History of Brooches

Decorating everything from lapels to handbags, the brooch is a favorite accessory of fashionistas everywhere. It is thought to have originated in the Early Bronze Age, fashioned first from wood and bone, then bronze embedded with gemstones. Mass production of brooches began during the 9^th and 10^th centuries for use as clothing fasteners.  Early societies like the Scandinavian Vikings, Greeks, Irish, Romans and others adapted brooches into their traditional dress. Women wore ornate brooches made of amber and glass beads to fasten their dresses. Prior to the Anglo-Norman invasion, men wore cloaks and mantels and used brooches to secure them.

The Victorian Era seen an explosion of brooch designs featuring insects, birds and flowers; as well as cameos and Celtic knots. The brooch had finally come of age. Today, the brooch makes a powerful fashion statement. Not for shrinking violets, the contemporary brooch is most often big, bold and colorful—sparkling with Swarovski crystals, pearls and gemstones. Affordable faux-vintage brooches are particularly popular and fun for every day wear. Original pieces from the Victorian and Edwardian eras are a sound investment for serious jewelry collectors. Vintage costume like Sherman, Trifari and Monet continue to be popular with fashion savvy women.

Ways to Wear Brooches

In the early days, women wore brooches to keep their dresses closed at the waist or shoulder. Today, we wear brooches pinned to our jacket lapels or a turtleneck sweater. Reminiscent of its functional past, brooches still serve to fasten scarves and shawls. Many brooches convert to pendants or can be converted with an inexpensive little gadget called the "pendant-converter.” You can enhance French twists, ponytails and long sleek hairstyles by attaching a brooch to hair combs, elastics and headbands. Brooches enhance a satin belt, evening bag, dressy fedora and straw sun hat.

Brooches are also the perfect accessory for the bride’s ensemble. Tuck a brooch-covered comb into an upsweep, add some dazzle at the shoulder, or pin one to the waist or bodice. Gather up the trailing bustle or attach a color-matched brooch to the base of the bouquet.

Brooches add pizzazz to the neckline of a crisp white shirt, elegance to the little black dress. Pin one onto a leather wrist cuff or choker-style necklace for a funky one-of-a-kind look. No matter how we wear them, brooches give expression to our own unique sense of style.

Shop for Brooches

Collecting brooches does not have to break the bank. WhimZ Girl Brooches at www.whimzgirlbrooches.com features a wide selection of contemporary and vintage-style brooches priced from $10.00 to $50.00. This virtual brooch heaven is bursting with sparkling delights in the whimsical form of angels, butterflies, dragonflies, fairies, frogs, flowers and insects; dressed up in rhinestones, pearls and Italian mosaic.