Blog

Dr. Lori: Gem-filled holiday brooches from last century making a comeback [antiques column] | Antiques | lancasteronline.com

Please enable JavaScript to properly view our site.

Brightly colored gemstones were used in statement holiday brooches from the latter half of the 20th century. Colorless or white gemstones, such as pearls and diamonds, are used by holiday jewelry designers to recall a wintery mood suggestive of white snow, crystals or angels’ sparkling wings. world map cuff links

Colorless or white gemstones, such as pearls and diamonds, are used by holiday jewelry designers to recall a wintery mood suggestive of white snow, crystals or angels’ sparkling wings.

Brightly colored gemstones, especially in the complementary colors of red and green, were used in statement holiday brooches from the latter half of the 20th century.

Colorless or white gemstones, such as pearls and diamonds, are used by holiday jewelry designers to recall a wintery mood suggestive of white snow, crystals or angels’ sparkling wings.

Brightly colored gemstones, especially in the complementary colors of red and green, were used in statement holiday brooches from the latter half of the 20th century.

Brightly colored gemstones were used in statement holiday brooches from the latter half of the 20th century. Colorless or white gemstones, such as pearls and diamonds, are used by holiday jewelry designers to recall a wintery mood suggestive of white snow, crystals or angels’ sparkling wings.

When it comes to dressing up, the holiday season requires your best outfits and accessories. During the holidays, we dress in our best clothes, shoes and hats. Yet, when it comes to jewelry, whether fine or costume, a big statement piece makes a holiday outfit stand out. Earrings, necklaces and bracelets are the must-have accessories for holiday style, and a brooch tops off any blouse, blazer, sweater, shirt or coat.

READ: Dr. Lori: 1970s TV collectibles in demand at healthy prices [antiques column]

When it comes to evaluating holiday brooches, there are some aspects of the popular keepsakes that should not be overlooked.

Gemstones like rubies and emeralds are often the choice of the season because of their red and green colors.

Colorless or white gemstones, such as pearls and diamonds, are used by holiday jewelry designers to recall a wintery mood suggestive of white snow, crystals or angels’ sparkling wings.

Precious metals like silver are popular in jewelry during the winter holidays. It’s true that if it’s good enough for the bells then it’s good enough for the bling. Of course, gold jewelry pieces, including rose gold, yellow gold or white gold, are always in fashion. These pretty and precious metals are the basis for any good-looking brooch.

Brightly colored gemstones, especially in the complementary colors of red and green, were used in statement holiday brooches from the latter half of the 20th century.

When choosing a holiday brooch, the setting is important. Look for classic settings like wreaths, circles or natural forms such as poinsettias, holly, evergreen trees, etc.

Prongs are a quality indicator for both fine and costume jewelry brooches. Remember, the more prongs on a brooch to hold a gemstone or faux gemstone in place, the better. Most faceted cut gemstones are set with at least four prongs. It is better to have six or more prongs. Prongs should be curved and tightly secured to the gemstone on a brooch.

READ: Lancaster County Christmas memories through the years, from the 1940s to the 2000s

Like prongs, which come in various types, pin-back clasps come in a variety of types. Some typical pin-back clasps are c-clasps resembling the letter “C,” trombone clasps, barrel clasps and rotating clasps. All are made to secure a fancy brooch to any garment.

Colorless or white gemstones, such as pearls and diamonds, are used by holiday jewelry designers to recall a wintery mood suggestive of white snow, crystals or angels’ sparkling wings.

For holiday brooches, some of the most popular styles are those that resemble wreaths, candles or winter-themed objects like sleighs, snowmen or snowflakes, to name a few. Figural brooches of Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, Hanukkah menorahs, dreidels and other seasonal objects are popular.

Collectors know that brooches are making a big comeback on the vintage fashion scene. Today’s holiday fashion demands that a bigger vintage brooch is a better brooch. These big brooches, called statement brooches, command high values on the market.

Vintage brooches from the last half of the 20th century enjoy a very active resale market online on platforms like eBay.com, Etsy.com, Shop

Thrilling.com and Poshmark.com, among others.

Brightly colored gemstones, especially in the complementary colors of red and green, were used in statement holiday brooches from the latter half of the 20th century.

The most popular gemstones or faux gemstones used in holiday brooches are red and green stones. Red stones such as garnets and rubies and green stones like emeralds, peridots and jades highlight the holiday color scheme.

These color pairs attract the eye using the law of complementary colors from color theory. Red and green are complementary colors that stimulate the optic nerve and attract one’s eyes toward the color pair.

The introduction of colorless or white gemstones, such as pearls and diamonds, is used by holiday jewelry designers to recall a wintery mood suggestive of white snow, crystals or angels’ sparkling wings.

Diamonds, rhinestones and crystals are used in holiday brooches to give a look of snowy landscapes. Blue topaz and aquamarines are often paired with pearls in holiday brooches to give the feeling of the colors of the season’s cold and icy weather, too. In addition to these precious gems, faux gemstones are integrated into holiday brooch design, using gems such as blue Austrian crystals or carved cabochon stones like carnelian, chalcedony and aventurine.

When it comes to fine jewelry, look for high-quality materials, gemstones and stunning modern designs by some of the most impressive designers like David Yurman, Chanel, Cartier, etc.

For vintage costume or faux jewelry collectors, brooches by Hattie Carnegie, Miriam Haskell, Ben Amun, Trifari and Eisenberg have good value and strong market interest.

 With a Ph.D. from Penn State University, Lori Verderame is an antiques appraiser, author and award-winning TV personality who has appeared on the TV shows “The Curse of Oak Island,” “King of Collectibles” and “Pawn Stars Do America.” You can watch her “Real Bargains” show at YouTube.com/DrLoriV. She gives appraisal information at DrLoriV.com or 888-431-1010.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

A Lancaster-based artist is one of 10 finalists selected to create a poster for 2026's FIFA …

Regardless of what corner of Lancaster County you're in, there's winter fun close by this weekend.

Television in the 1970s television offered viewers some of the most memorable characters in …

Lancaster County is a special place to be during the holiday season. 

The holiday season is a time for giving, and there’s no better way to give than by supporting your community. Whether it’s lending an ear or h…

Support local journalism. Click here to learn more about the role the Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund plays in Lancaster County and to make a tax-deductible donation.

cufflink gifts for men Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks. We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: