Women’s accessories span a wide range of different products.
From sunglasses to necklaces, there are many options to choose from and give any outfit a boost.
Two often-overlooked accessories for women are brooches and pins.
The question is: Where do brooches come from? How do you wear a brooch?
Thankfully, our team at Anne Klein did the research to deliver you some background on this historical accessory, along with some different ways to wear it and some of our favorite styles.
History of Brooches and Pins
Although brooches are now viewed as an ornamental addition to an outfit, they didn’t start that way.
When brooches were introduced back in the Bronze age, they served a functional purpose. Brooches were used to fasten down looser articles of clothing, such as scarves or cloaks. They were initially made from sticks, thorns, and stones before moving over to precious metals and jewels.
Sometime in the 14th century, the brooch became a popular symbol worn by the noble. It was even believed that the gemstones used, such as rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and other precious stones, had special protective qualities.
Today, brooches are still often worn by women in positions of power: Presidents, first ladies, and even attorneys are great examples of this. Although in modern times, they’re worn more as a political statement.
Types of Brooches and Pins
Brooches and pins come in a variety of different types. Here are some of the most common brooch types out there.
Bar brooch
A bar brooch is precisely what the name suggests: An elongated bar-shaped brooch. They tend to be popular due to how easy they are to attach. A looped fastening system is used to hook the brooch pin and attach it to the wearer.
Pendant brooch
Pendant brooches are often made from necklaces by adding a concealed pin on the back. This makes them a versatile option with many different designs available.
Anne Klein’s brooch offerings are mostly pendant brooches coming in different styles, colors, and designs.
Enamel brooch
By fusing powdered glass to metal, we get a process known as enameling. In brooches, this is mostly used as an alternative to gemstones to get solid-colored designs.
Despite sounding like a more complicated process, evidence of enameling dates back thousands of years.
How to Wear Brooches and Pins
There’s more than one way to wear a brooch or a pin. Here are a few different ideas to get you started:
Securing looser fitting items
This is what brooches were initially used for, before moving to the lapel. Use a brooch to pin down your scarf to get both functional and aesthetic use out of it. Be careful when choosing a brooch for this, however, as you don’t want the styles to clash.On the lapel
This is a look used by royalty and other women in positions of power or authority. By wearing a brooch on the lapel, you can make an elegant statement or add a touch of character to an outfit.
In your hair
Another common use of a brooch, you can pin the brooch to a ponytail holder or any other hair accessory to add flair and shine to your hairstyle.
Anne Klein’s Brooches and Pins
Now that we know where brooches come from and some different ways to wear them let’s look at a few different styles.
Pearl and Crystal Accent Heart Brooch
A classic style, this heart brooch is encrusted with both pearl and crystal accents for an elegant and timeless look. It also makes a perfect gift for a loved one with the accompanying gift box.
Pave Flower Brooch
For a bolder look, the Pave Flower Brooch is perfect. This gold-tone flower brooch is lined with tonal crystal petals for a breathtaking and bold statement.
Gold-Tone Pearl Brooch in Gold Gift Box
This gold-tone pearl brooch is all about evoking vintage appeal in a modern setting, with accents of pearls and crystals lining the entire design. This brooch also comes with a special gold gift box, making it the perfect gift for someone special.
Gold-Tone Cluster Brooch in Gold Gift Box
Sparkling with shades of red, pink and lavender, this gold-tone cluster brooch makes the perfect vibrant accent piece. You can even give it as a gift to someone special in the accompanying gold gift box.
Gold-Tone Wreath Brooch in Gold Gift Box
This gold-tone wreath-shaped brooch is surrounded by jewel tone hues of green and lavender. Wear it as an enhancement to your wardrobe or outerwear during and beyond the holiday season. Another special gold gift box lets you surprise a special someone with the perfect gift.
Gold-Tone Sunburst Brooch in Gold Gift Box
Either as a gift to you or someone special, this sunburst brooch depicts jewel tones of emerald, cobalt, blue and purple with small gemstones lining the middle of the pendant. This brooch makes a stunning accent to any outfit.
