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Large Black Enamel and Diamond Bow Pin / Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Estate Black Enamel and Diamond Bow Pin / Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold Large Black Enamel Diamond Bow
Category

20th Century North American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Retro Tri Color Gold Ruby Cabochon Diamond Large Rose Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Retro 14k rose, white and yellow gold rose flower brooch, set with ruby cabochons (one stone is
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Blue Agate Cameo Diamond Large Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 14K yellow gold brooch showcases a finely carved blue agate cameo depicting a
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century Brutalist 14k Gold, Diamond, and Large Grey Baroque Pearl Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Modernist brooch. In patinated 14k yellow gold. Prong set with a large baroque pearl in a
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Chanel Vintage Gold Plated Matte CC Mini CC Large Brooch
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Vintage Gold Plated Matte CC Mini CC Large Brooch * Marked Season 29 and 1263 * Made in
Category

Vintage 1980s French Artisan Brooches

Gold Plated Large Oval Carved Lady Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
Beautiful large carved shell cameo brooch of a lady, in a lovely gold plated setting with a rope
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Retro 1950s Diamond Ruby Large Bouquet Brooch in 18K Gold Platinum
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant retro brooch modelled in the form of an enchanting flower bouquet of shimmering gold leaves
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Large Textured Flower Spray Fiery Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Large Flower w/ A Spray Of Fiery Diamonds. Very Nice Textured Layered Gold Work.
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

Christian Dior GROSSE 1968 Vintage Large Openwork White Black Pearl Gold Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Leaf Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition. Only some peel off at faux pearls. 100% Genuine. A
Category

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Bochic “Orient” Amethyst Pearl Large Brooch, Pendant Set In 18K Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Amethyst & Pearl Large Brooch / Pendant Set In 18K Gold & Silver Can be worn as a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Christian Dior 1964 Vintage Large 3D Blossom Rose Flourish Flower Gold Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1964 Vintage Large 3D Vivid Blossom Rose Flourish Flower Elegant Brooch, Gold Tone
Category

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Christian Lacroix Vintage Large Logo Heart Coral Drop Charms Gold Silver Brooch
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Wokingham, England
Chunky Brooch, Gold Silver Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches or colour loss, barely
Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Christian Dior GROSSE 1962 Vintage Large Textured Wavy Leaf Flower Gold Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1962 Vintage Unisex Large Textured Wavy Leaf Flower Modernist Elegant Brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Heavy Large White Baroque Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Bow Ribbon Brooch, Pin
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Luxurious large brooch featuring a large lustrous white baroque pearl at the center of ribbed
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18kt White Gold French Victorian Style Cameo Brooch with Large Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
In an openwork 18K white gold cadre, a meticulously carved hard stone cameo within this French
Category

20th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Italian 18k Gold Diamond Don Quixote Large Brooch Figurine with Agate Base
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Italian made 18k white and yellow gold Don Quixote brooch, comes with an agate base to be
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold

14k Yellow Gold Large Intaglio Glass Ruby Pearl Twisted Wire Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
) Genuine Cultured Pearl - Round Shape - White Color - 7.5mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Solid Rosy Gold Large Smokey Quartz Pearl Halo Filigree Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
each (approx.) Material: Solid 14K Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 30.63 Grams Width: 39.3mm (1.5") (east to
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Quartz, Gold, Yellow Gold

Marcel Boucher Vintage Large White Pearl Orchid Flourish Flower Leaf Gold Brooch
By Marcel Boucher
Located in Wokingham, England
Marcel Boucher Vintage Large 1950s White Round Pearl Orchid Flourish Flower Leaf Chunky Brooch
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Christian Dior Vintage Vivid Trio Cluster Flower Large Leaf Bouquet Gold Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage Vivid Trio Cluster Flower Large Leaf Bouquet Cute Elegant Modernist Brooch
Category

Vintage 1980s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Large 18k Gold Platinum Gia Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Navette Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
(approx.) Total Carat Weight: 27 (approx.) Material: Solid 18K Yellow Gold w/ Platinum Center Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Platinum

Large Vintage Yellow Gold Carved Like Rose Flower Jade Pin Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
- Green Color - 34.9x27.3mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 19.18 Grams Overall
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Jade, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Early Victorian 9ct Yellow Gold Oval Matrix Large Turquoise Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Color - 31.3x16.5mm (approx.) Material: Solid 9ct Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.5 Grams Overall Height
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Diamond Ribbon Brooch, Large Model
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Elegant ribbon brooch created by David Webb featuring approximately 14.74 carats of brilliant-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Large Gilded Gold Vermeil "Starfish" with Micro Seed Pearls Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Large gilded gold vermeil "Starfish" with micro-seed pearls brooch measures 2" in
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Large 3" Italian 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bow, Crossed Ribbon Brooch Pin
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
This beautiful 18k yellow gold diamond bow brooch showcases the beauty of fine materials and
Category

1990s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

David Webb 18KYellow Gold Rock Crystal Large Maltese Cross Scroll Pendant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
. Very often with large David Webb brooches we see a convenient hook or a bail for it to be worn as a
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Large Whimsical Gilded Gold Vermeil Hardware "Lion Among Jungle" Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This large wonderfully whimsical gilded gold vermeil hardware "Lion Among Jungle" brooch is
Category

Vintage 1980s American Artisan Brooches

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Large Maltese Cross Hammered Finish Pendant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is a classic David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Heraldic Hammered Finish Pendant Brooch. Perfect to
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gianfranco Ferre 1980s Large Nautilus Sea Shell Brooch
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
layered with gold-plated metal, the brooch has a luxurious sheen and a dimensional quality, with a depth
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Christian Dior GROSSE 1961 Vintage Large 3D Vivid Rose Blossom Leaf Gold Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Brooch, Gold Tone Good condition. Light scratches or colour loss. Rare to find. 100% Genuine. A unique
Category

