Gold Genie Brooch with Coral and Turquoise

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Victorian Diamond, Coral and Gold Pendant/Brooch

Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Vintage Coral Beads and Gold Branch Brooch

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Carved Coral, Diamond and Sapphire Maharaja Brooch

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Square-Shaped Coral with Flower Carving Brooch

Vintage 1950s American Brooches

Miriam Haskell Coral Branch Brooch

Vintage 1980s American Brooches