Vintage and antique brooches from Lyppens jewellers

Lyppens jewellers has a vast collection of antique and vintage brooches. From small fine brooches to be worn on the blazer to larger statement pieces that can be worn on a dress. The collection brooches are always made from 14 or 18 karat yellow, white, rose gold, or platinum. Many of the brooches are great examples from the different art movements of the 19th and 20th century.

Different style periods

The oldest brooches in the collection are from the mid 19th century. These are typically large, flora inspired brooches often set with foiled back rose cut diamonds and sometimes a principal flower is set on a spring to create a trembling / ‘En Tremblant’ effect.

The end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century saw the rise of the Art Nouveau and the Belle Époque. There are many great brooches from this period in the collection. The Art nouveau brooches are typically set with enamel and less precious stones whereas the Belle Époque brooches are typically made from white gold or platinum and set with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds.

The 1920’s and 1930’s is known as Art Deco. The style was very much symmetrical and the most common metal that was used was platinum or white gold. Colours were not as frequently used during this period, when they were used, it was only the primary colours, red, blue and green. Lyppens jewellers has a great selection of Art Deco Brooches.

The 1940’s and 1950’s is known collectively as the Retro period. Yellow gold makes a return and also the use of less precious stones starts being used. It is normal to see the use of synthetic gemstones such as synthetic spinel in brooches, especially in many Dutch pieces.

The 1960’s and 1970’s saw the continuation of the use of yellow gold and many more organic and synthetic stones are commonly used in brooches. The Hippy movement that was revolutionising the world was also showing its effect on the way brooches were designed and made. More organic structures were used, less expensive gemstones and for the first time, jewellers were marketing their products to a younger generation.