Brooches Are Back!

By: Alter's Gem Jewelry

For some, the very reference of brooches invites imagery of some elaborate piece of jewelry, dripping with gemstones, set in the most ornately crafted of precious metals, and largely reserved for the upper crust, or even royalty, of eras long bygone.  But the truth is that the brooch was perhaps the very first functional adornment worn by human kind; an element born of necessity as humanity began to wear clothing.  Something had to hold that cloth together, and so the history of the brooch began – however modestly.  In the earliest of times, something as simple as a thorn or pin served this purpose, but as humanity evolved, so did our sense of fashion and love of all things eye-catching.  So it naturally follows that brooches began to evolve, as well, incorporating ever more creative and stylish elements, and reflecting fashion trends throughout the ages. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Whimsical Starfish Brooch Whimsical Starfish Brooch[/caption] 2016’s jewelry trends are witness to the return of the brooch, to the runway and beyond; a fashion trend that promises to continue as the elegance and sheer versatility of the brooch is rediscovered by a generation of fashionistas adept at comingling classic and modern; the old with the new. There is a certain sense of timelessness associated with the very idea of a brooch, presumably because this classic jewelry element has been around for such a very long time.  But there’s nothing “old” about today’s fun and functional brooch designs.  Not to mention that a brooch can be worn in so many different and creative ways, especially since we generally don’t need to depend on it to hold our clothing together like they did way back when.  A simple neckline is dramatically accented with the addition of a little brooch sparkle.  Your brooch can be worn in your hair or clipped to a belt or coat, or used to stylishly fasten a scarf.  Brooches can be used to adorn shoes or even purse straps.  They are the ultimate in jewelry versatility and, as the popularity of the brooch continues to grow (again), the more variety of designs become available to suit virtually any look you might be after. The ornate statement piece is – and always will be – a classic brooch style.  But it’s no longer the only option, or even the norm.  Brooches range from the classically elegant to bold and brazen, and even fun and flirty.  And it’s a good idea to collect an assortment of brooch styles, so you’ve always got right piece to bring it all together and make your unique fashion statement complete.