Brooches

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    Learn More About Brooches

    A pin is a type of jewelry that uses a thin tapered post to fasten to clothing, while brooches are a specific type of ornamental pin. Typical stick-pin jewelry usually includes a small decoration, like a jewel or charm. Brooches often feature a large, eye-catching ornament that can take almost any shape and may incorporate a number of precious metals and gems. Originally used for securing cloaks and scarves at the shoulder or neck, the brooch pin has expanded to include large ornamental pins that can be worn as jewelry.

    You’ll discover a world of brooches from shops on Etsy to suit all styles, from jewel-encrusted vintage brooches in silver and gold to whimsical brooches in all sorts of shapes to match your mood and interests. Here are some types of brooches you’ll find:


    • Bar brooches: Bar brooches have a horizontal, elongated shape, often featuring a decorative design. This style of brooch is easy to fasten, with the post hooking into a looped latch.
    • Cameo brooches: A cameo brooch features a raised, carved image of a person’s profile, a landscape, or a mythical scene. This style was favored by noblewomen in the 18th and 19th centuries and remains a popular choice today.
    • Brooch pendants: These brooches are versatile pieces of jewelry featuring a hidden loop opposite the pin along the brooch's backside, which makes it easy to string a chain through and wear the ornament as a pendant.
    • Foliate brooches: Often worn to signify love and friendship, a foliate brooch features elaborate floral or leaf designs, incorporating gemstones and metal finishes.

    Whether it's for casual everyday wear or for glamorous and formal occasions, you can style a brooch in many different ways. Here are a some examples of how to wear a brooch to add a little sparkle and shine to your ensemble:


    • On the lapel: One traditional way to wear a brooch is on the lapel of a jacket or blazer. There aren’t any rules on which side to attach a brooch, but many regard the left lapel as appropriate for formal occasions.
    • At the neckline: An elegant brooch placed at your neckline enhances any evening dress. If you're wearing a low-cut dress, attaching a brooch at the center adds eye-catching flair to your outfit. For shirts and sweaters, fasten a brooch just beneath your collarbone or at the base of your neck to add just the right dash of style.
    • As a hair accessory: An antique or vintage brooch makes an ideal hair accessory for special occasions. Clip a glamorous brooch to your elegantly upswept chignon for formal events.
    • To secure a scarf: A brooch is a sophisticated and stylish way to hold a neck scarf or head scarf in place. This method of styling a brooch works best for more durable fabrics, such as cotton or wool. A delicate silk scarf might not be able to support the size and weight of a large ornate pin.