1920s Lapel Pin
These 1920s lapel pin pieces are striking Art Deco bar brooches and pins that fasten tailoring with geometric elegance and precious stones.
1920s Lapel Pin
A 1920s lapel pin brings together the sharp geometric lines and distinct motifs of the Art Deco period, taking the form of bar brooches and dress pins. These pieces were designed to fasten lapels, collars and hats, adding a refined accent to the attire of the decade.
The versions most commonly met on this page combine precious metals with stones such as diamonds and sapphires, alongside more accessible materials like sterling silver, paste, glass and butterfly wing. They range from delicate platinum mountings to Continental silver settings spanning the nineteen-twenties and nineteen-thirties.
How they were made
Master jewellers of the period utilised platinum and high-carat white gold to construct slender, rigid bar structures that could support intricate stone settings without bending. These durable metals allowed for the creation of lightweight yet secure mountings that held pave-set diamonds and calibre-cut gemstones in precise alignment.
Alternative pieces employed sterling silver and silver plating to frame colourful butterfly wing panels or glass and paste stones. Artisans cut and arranged these diverse materials by hand to achieve the high-contrast visual effects characteristic of the style.
1920s Lapel Pin Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 1920s lapel pin among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Some industrious 1920s insects found a second life under glass, guarding jacket lapels as immortalized butterfly wing dragonflies.
What varies in quality
The upper tier of these pieces relies upon substantial diamond carat weights and heavy platinum or white gold fabrication, where the metalwork itself demonstrates meticulous pierced openwork and tight grain-setting. Lesser examples utilise silver plating, glass, or paste, shifting the value from intrinsic material worth to the charm of the decorative design.
Execution of the geometric motifs distinguishes superior workshop production from standard commercial output. Crisp, symmetrical lines and secure stone retention separate the finest surviving examples from simpler decorative pins.
Cartier Paris
The 1920s Lapel Pin Glossary
- Art Deco
- A design style dominant in the 1920s and 1930s characterised by symmetrical geometric shapes, clean lines and stylised motifs. It represented a distinct shift away from the flowing curves of earlier Edwardian and Victorian jewellery.
- Bar brooch
- A slender, horizontal pin designed to fasten clothing, frequently featuring gemstones mounted along a central metal rod. This form was exceptionally popular for securing lapels and ties during the 1920s.
- Platinum
- A dense, strong white metal favoured in 1920s jewellery for its ability to hold tiny diamonds securely in ultra-thin settings. Its natural strength allowed jewellers to create delicate, lace-like structures that gold could not support.
1920s Lapel Pin: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1920s lapel pin used for?
These pieces served primarily to fasten and decorate the lapels of tailored jackets, coats, and hats during the interwar period. They added a personal touch of style to everyday garments and formal wear alike.
Today, collectors wear them in much the same way, pinning them to lapels, scarves, and collars to bring period character to modern clothing.
How do I identify an Art Deco pin?
Art Deco pins feature distinct geometric forms, straight lines, and symmetrical patterns that break away from older floral designs. Look for rectangular, linear bar shapes and structured stone arrangements.
The materials also offer clues, as platinum and white gold frequently anchor diamond-set pieces from this specific era.
Are butterfly wing pins authentic to the 1920s?
Yes, butterfly wing jewellery gained immense popularity during the 1920s, often showcasing iridescent Morpho wings protected beneath bevelled glass panels. These pieces frequently depicted tropical landscapes or natural motifs like dragonflies.
They represent a more whimsical side of the decade's accessory design, contrasting with the strictly geometric gemstone pieces.
What metals were used in 1920s pins?
High-end pieces from this era relied heavily on platinum and 18ct white gold to achieve a bright, silvery tone that complemented diamonds. Sterling silver and silver plating appeared frequently in more accessible or novelty designs.
Yellow gold also remained in use, sometimes appearing alongside multi-gemstone configurations from the early nineteen-twenties.