Wearing a vintage brooch can make you feel as if you’ve drifted back to a more glamorous time.  Although a brooch might simply be defined as a decorative pin, there’s actually more to it than that. Brooches are pins but they are usually larger than regular pins and are very ornamental and decorative in nature.

Brooches first came into wide use in and around the Roman Empire. They initially developed primarily out of necessity to act as a sort of safety pin to hold garments together. For example, brooches were used in Europe to fasten cloaks. Over time brooches became more and more elaborate and were used more for adornment than for practical purposes.

Today vintage jewelry, including brooches, can be found in a variety of places and in all prices ranges. These big, sparkling pins can be easily found locally at garage sales, thrift stores, and estate sales.

These days vintage brooches can be used in a variety of creative ways. Your brooch can be worn in a more traditional fashion. For example, you may pin it on your winter coat or suit lapel for a classic and timeless look. Or, you can use it to accessorize an elegant evening gown.

But, don’t let entrenched thoughts about brooches keep you from experimenting and having fun with them. Vintage brooches are so versatile and come in so many funky and fabulous colors and styles that there’s a lot of room to express your individual style. You might try embellishing an old jean jacket with a big, bold brooch for a night out at the dance club. Another possibility is to pin a glittering rhinestone brooch to a headband and wear it that way. Or, try making a belt out of a colorful scarf by using your favorite piece to clasp the scarf together at your waist.

Another option is to wear your brooch as a necklace. This can be easily accomplished by purchasing a brooch converter. They can be found in gold or silver and are simple to use with your favorite vintage pieces.

We should all have one, if not several, brooches in our vintage jewellery collection.

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