How to buy a brooch

Brooches are fun fashion accessories and are steeped in rich history. They can make a statement, show what’s important to you, or serve as your personal good luck charm. Once associated with the past, they are now back in style, especially since First Lady Michelle Obama has been spotted sporting them. They come in prices ranges to fit every budget, from costume jewelry to serious bling. If you’re shopping for a brooch,  look for unique and beautiful pieces that will have lasting style.

Wearing a brooch

A brooch is a piece of decorative jewelry that you attach to a garment like a sweater or blazer…or get creative, and use as a statement piece on a dress or coat, or to dress up accessories from belts to headbands. If you decide to wear a brooch, keep your selection tasteful and reasonably small so that it doesn’t look too garish. Make sure that the brooch will not poke you or anyone else and that it will not come off or damage the clothing on which you wear it. Don’t buy a brooch so heavy that it pulls or distorts your clothing. It should be attached to a thick fabric that won’t run or tear. Always remove brooches from clothing before washing.

Silver brooches

Silver brooches have been popular for a long time. Throughout history, civilizations have mined silver and made it into jewelry. Silver jewelry should be marked “.625″ or higher (meaning it is 62.5% silver or more) if it is genuine. Check with your sales clerk if you cannot find the mark. Silver brooches can hold stones, or they are also very beautiful without adornment, especially if they feature delicate metalwork or filigree.

Silver brooches

Silver is particularly popular at the moment because it is a more affordable precious metal. Make sure to have  some silver polish to care for your brooch if it tarnishes.

Gold Brooches

Gold is an expensive precious metal. It has an extensive history of being the top of the line for jewelry and is revered in almost every civilization today. Genuine gold brooches will be marked with the amount of pure gold content. This number may be 10k, 14k, 18k or 24k (be advised that 18K and 24K gold is softer).

Gold brooches

Because of the value of gold, make sure you study the brooch for imperfections and ensure that it has a very strong hook or closure. Always make sure the hook is secure before you wear it. Gold animal, reptile, and insect brooches are very popular and usually come with some kind of precious stone as the eye.

Dragonfly brooches

Natural stone brooches

Now back in style, brooches made of natural stones such as crystal, amethyst, citrine, opal, pearl, and others are becoming very popular. They can vary in price according to the size and value of the stone. Make sure that all of the stones are securely set in the brooch before you buy, and that the hook closes completely and stays closed.

Natural stone brooches

Precious stone brooches

Precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires make beautiful brooches that will cost a good deal more than other types. Precious stones such as diamonds will also list the total carat weight of the stones on the brooch.

Diamond brooches

The best way to avoid losing one of these precious stones is to buy a brooch with stones set in gold or silver. Check the hook and make sure it fastens securely. A brooch can easily fall off clothing without anyone noticing, so make sure that the hook is secure every time you put the brooch on your clothing.

Costume and Cause-Related Brooches

Don’t feel tied to brooches in precious metals…there are more attractive costume brooches available than ever, in materials such as enamel and adorned in Swarovski crystals, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to find something fun and versatile without spending too much money.  Even better, check out flea markets or second-hand stores to fine vintage brooches…try one in marcasite for a vintage look that won’t be too hard on your pocketbook.

Marcasite brooches

In addition to traditional styles, some brooches are available to show support for causes – for example, a pink ribbon brooch can support the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Breast Cancer Awareness Pugster Brooch

So think about your wardrobe, and choose a brooch that suits you. Good luck, and happy shopping!