How to wear a brooch in the 21st century?

The different types of pins over time

The brooch is an element composed of a decorative part - set or not with precious stones - and a pin allowing the jewel to be attached to a garment or clothing accessory such as a hat, bonnet, shawl or scarf. From Antiquity to the Middle Ages, the brooch was a precious accessory worn by both men and women. It then became a decorative accessory until today.

Antique brooches from the 19th century

In the 19th century, the brooch was a very popular fashion accessory. Brooches adopted an antique decoration with graineti or filigree gold work, decorated with gold drops as pendants. This is why, during the First Empire, the brooch was worn on the upper shoulders, in the antique fashion. These antique jewels were often decorated with enamels and set with fine pearls, rose-cut diamonds, cameos and rhinestones. Later, more naturalistic brooches appeared: they took the form of diamond-set flower branches, sometimes mounted on a spring to be closer to reality. These jewels were called "trembling brooches". They were worn on the front of bodices. This type of accessory was also found in England, during the reign of Queen Victoria. We then saw the appearance of mourning brooches, composed of hair, black enamels, and names engraved in homage to the deceased. She also serves as a messenger for lovers.

Rose gold "love book" pin brooch, consisting of a book in which it is written "I love you" in all languages.
19th century sentimental jewel.

Antique brooches from the 20th century

Art Nouveau brooches

At the beginning of the 20th century, brooches remained very fashionable and brought a touch of originality to clothing. Art Nouveau brooches (1895-1915) often adopted a triangular shape, sometimes with figurative decoration of flowers (iris, pansy, ivy, lotus, lily of the valley) or female figures: sometimes with curved and abstract lines, decorated with translucent enamels and plique-à-jour and fine stones. A gem or a fine pearl is very often found as a pendant. The great masters of Art Nouveau played with shapes, materials, color and the play of light to create special and delicate brooches.

Art Deco Brooches

In the 1930s, geometry prevailed over sinuous lines. Sweater collars, jacket lapels, belts and hair were adorned with brooches set with straight diamonds. The fashion for the lapel clip spread from the 1920s and that of the barrette brooch set with a line of diamonds, which lasted since 1900. The preferred material was platinum and white gold. The most used gemstones were diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds; for contrast, onyx, rock crystal, jade and coral were preferred.

Retro Brooches from the 1940s/1950s

The brooch and lapel clip remain trendy, they are now mainly made of yellow gold and platinum. They take the form of animals, ribbons, bouquets of flowers, fans, the subjects are limitless. The volumes are large and the gems are natural or synthetic.

Wearing an antique or modern brooch

Wearing a brooch with style

Your antique brooch can be worn very well on a shirt , at the collar . This works with a triangle-shaped brooch or a lapel clip. The lapel clip is similar to a brooch, it can be worn on a pearl necklace , in the hair and especially on the lapel of a jacket . The ultimate is to wear it with a denim jacket, to have a contrast of the most beautiful effect.

The brooch can also be worn on the side of a blazer jacket, traditionally on the left side, but there is nothing stopping you from wearing it on the right.

At a social event, you can opt for - on a dress or a chic masculine outfit - wearing a large brooch or one set with a multitude of diamonds or precious stones. When wearing such an accessory, there is no need to adorn yourself with other jewelry, as this would cancel out its visual impact.

Various brooches and lapel clips, set with diamonds and pearls,
sold in our Maison Mohs gallery

During the day, when you adopt a "casual chic" outfit, choose a special brooch, with a subject that is not common, an animal subject for example. Do not hesitate to play with contrasts, colors and the material of the fabrics (denim, velvet, satin, silk) to obtain the perfect combination.

If you are wearing an autumn or winter outfit, do not hesitate to place your brooch on your hat or scarf; if you have a large brooch, wear it on your big winter coat. The brooch is precisely an accessory that can be worn indoors, in your private sphere, during evenings with friends; as well as outdoors, when you move around the streets of Paris or elsewhere.

If you go out in a dark outfit, like a little black dress, choose a diamond brooch, the white and shiny effect will be increased tenfold and your outfit will be the element that highlights your jewel. You can also wear a colored brooch, because a dark monochrome outfit will highlight the beauty of your brooch just as well. Conversely, if you like to wear a light and plain outfit, choose a dark brooch (in steel for example); or set with precious stones; or colored enamels. In the same way, the color contrast will highlight your antique jewel.

Wearing a brooch for utility

The brooch is certainly a decorative accessory, but it can also be a useful accessory to close your clothes.

Next summer, if you wear a scarf as a top, you can close it at the top of the shoulder with a small brooch. Finally, during the winter, add a decorative brooch to close your scarf around your neck.

If you have a look with a large neckline, you can close it with a medium-sized brooch, this will give it an extra touch of chic.

At a party, if you wear a plain dress, do not hesitate to close your fabric belt with a beautiful decorative brooch, which will add style to your outfit.

The Ultimate Guide to Men's Brooches and Pins

Jewelry in general and brooches in particular are not the preserve of women. Men also appropriate brooches and pins and make them perfect accessories for a trendy outfit. Whether the event is formal or for everyday wear, men can choose to wear a pin or a brooch.

Antique pins for men

Antique pins are fine and discreet accessories that can be an original touch on a classic outfit. These pins are decorated at their end with a subject set with precious stones or made entirely of precious material (gold, platinum or silver).

The pin can be worn on the lapel of a suit jacket, on a tie or on an ascot.

Men's brooches

Men can stylishly accessorize their masculine attire by donning an antique brooch on a blazer, suit jacket, coat, tuxedo or even sweater or shirt. It should be noted that the brooch may leave permanent marks or holes on delicate fabrics.

At a wedding, for example, you might find a floral brooch on the costumes, generally made of a soft material like fabric.

You may also be interested in our categories “ Antique brooches ” and “ Antique tie pins ”.