Hiya!
What’s the difference between a brooch and a pin? In the fashion world of today, not a whole lot! The terms are most often used interchangeable. In the estate and antique jewelry world they are more often called brooches. Admittedly, brooch is a little more traditional and perhaps even a bit old-fashioned!
Technically speaking, pins and brooches are both decorative pieces of jewelry that attach to clothing with a sharpened metal wire on the back. Pins are the general category for such pieces of jewelry, and brooches are a specific type of pin. So all brooches are pins, but all pins are not brooches! In general, a brooch is a larger pin made in particular to wear at the throat or around the neckline area. Brooches have more dimensions than pins, tend to have a “flatter” design and are often horizontal.
Last week I gave you a bit of history on brooches and pins. This week let’s have some fun with your pins. We are going to take that brooch off your lapel and find some other unexpected and quirky ways you might wear a pin! Don’t get me wrong, wearing your brooch on your shoulder is perfectly acceptable, but it’s nice to know how to change it up every once in a while!
Pins and brooches are always in fashion! They can bring elegance to an ensemble. They can start conversations. They can be exquisite works of art. They can be used to express a mood or an opinion. Former secretary of state, Madeleine Albright famously used pins and brooches to do just that! You can read more about that in her book “Read My Pins.”
Pins are the most versatile piece of jewelry there is! Unlike rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings which are for the most part meant to be worn on a particular body part, brooches and pins can be worn wherever your imagination might take you!
The first place we think of to wear a pin is on the lapel of a jacket or in the vicinity of your shoulder. Add some interest to this “traditional” way by wearing a cluster of related pins. Do keep in mind the rule of odd numbers. Stick with 3 or five. If wearing a pin for business on a jacket or blouse be sure to wear it on the left. That is where the eye will automatically focus when shaking someone’s hand.
The second most popular place is wearing it on a scarf. Wearing a pin on a scarf not only glams it up a bit but can help secure the scarf in place.
Liven up a plain dress or top with a pin worn at the neckline, at the waistline or even on the sleeve or cuff. If the garment is thin or delicate, put a piece of felt behind it and pin through both layers to give the pin stability. I would however be careful about pinning on delicate silk. A brooch worn at the throat of a button down shirt or blouse can spice up an otherwise blah look.
Pins look great worn on pockets, front and back! Speaking of back, consider wearing an “exit pin” on the back of your shoulder or the deep V of a dress. You will be sure to be remembered as you are making your exit!
Jazz up a boring handbag or evening bag with a brooch or few! Plain belts and shoes can also be jazzed up with a brooch. Hats are another modern way to wear a brooch.
Want your hair to sparkle and shine? Try wearing a rhinestone or gemstone vintage brooch in it. Simply attach to a plain ponytail holder. Or secure the brooch to a hair comb or large clip and put your hair up in a bun or French twist.
These are just a few ways to restyle your brooches. Don’t stop here, get creative and have some fun playing with your brooches!
I am getting excited to attend “Broaching The Subject” workshop in Gatlinburg towards the end of October where hopefully I will get a good start towards designing a line of brooches and pins!
Until next time,
ENJOY!!
cheryl