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18 Karat Gold Turquoise and Ruby Cat Pin Brooch by Cartier, circa 1960s
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, CH
Absolutely adorable 18 karat gold, turquoise and ruby cat pin brooch by the house of Cartier, circa
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Retro Diamond Emerald 18K Gold Enamel Baby Cheetah Cat Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
A playful & magnificent piece, featuring two small Cheetah cats, playing and looking like twins
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel

Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cultured Pearl Fancy Cat Brooch, 18k .12ctw Feline Pin
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information: Genuine Rubies Treatment
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 0.35 Ct Diamond and Sapphire Cat Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
& Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 0.35 ct Diamond and Sapphire Cat Brooch is VCA-signed and numbered. It is offered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

1960 s Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Yellow White Gold Vintage Cat Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and bright Prong set in white gold at cat's foot Completed by hinged pinstem with locking closure
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Retro 5.45 Carats Ruby Emerald 18 Karat Gold Winking Cat Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch designed as a winking cat featuring textured fur and whiskers Set throughout with
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Retro 5.45 Carat Ruby Emerald 18 Karat Gold Winking Cat Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch designed as a winking cat featuring textured fur and whiskers Set throughout with
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS onyx, emerald diamond winking cat brooch.
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, black onyx, emerald, ruby and diamond “winking” cat brooch. Signed Van
Category

Vintage 1950s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

1980s Judith Jack Gold Vermeil Figural Cat Brooch w Sterling Marcasite Collar
By Judith Jack
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 2" x 1" - Heavy satin gold vermeil (gold plating over sterling silver
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Marcasite, Vermeil

Jade Diamond Ruby Emerald 14K Yellow White Gold Vintage Cats on Fence Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as two stylized cats perched on top of a rail fence With hanging twisted rope motif tails
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1980 s Diamond Emerald Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Cat Pin Brooch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Adorable cat pin fashioned in textured 18 karat yellow gold. The cat features diamond, emerald, and
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Estate 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Emerald Lion Cub / Kitty Cat Pin Brooch
Located in Birmingham, AL
What a whimsical little Lion Cub or Kitty Cat Brooch! This estate piece is made in 18K yellow Gold
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

1960s Ruby and Turquoise Cat Brooch in 18 Karat Gold by Hans Georg Mautner
Located in London, England
A quirky 1960's ruby and turquoise cat brooch by Hans Georg Mauntner, set in 18k yellow gold. What
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct Gold 1920’s Cat Brooch Ruby eyes Diamond drop collar cultured pearl at paws
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cat Brooch 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920’s A fabulous, antique, yellow gold kitty
Category

Early 20th Century European Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Cute 18K and Gem set Cat brooch by Van Cleef Arpels
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Cute, Signed 18k yellow gold Cat Clip brooch By Van Cleef & Arpels, set with Onyx, Ruby Nose and an
Category

Vintage 1950s French Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

Christian Dior GROSSE 1971 Cat Kitten Emerald Eyes Ruby Mouth Openwork Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Openwork Mesh Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticeable
Category

Vintage 1970s German Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Adorable Gold, Diamond Enamel Pussy Cat
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold with Diamond eyes & a hot red Enamel Tongue. The cat's meow!
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Christian Dior GROSSE 1971 Cat Kitten Emerald Eyes Ruby Mouth Openwork Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1971 Exotic Cute Cat Kitten Emerald Eyes Ruby Mouth Openwork Brooch, Gold
Category

Vintage 1970s German Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Christian Dior GROSSE 1971 Cat Kitten Emerald Eyes Ruby Mouth Openwork Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1971 Exotic Cute Cat Kitten Emerald Eyes Ruby Mouth Openwork Brooch, Gold
Category

Vintage 1970s German Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Pearl and Ruby Gold Cat Pin
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold featuring a ruby eye and pearl ball.
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold

Edwardian French Enamel Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Cat Jack-In-The-Box Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch designed as a jack-in-the-box bursting from its box surprising a cat Box is striped with
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

14 Karat Yellow Gold Scaredy Cat Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Dimensions: pin is approximately 50mm X 14mm Weight: 5.0
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Cat Stick Pin
Located in Webster, NY
Stunning 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Cat stick pin with Emerald Eyes. Gemstone: Diamond & Emerald
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hilat 22 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cat Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Hilat Material: 22K yellow gold Diamond: 9 round brilliant cut= 0.30cttw Color: G Clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960 s Gold, Diamond and Enamel "Cool Cat" Pin
Located in Chicago, IL
A real Hep Cat brooch! 18K yellow gold, with Black and White Enamel, Emerald Eyes and a Diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cat Brooche
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. 18 karat yellow gold cat brooche. Handmade by artisans assembled with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Cat Pin with Diamonds Rubies and Emeralds
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Yellow Gold Cat Pin with Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds.
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Orange Sapphire Diamond Gold Kitten Pin Brooch
Located in Montreal, QC
Adorable 14k white gold Estate Kitty cat Pin Brooch, encrusted with Orange Sapphires and Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

Cartier Kitty Cat, circa 1955
By Cartier
Located in Aspen, CO
Cartier brings us a darling kitty - hand made in 18K with natural nephrite jade and small natural ruby eyes. He weighs 11.39 grams and is 1.50 inches long. Circa 1950.
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold

Cat and Frog Jade Ruby Emerald Convertible Set Yellow Gold Brooch Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
, Emerald & Ruby and a custom-made ring base in 14k yellow gold. The 2 animals can be worn as brooches or
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Jade, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Green, White, Red Enamel Juggling Cat Brooch Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This brooch is made in solid 18k yellow gold, and it is in the shape of a juggling cat. The car is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Jewelry

