Art Deco Bar Pin
These art deco bar pin pieces are crisp geometric brooches offering clean lines and bright stones that collectors prize for period dress.
What They Are
An art deco bar pin takes the form of an elongated brooch designed to fasten lapels, scarves or collars with linear elegance. These pieces emerge chiefly from the 1920 period, alongside a mid century continuation from 1960.
The selections span delicate geometric brooches alongside paired paste versions. Formats range from straight platinum bars set with diamonds to gold mountings holding pearls or coloured glass.
Most examples hail from the 1920 era, showcasing the characteristic symmetrical restraint of the style. Occasional later pieces from 1960 adapt old cut diamonds and onyx into similar slender brooch silhouettes.
How They Were Made
Goldsmiths constructed these jewels using platinum and various gold standards, including 18kt white gold and 18ct gold, often paired with base metal elements for structural support. Platinum provided the strong, ductile setting required for tight cluster work.
Gems were selected in contrasting tones, pairing diamonds and onyx or highlighting pink pearls against precious metal frames. Paste glass was also utilised for vibrant green emerald and red ruby alternatives within silver settings.
Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical UK retail prices for art deco bar pin, calculated from the Sellingantiques database of over a million retail prices indexed since 2003. This retail price guide relies exclusively on Sellingantiques data; no external sources or auction records are used, so the figures do not describe the wider market.
Listings for this phrase span both the 1920 and 1960 periods, utilising diamond, platinum, paste glass and pearl.
What Varies in Quality
The distinction between tiers rests upon the choice of gem materials and the crispness of the metalwork. Genuine diamonds set in platinum represent the upper end of manufacture, contrasting with silver settings holding paste glass.
Design execution determines the visual impact, where sharp geometric piercing and tight stone alignment elevate a piece. Softer edges and simpler metal forms indicate more utilitarian production.
The Art Deco Bar Pin Glossary
- Art Deco
- A design style dominant in the 1920 period characterised by symmetry, geometric shapes and streamlined forms. It rejects Victorian floral excess in favour of modern industrial lines.
- Bar Pin
- An elongated brooch shaped like a narrow bar, worn horizontally across garments. This format sits flat against fabrics.
- Paste Glass
- Cut and faceted glass used to imitate precious gemstones in antique jewellery. High quality paste offers deep colour and strong light reflection.
- Platinum
- A dense, strong white metal prized in the 1920 era for securing small diamonds in fine settings. It allows for delicate wirework without bending.
- Old Cut Diamond
- A diamond cut with a small table and high crown, typical of stones shaped before modern machinery. These gems catch candlelight with a softer glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an art deco bar pin?
An art deco bar pin is a slender, elongated brooch featuring the symmetrical geometry typical of the 1920 period. These jewels were designed to secure garments while adding a refined metallic accent.
They rely on materials such as platinum, gold, diamonds, pearls and paste glass. Each piece reflects the streamlined aesthetic of the era.
How do you wear a bar pin?
These brooches secure horizontally across jacket lapels, collars, cravats or heavy scarves. The pin mechanism fastens safely behind the decorative bar.
Because they are lightweight, they suit delicate fabrics as well as structured wools. They sit flat against the cloth to showcase their linear stonework.
Are these pins made of real diamonds?
Many examples feature genuine diamonds set alongside platinum or 18kt white gold. These represent the premium tier of period manufacture.
Other pieces utilise paste glass within silver mountings to achieve colourful effects. Each listing specifies the exact materials used.
How old are these brooches?
The primary period represented is the 1920 era, capturing the height of the style. These authentic antiques display period manufacturing techniques.
Occasional pieces date from later decades, such as 1960, utilising older cut diamonds within mid century settings. Dates are recorded based on evidence from each item.