Celebrating with a Grand Old Flag Pin
The year of the Semiquincentennial is a perfect time to break out jewelry that shows off your fashion sense and national pride.
All images courtesy of Jay B. Siegel.
I’ve written about patriotic jewelry in the past, but one type seems particularly appropriate for a deeper dive as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary: the flag pin. From painted and enameled designs to examples blinged out with rhinestones and even diamonds, this symbol of loyalty to the good old U.S. of A. has drawn many dedicated collectors.
Of course, demand for these little beauties has surged several times during the past century, with some of the most collectible versions dating to the World War II era. The attacks on September 11, 2001, spurred Americans to join in solidarity once more, and flag pins—old and new—were suddenly in great demand again. And, of course, American VIPs and politicians have kept modern marketers of flag jewelry like Ann Hand in business for decades.
As I was further contemplating this topic, I did a little research on the flag’s history and also pondered some of the famous folks who’ve donned flag pins. And since writing about something interesting gives me the itch to acquire one of my own, I also looked at some current values to see if I’d need a second mortgage to add one of the best 1940s versions to my brooch stash. As we mark another independence milestone (maybe you’re old enough to remember the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations of 1976, too), I’ll share a little of what I recently learned with you.
Interesting Facts About Old Glory and the Corresponding Pins
Playing a game of trivia not too long ago, my knowledge of the flag was tested as a question about the number of red stripes was posed. I remembered that the stars denote each of the 50 states and the stripes represent the 13 original American colonies. My answer correctly surmised that there are seven red and six white stripes, so I got the point for that round of the game. But why are the stripes red and white, and what does the blue background behind the stars signify? As it turns out, the red stripes stand for valor, and the white ones represent purity and innocence; the blue behind the stars signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice, according to the National Flag Foundation.
When it comes to representations of the United States flag in pin form, many designers and fabricators of these varied styles take license with the depiction. For this reason, you can’t necessarily distinguish the date of a flag pin by the number of stars present. Some World War II-era pins feature 48 rhinestones representing the states of the union at that time, but many don’t. Flags of all ages, in fact, can be found with a swath of blue stones where stars would normally reside. Depending on the size and materials used in construction, these pins may or may not have 13 stripes, but red will always outweigh white in the color scheme. So, the designs have varied over time, but you’ll be able to recognize them as American flags regardless of age.
Famous Flag Pin Wearers
American flag pins are consistently worn by politicians, dignitaries, and their spouses to convey patriotism. It’s expected, and most aren’t overly remarkable unless you’re looking at a collection like the one amassed by Madeleine Albright. In the former secretary of state’s famed “Read My Pins” collection—publicized in a book by the same name and in an online museum—are numerous flag pins.
In addition to a flag marked Ann Hand, who has supplied Washington, D.C.’s elite with flags and other patriotic designs since the 1980s, Albright’s collection includes examples by recognizable names like Ciner, Swarovski, and Carolee. Some are traditional flags, while others take the form of hearts or bows, but still feature the familiar stars and stripes. She was known to wear brooches like these and many others to send messages of peace, hope, solidarity, caution, and even warning when necessary.
Albright isn’t the only notable figure known to wear symbolic flag pins, however. More recently, in April of 2026, while on a state visit with her husband, King Charles, Queen Camilla was spotted wearing a brooch that included both the British and American flags in tandem as a gesture of friendship. The Cartier brooch, set with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, was originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth by the mayor of New York in 1957 on her first state visit to the United States, so it has an apropos history.
Flag Pin Values
If you’d like to obtain your own flag pin laden with gemstones, you can certainly find one for far less than an example crafted by Cartier. Plain, smaller versions can be found in the $500 range, while fancier designs with more detailing sell for $2,000 or more. If you’re like me, however, a vintage option with a little more eye appeal is a better option, even though the price isn’t always more affordable.
One vintage brand sought by collectors for its consistent quality is Trifari, and this manufacturing giant offered many different versions of Old Glory to choose from. The most expensive ones, dating to the 1940s, sell from $500–$1,000 when purchased from a knowledgeable dealer, and they’re impressively set with sparkling stones. Other small pins featuring mostly enameling can be found reasonably for $35 or less. Luckily, there are several other Trifari designs that fall in between these two extremes.
Don’t stop at the top when exploring older options, though. There are many unmarked war-era brooches, made of silvery pot metal or with brassy finishes, that have lots of character in the $50–$100 range. Some of the gold-plated pins by Ciner and other brands still look like new and sell in the same scope, if not a bit more. If you really want to make a statement, however, keep an eye out for an oversized flag handcrafted in Lawrence Vrba’s workshop. They aren’t cheap, selling for $250–$400, but they are some of the most impressive flag brooches available.
Now you know a bit more about these wearable expressions of American spirit, and it’s time to celebrate. Some people hang bunting, others don an Uncle Sam hat, but for me, nothing says party like you’re 250 better than a grand old flag pin!
Pamela Wiggins Siegel has been buying, selling, and collecting costume jewelry for more than 30 years. She is the author of Warman’s Costume Jewelry (Krause Publications) and the co-founder of Costume Jewelry Collectors Int’l, an organization dedicated to hosting events and providing educational resources for collectors. Visit her online at www.chicantiques.com and www.cjci.co.
See links to more patriotic jewelry below.
