The Popularity of Brooches – Sharp Eye

Brooches have been worn in women’s hair, on hats, on handbags, around the neck, and on a jacket or coat. The brooch dates to the Bronze age, and while their popularity has ebbed and flowed, at this moment in time, the brooch has come roaring back into fashion.

Brooches have been used to signify different historical events and have evolved with the changing times. Originally, they functioned as a way for women to secure clothing and looked something like a large, thick, safety pin. In the Byzantine era, brooches were covered in gemstones, enamel, and pearls. They still functioned to close heavy coats or cloaks, but they were status symbols. They once indicated mourning, especially in the Victorian era. As craftsmen’s skills evolved, so did the intricacy of brooches. The more social status on achieved , the more elaborate the brooch. The brooch kept evolving through the Victorian era when diamonds began appearing on them. Fast forward to modern times, in the 20^th century Queen Elizabeth II adored brooches, especially those with diamonds and sapphires.

Queen Elizabeth with one of her brooches

The 21^st century brooch is included in most high-end jewelry designers’ major collections. Their appeal to the public is the limitless design possibilities. They signify elegance and flair, and they dress up any outfit. My mother adored brooches and gave me several. I have never worn any and repurposed a few into pieces of jewelry I do wear. Researching brooches for this article is making me reassess the few brooches I still have. I might try taking one or two out for a spin and see how they do. I am finding several I saw while writing this article very appealing!

In case you are wondering what the difference is between a brooch and a pin, here is the answer:

All brooches are pins, but not all pins are brooches. The main difference is in the design and purpose. Brooches are decorative, ornamental, and designed to enhance an outfit. They are a subset of the ‘pin’ category. Pins, on the other hand, may be purely decorative but not as elaborate as a brooch. Pins are also functional, designed to fasten materials together or hold a garment in place. The terms are often used interchangeably, but brooch suggests a major decorative accessory.

This brooch is 12K gold plate with glass gemstones and cultured freshwater pearls. It was inspired by a 1597 Flemish portrait and is sold at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is 3” L x 2” W. $135.00.

Ginny’s daughters got ahead of this trend and gave her this White Gardenia Brooch from Helena Simon. It is the national flower of French Polynesia. The brooch features emerald green silk flower petals, velvet leaves and is centered with three delicate freshwater pearls. $525

This Kenneth Jay Lane brooch is a Maltese Cross with a ruby center surrounded by various dark gemstones. It is 1.5” x 1.75”. $145.00.

This Lisieux brooch is by Jenny Bird, a Canadian designer whose brooches are usually under $100. It is the elongated profile of the egret bird. The designer suggests wearing it through a buttonhole or on the collar of a blouse, or on your handbag. It is made from 14k gold dipped brass finished in high polish. It is 2” L x 1” W. It also comes in silver. $98.00.

This is a Givenchy vintage crystal and gold tone brooch. It is 1.25” L x 1.75” W. It is missing one crystal, but who’ll notice! It is a classic design. $93.75.