Pinning power: Give your outfit a unique flair with a dazzling brooch

Decorated with diamonds, rubies, and green glass cabochons, this vintage bird brooch captures the essence of 1970s style. Photo: Bakhache Jewellery

Some may perceive it as old-school, while others just don’t want to ruin their outfit’s material with a pin. But we believe that the brooch is possibly the most underrated jewellery piece, which it shouldn’t be.

The brooch is versatile, gender-neutral, and a great way to make a statement or convey a message, whether in terms of style or supporting something as significant as mental health awareness – think the Green Ribbon pin.

Sporting Piaget's Dazzling Glow brooch, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, India, adds a touch of brilliance to his attire. Photo: Piaget

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to wearing a brooch. Pin it wherever your creativity takes you and it will definitely punctuate your look.

Whether in its most minimalist design or bejewelled boldness, the brooch can instantly elevate your attire, adding a touch of flair and individuality without requiring much styling effort.

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Plus, it transcends gender norms, as exemplified by male actors at the recent 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards.

John Krasinski highlighted his white tux with a sparkling Paris Flames brooch in yellow gold with diamonds, designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.

Jeremy Allen White, enhancing his black evening suit, chose Tiffany & Co’s Amapola brooch.

Designed by Elsa Peretti, Amapola, meaning poppy in Spanish, features a red silk resembling a flower on a gold stem.

At a Piaget High Jewellery Metaphoria event in Florence, Italy, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, India, wore the Swiss brand’s Dazzling Glow brooch.

The beautiful brooch boasts a large rubellite, rubies, pink sapphires and diamonds.

In days of yore, the brooch served a utilitarian purpose as a garment fastener, acting as both a functional necessity and an ornamental accessory.

Some even served as symbols of social status, and their enduring presence over the decades demonstrates their timeless appeal.

Bakhache Jewellery has a diamond leaf brooch from the 19th century (circa 1880s), featuring a design resembling a maple leaf embellished with old-cut and rose-cut diamonds, boasting a total estimated diamond weight of 4.70 carats.

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Soaring in elegance is a bird brooch crafted from 14K white and yellow gold, bedazzled with diamonds, rubies and green glass cabochons – flying straight from the hip and eclectic era of the 1970s.

This Cartier brooch brews up a quirky flair, drawing inspiration from the coffee bean, and featuring brilliant-cut and princess-cut diamonds. Photo: Cartier

Elsa Peretti’s Amapola brooch for Tiffany & Co. takes inspiration from the Spanish word for poppy, featuring red silk resembling a flower on a gold stem. Photo: Tiffany & Co.

For a touch of whimsy, check out Cartier’s Grain de Cafe brooch.

Inspired by the coffee bean, the yellow and white gold piece is encrusted with three brilliant-cut diamonds and three princess-cut diamonds totaling 0.21 carats. A brew-tiful creation indeed.

Needless to say, brooches hold a lasting charm capable of transforming your look from simple to sophisticated.

Maybe it’s time to raid grandma’s closet. Who knows, you might be able to pin down some treasures.