Blame it on the need to be “Zoom-ready” at all times or maybe it was the life-sized golden dove that Lady Gaga sported at the recent Inauguration. Whatever the reason, the brooch is back!
The earliest brooches recovered by archaeologists are from the Bronze Age and were originally created as practical clothing fasteners. The design and intricacy of the brooch rapidly escalated, however, and they became an easy way to project the wearer’s wealth and social status.
Today, brooches offer an instant update to almost any outfit. And, they need not be quite as large as Lady Gaga’s to make a real fashion statement! In fact, brooch clusters can provide the same over-the-top look, without the hefty price tag.
Best Ways to Wear a Brooch
There is really no wrong way to wear a lovely pin. Of course, you can take a cue from one of the world’s most practiced brooch wearers – Queen Elizabeth – and don a sparkling pin on the lapel of a blazer or coat. Or, keep one beside your computer and add it to a sweater before a video conference. (No one will notice that you are wearing the same black cashmere cardigan again, just your beautiful bauble.)
A smaller brooch takes center stage at the throat of a blouse and turtleneck. Or anchor a silk scarf using a pin at the shoulder (be careful to simply thread the scarf through the back and not actually pierce it to avoid damage to the scarf).
Pair two trends and marry pearls with vintage brooches. Anchor strands on the side with a pin. One or two strands work well with oversized costume jewelry from the 50’s and 60’s.
Try using them in a totally unexpected way. Use a brooch cluster on the back of a jacket. Or, add one to the hem of a skirt, on a cuff, headband, hat, handbag, or belt. You can even embellish a swimsuit.
Where to Find Beautiful Brooches
Tiffany & Co. is the source for a piece that is destined to become a family heirloom. I am especially fond of the new key brooches that are a natural extension of the key pendants which have become a jewelry lovers staple over the past decade.
Tiffany also offers a menagerie of animals, bold Elsa Peretti® Amapola poppies, plus a large selection of pieces in Paloma Picasso’s own handwriting (Love, XXOOO) just in time for Valentine’s Day! (And, these stunners start at just $265.)
My personal favorite is the Butterfly Brooch in Platinum with Diamonds because it reminds me of a brooch that was my mother’s when I was a child. In fact, I loved it so much that she actually gifted it to me as an adult.
Unfortunately, at $60,000, the Tiffany version is far (far!) outside my price point. But, if you like the look (and don’t happen to have an inherited version in your jewelry box) a quick Google search turned up hundreds of options for new butterfly brooches.
Etsy is another resource for one-of-a-kind pieces, and of course, Ebay is a veritable treasure trove of vintage finds. Happy hunting!
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Named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone.com, Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style. From must-have fashion, handbags, jewelry and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and gardening tips, stunning interior design, plus the latest products and ideas for chic parties, weddings and events of all kinds, you’ll find it here. Editor Susan Conforte McNeill is an author and entrepreneur, as well as the co-founder of the Delaware based literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!
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