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Jennifer Gibson Vintage Jewellery
Jennifer Gibson Vintage Jewellery

One of fashion’s most extraordinary creations, the brooch, undoubtedly adds the x- factor to your look. Look beyond the star style of the perfect pin and you’ll soon realise you’re carrying a time-capsule of heart stopping stories, laid down since the dawn of ancient civilisations. It’s little wonder then the brooch beguiles and bewitches in its artistry , going beyond adornment to astonish and allure.

Kate Moss wearing Dior Couture, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, Vogue, October 1999

The Brooch is Born…

From ancient times to current day, brooches have held their own in the constantly evolving world of jewellery. Ancient civilizations crafted metal brooches or fibulae, often adorned with gemstones and intricate designs, primarily to fasten clothing. During the Middle Ages decoration was paramount, particularly enamelling, and by the Renaissance period brooches were a display of wealth and artistry, incorporating precious stones and increasingly innovative craftsmanship. From here, the affection for the brooch has only magnified. Georgian brooches were often set with cameos and intaglios and the Victorian era heralded sentiment with brooches incorporating symbols and keepsakes with promises of eternal love. Throughout the 20th century jewellery became thoroughly accessible and design opportunities seemingly limitless.

The age of adornment, with the world’s most versatile jewel at the helm, was about to witness a revolution and one steeped in the traditions of ancient history.

Staying Power

From practical purposes to outrageous adornment the brooch has transcended millennia with grace. Today, a must-have for every season, the brooch is feverishly crafted across the jewellery landscape. From the legendary Houses such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels, to the immortalised Haute Couture establishments such as Dior, Schiaparelli and Chanel – all the way to the Highstreet retailers paramount for trend saturation. The brooch of the 21st century is at heart an inclusive style staple. No wonder it has won our hearts and deep affection. I love to curate our jewel box so let’s walk this remarkable timeline and select some of our favourite finds. Which will you fall in love with ?
Miss Lily Elsie, Actor, 1900s La Belle Epoque

The Roaring 20s

The Art Deco movement influenced brooch designs with geometric shapes and white metals, inspired by advancements in technology and the excitement of the Jazz Age.
Vintage Art Deco Target Brooch
Vintage English Art Deco Silver & Paste Dress Clip
Vintage Givenchy Deco Inspired Brooch
Vintage Cristobal Giardinetti Brooch

The 1950s heralded a mid-century jewel revolution

A resurgence of glamour post war igniting the change. Brooches featuring floral motifs, cocktail inspired jewellery and whimsical figurals were in vogue, heavily influenced by Hollywood glamour and the increasing independence of women.
Vintage Sherman Floral Navette Brooch
Vintage Fischland Schmuck Statement Brooch
Vintage Pakula Figural Couple Brooches
Vintage Vendome Aurora Cascade Brooch

The 1970s proved a glorious era for bold, modernist and bohemian style

Celebrating the rock and roll era to perfection. Statement gems sat alongside natural materials each with fabulous creativity.
Vintage Dior Ball Brooch
Vintage Dior Bow Brooch
Vintage Stylised Chrysanthemum & Haematite Brooch
Vintage Florenza Dragons Breath Bracelet

The 1980s mantra was excess, and jewellery led the charge on the catwalk.

Models weighed down with layer upon layer of faux jewels defined an era and produced some of the very best costume jewellery of the century.
Vintage Crystal Spider Brooch
Vintage Accessocraft NYC Cruciform Brooch
vintage Trifari Kunio Matsumoto necklace
Vintage Chanel CC Rope Brooch

The late ‘90s & the Noughties heralded a clean aesthetic with a fresh focus on logomania.

A new century of style had begun, led by designers such as John Galliano at Dior.
Vintage Dior Safety Pin Brooch
Vintage YSL Heart Brooch
Vintage Chanel Brooch Jennifer Gibson Jewellery 1996
Vintage Christian Lacroix Heart Brooch
With extraordinary staying power, the brooch remains a breathtakingly exciting piece of wearable art, deeply connected to our emotions.