Typically associated with Grandmother’s jewellery box, designers are breathing new life into brooches by presenting modern-day versions on the runways, whether fastened to the lapel of a coat or blazer or used to elegantly pin a cape or scarf in place.
Brooches date back to before the Bronze Age, when flint and thorn examples served to pin clothing together, but they soon evolved into objects of adornment, and over the centuries, they’ve become one of the most expressive items of jewellery. They offer an accessible way to cultivate a sense of individuality, in a world where consumers are looking for ways to hone their personal style and at a time when it is increasingly difficult to do so.
A 19th century foil backed topaz and amethyst memorial brooch which is going under the hammer in Cheffins online jewellery sale
Brooch embellishments appeared on the spring/summer 24 and autumn/winter 24 runways - both Tory Burch and Erdem showed an array - they’ve been just as in demand on the red carpets and have been especially popular among male celebrity circles.
From Michael B. Jordan wearing two historic ‘Bird on a Rock’ Tiffany brooches to last year’s Oscars ceremony, and Paul Mescal wearing a vintage Cartier design to the BAFTAs, to the recent Emmy awards, where Tyler James Williams, Barry Keoghan, and Colman Domingo all proudly wore precious pins – a tuxedo without a brooch simply feels a little lacklustre in 2024.
Meanwhile, female powerhouses have been equally flamboyant with theirs - at last year’s halftime Super Bowl performance, Rihanna wore three dazzling diamond brooches upon her red Loewe jumpsuit, while Beyoncé recently stepped out wearing a Balmain dress that turned her entire torso into a glittering sapphire brooch for the London premiere of Renaissance.
For those who want to get on board with this trend, Cheffins has an array of precious pins in its timed online jewellery sale, such as Lot 61 (pictured below), a collection of gemset brooches with an estimate of £150-£250.
A collection of gemset brooches from Cheffins online jewellery sale (Lot 61)