Be a Pin-Up: 10 tips for refreshing your look with brooches

Great news if you have Mom’s/Grandma’s prize pins in the back of your jewelry box—they’re back in fashion! Think about Zoom calls—since people can only see the top half of you, a well-placed brooch can bring elegance (and flash) to your image.

First, a brief history of brooches

• Bronze age: Decorative pins were worn to fasten capes and cloaks.
• 1600s – 1700s: Cameos came into popularity showing portrait silhouettes and classical scenes.
• 1700 – 1800: Pre-electricity, sprays of diamonds moved with the wearer, catching the candlelight.
• Victorian era: Mourning brooches were somber (to match the all-black mourning outfits) and often included a lock of hair.
• 20^th century: Brooches maintained their popularity, changing with the style of the day—belle epoque, to art deco, to modern art, to representations of nature.

10 tips for using your statement brooch

A leading art/auction site, invaluable, along with some other sources, have tips for making the most of your stunning decorative brooches:

1. Don’t wear an even number of them. Some say it’s bad luck (and it doesn’t look as good as an odd number).
2. Wear it on the lapel of a tailored blazer over a crisp white t-shirt; or pin down the front of a high turtleneck with one.
3. Wear one on your shoulder…or on your coat, hat, bag, or hair for more sparkle.
4. Traditionally they’re worn on the left lapel (maybe because most people are right-handed?).
5. Gender fluidity works for brooches, too. Ladies, you can wear lapel or tie pins; gentlemen, you can wear more ornate brooches, if you like.
6. A well-placed brooch can change a daytime outfit to an evening-worthy style.
7. Your LBD (little black dress) can be transformed with a dramatic brooch on the shoulder or in the middle of the collar.
8. Think about grouping pins; several small ones can take on the appearance of one large brooch.
9. You can wear one as a focus piece rather than a necklace or heavy earrings.
10. If anyone asks about your gorgeous pin, always say “it’s an heirloom…possibly Cartier, I’m not certain.” Let them guess!

Whether you have a Cartier brooch or any heirloom or precious jewelry, make sure it’s protected from loss or theft. Start by arranging a professional appraisal. With my expertise I can evaluate your valuables and supply the paperwork you’ll need. Call me at 617-304-0174 or drop me a line at aimee@ambappraisal.com.

Brilliantly yours, Aimee