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Enamel Gold Cat Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Enamel and gold cat brooch circa 1970. The whimsical design depicts a very excited, happy cat, its
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Citrine Turquoise Ruby Gold Cat Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cat Brooch 14 Karat Gold Citrines and Turquoise "I TAUT I TAW A PUDDY CAT," Tweedy would say
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Cartier Paris Turquoise Enamel Gold Cat Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris 18k gold cat brooch, set with black enamel and turquoise eyes. Cat is 40mm x 20mm
Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, Enamel

Vintage Midcentury Turquoise Yellow Gold Cat Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
1960’s 18k yellow gold cat brooch with natural round, oval and marquise cut Persian turquoise 18k
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tiffany and Co Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Cat Brooch 1983
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Tiffany & Co 18 karat yellow gold Cat Brooch Rarely and limited edition Marked 1983
Category

1990s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paisley Moonstone Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cat Brooch 1.25 Inch Wide
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the exquisite Cartier Paisley Moonstone Emerald 18k Gold Cat Brooch, a stunning piece
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

E. Wolfe Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Diamond, Emerald and Ruby
By E. Wolfe Company
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 18 karat yellow gold cat brooch has a smooth satin finish, magically looking like
Category

1990s British Retro Brooches

Materials

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

onyx emerald diamond gold cat brooch
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Cat Brooch in yellow gold, onyx, diamonds and emerald. (16,2 grs)
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond and Emerald Gold Cat Brooch
Located in Geneva, CH
Cat Brooch on yellow gold 18k set by Diamonds 2.35 carats and Emerald 3.35 carats. The balloon is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Aesthetic Movement Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Vintage 1960s 7.06 Carat Rose Quartz and Yellow Gold Cat Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 7.06 carat rose quartz and 18 karat yellow gold 'cat' brooch; part of our
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Turquoise, Ruby and Gold Cat Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat yellow gold, turquoise and ruby cat brooch, circa 1960, designed as a seated cat composed
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Emerald Eyes
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
14 Kt Yellow Gold Cat with emerald eyes. Metal Type: 14 Kt Yellow Gold Metal Weight: 4.4 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and 18 Karat Gold Cat Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
Realistically modelled as a textured cat with the collar and eyes set with single-cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

14 Karat Yellow/Rose Gold Cat Brooch with Turquoise, Emerald and Sapphire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This brooch is made in 14k yellow gold with a 14k rose gold mane. The cat features turquoise beads
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Jona Mother of Pearl White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cat Brooch
By Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold cat shape brooch, set with a
Category

2010s Italian Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Turquoise, Diamond, Blue Sapphire and Gold Cat Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold and platinum brooch with turquoise, diamond, and blue
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Onyx Mother of Pearl and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
collectors and cat lovers alike, this vintage brooch showcases a rare and unusually designed feline motif
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Adorable 18k Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Cat Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Adorable 18k Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Cat Brooch 18k yellow gold cat brooch, adorned with multi
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Cat Brooch Diamond Ruby Pearl Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian Cat Brooch Diamond Ruby Pearl Gold Victorian gold cat brooch diamond ruby and pearl
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Roger Guillochon for Cellini NYC 18KT YG Cat Brooch with Emerald and Diamond
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Crafted by Roger Guillochon ,from France for Cellini Jewelers, this 18 karat yellow gold cat brooch
Category

1990s French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Vintage 18 Karat Gold Cat 1.5 Inch Brooch Ruby Eyes White Gold Whiskers
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Cartier Vintage 18 Karat Gold Cat Brooch – a timeless piece of elegance and
Category

20th Century Italian Modernist Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise Matrix, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct Yellow Gold 1980s Cat Brooch Enamel Eyes Diamond Bib White Gold Whiskers
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Cat Brooch 18ct Gold Stamped 750 Circa 1980s Makers Mark E W & Co Indulge in a piece of
Category

Late 20th Century English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Gold Kittens Brooch with Cat s Eye Stones
Located in Darnestown, MD
Two adorable kitties can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant. In addition to the pin stem, the
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Cat’s Eye, 14k Gold

Lapis Diamond Cat Brooch, 14k Yellow Gold, Sitting Cat
Located in McLeansville, NC
yellow gold, this brooch features a sleek and elegant cat design, with lapis and diamond accents for
Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Henry Dunay Gold Kitty Cat Brooch
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
Henry Dunay 18 karat yellow gold kitty cat pin brooch. Serial no. A9941. Marked: Dunay / 18k / 750
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Henry Dunay Gold Pussy Cat Brooch
By Henry Dunay
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 18K yellow Gold Pussy Cat Brooch by Henry Dunay, measuring 1 3/8 X 3/4 inch, having
Category

Early 2000s American Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

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Gold Cat Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact gold cat brooch you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. You can easily find a 225 antique edition and 17 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a gold cat brooch may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic gold cat brooch over the years, but those made by Tiffany Co., Van Cleef Arpels and Cartier are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A gold cat brooch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 91, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cabochon cut and oval cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our gold cat brooch for sale are for women, but there are 92 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Gold Cat Brooch?

The price for a gold cat brooch starts at $68 and tops out at $44,500 with these brooches, on average, selling for $2,850.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Brooches for You

Vintage brooches, which refer to decorative jewelry traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.

While jewelry trends come and go, brooches are indeed back on the radar thanks to fashion houses like GucciVersaceDior and Saint Laurent, all of which feature fun pinnable designs in their current collections. Whether a dazzlingly naturalistic Art Nouveau dragonfly, a whimsical David Webb animal, a gem-studded bloom or a streamlined abstract design, these jewels add color and sparkle to your look and a spring to your step. 

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. Chanel, of course, has never abandoned this style, producing gorgeously baroque CC examples since the 1980s.

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 for sale on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.