Vintage 1960s German Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Large Yellow Gold Jade Pearl 4 Leaf Clover Charm Pendant Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Prongs Total Weight: 32.65 Grams Overall Diameter: 45.2mm (1.7
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Jade, Pearl, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Chanel 1995 Coco Large Gripoix Pink Pearls Crystals Openwork Logo CC Gold Brooch
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition. Peel off on the faux pearls, barely noticeable. Others are
Category

1990s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Large 18k Gold Dendritic Agate Amber Natural Rock Crystal Designer Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
This large and unique designer brooch was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold. It features a large
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Agate, Amber, Quartz, Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Right Facing Lady Chalcedony Cameo Large Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian large oval pin brooch crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1880. The piece features a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Chalcedony, Gold, Enamel

Large Estate Sabbadini 18K Gold Due Fiori Clip Brooch, Pendant Necklace Enhancer
By Sabbadini
Located in New York, NY
Striking Maximalist statement brooch/necklace enhancer by the renown firm of Sabbadini depicting a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Romantic Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Large Trifari Gold with Navy Enamel and Pearl Floral Brooch
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed Trifari navy enamel and pearl with gilded gold hardware brooch is richly
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Alfred Phillipe for Trifari Large Key Brooch
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Rare Alfred Phillipe for Trifari large key brooch of rose gold plated base metal, crystal
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate, Base Metal, Enamel, Gilt Metal

Large Gilded Gold Filigree Vermeil With Multi-Seed Accent Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed gilded gold filigree vermeil finish brooch is detailed with multi-seed
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Antique Victorian Large 18K Gold Ruby Fleur De Lis Brooch, C.1900
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent and large Victorian 18K gold brooch. The brooch is
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k Gold Multi Prong Agate Cabochon Coral Modernist Large Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a simply marvelous vintage pin brooch crafted from solid 18k yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Brooches

Materials

Agate, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum 18k Gold GIA 51.68ct Sapphire Ruby Diamond Large Double Leaf Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
: Solid 18k Yellow Gold & Platinum .800+ Total Weight: 49.98 Grams Overall Height: 101.8mm (4") (when pin
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

Robert Lee Morris Large Gilded Spiral Brooch
By Robert Lee Morris
Located in New York, NY
This dramatic coil of matte 24k gold plated on brass, is an iconic Robert Lee Morris style, it is
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Vintage 18k Solid Gold Multi Color Enamel Toucan Parrot Bird Large Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Multi Color Enamel Work Total Weight: 46.82 Grams Overall Height: 37.4mm
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Emmons Large Detailed Etched Gilded Gold Hardware Optional Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Emmons wonderfully elegant gilded gold vermeil hardware etched optional brooch & pendant
Category

Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Brooches

Christian Dior GROSSE 1965 Vintage Five Large Wavy Leaf Flower Tree Gold Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1965 Vintage Unisex Vivid Five 5 Large Wavy Stretches Leaf Flower Tree Brooch
Category

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Large Sterling Silver Detailed Bird Feather Brooch with 18K Gold Diamond Detail
Located in Bozeman, MT
Large Sterling Silver Detailed Bird Feather Brooch Pin with Diamond Detail by Ashley Childs This
Category

2010s American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Very Large Yellow Gold Mystery Set Ruby Fancy Yellow Diamond Flower Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Pin Total Weight: 91.72 Grams Dimensions: 67.4x81.5mm (2.6x3.2") (approx.)(when
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Impressive Large Yellow Sapphire Gold Flower Brooch Voirin Sonrel for Rene Boivi
Located in New York, NY
Large 18k yellow gold flower brooch, with round cut vivid yellow sapphires. Brooch possibly made by
Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Gold

Antique Solid Gold Large Carved Shell Cameo Rose Cut Diamond Bow Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Brilliant White Diamonds - 1.29ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 29.12 Grams Overall
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Red Heart Love Ripple Gold Brooch Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Large Red Enamel Heart Love Ripple Elegant Modernist Brooch
Category

1990s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel

Vintage Emis Beros 18k Gold Emerald Diamond Enamel Large Frog Toad Pin Brooch
By Emis
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Orange Enamel Work Total Weight: 54.69 Grams Overall Width: 44.3mm (1.7
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Christian Dior GROSSE 1960 Vintage Large 5 Leaf Vivid Curled Wavy Gold Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Elegant Brooch, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches or colour loss. Rare to find
Category

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Christian Dior GROSSE 1959 Vintage Large Vivid Swirl Wavy Five Leaf Gold Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1959 Vintage Unisex Large Vivid Swirl Wavy Five Leaf Brooch Gold Modernist
Category

Vintage 1950s German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Mid Century 18k White Gold 17.50ctw Large Fiery Diamond Spray Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 14ctw (approx.) Total Carat Weight: 17.50 (approx.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 22.39 Grams
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold GIA 8.50ctw Fancy Yellow Diamond Large Rose Flower Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 31.53 Grams Overall Height: 83.7mm (3.2") (north to south
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large King of Hearts Carved Medallion Brooch / Pendant in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Fabulously detailed King of Hearts textured medallion brooch / pendant in 18 karat gold. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Large Gold Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact large gold brooch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 948 vintage editions and 89 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect large gold brooch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. A large gold brooch from Tiffany Co., Van Cleef Arpels and Chanel — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A large gold brooch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 332, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and oval cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a large gold brooch, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Large Gold Brooch?

Prices for a large gold brooch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $485,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,999.

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.