How do you wear a brooch today?
A women's brooch is no longer reserved for the lapel of a suit. Pinned on a crew-neck sweater, a shirt pocket or a hat ribbon, it gives character to a simple outfit. You can also group two or three on a jacket, a dragonfly next to an ant, or keep just one at the collar of a coat. On a fine knit, choose a light brooch so it does not pull the fabric. On a scarf or a knotted neckerchief, it also helps hold the folds.
Blue, pink or gold brooch, which should you choose?
A blue brooch, like the blue and black ant, stands out on a camel coat, a black jacket or a white shirt, and brightens a gray sweater or a trench coat. On a navy background, however, a gold-tone brooch will stand out better. The pink dragonfly goes with neutral tones, the Nixie lapel pin and its green crystal with a beige jacket. Gold-tone brooches, like the hedgehog set with crystal marquise stones, warm up black or gray. For more blue jewelry, see our blue selection.
Metal, brass or 925 sterling silver, what is the difference?
Many of the house's brooches are in gold-tone or rhodium-plated metal, set with rhinestones and cubic zirconia or enhanced with enamel. Others are in gold-plated or rhodium-plated brass, a material that allows fine detail, like the openwork wings of the pink dragonfly, five centimeters wide. The gold finish gives a warm tone, the rhodium finish a bright white sheen that pairs well with 925 sterling silver jewelry. A few brooches, like Cyra, Orionne or Zephyra, are in gold-plated 925 sterling silver, weighing about five to ten grams.
Which brooch motif should you choose?
About thirty brooches, stick pins and lapel pins make up the collection. Among the animals, you will find a dragonfly, an ant, a brown cockchafer, a hedgehog and a rhodium-plated snake, and on the fanciful side a pineapple and the Melrose brooch, lips set with red crystals. Others, like the Lumina or Vesper brooches, rely on the sparkle of rhinestones. An insect brings a touch of humor, a snake a bolder look. The Seren brooch can also be pinned in the hair, and the Atria stick pin is adorned with synthetic pearls. For a small gift, see our affordable brooches.
How do you care for a brooch?
A brooch is most vulnerable to knocks and humidity. Pin it on and take it off by holding the body, never the pin, and close the pin before putting it away. Keep it flat in a small box, away from other jewelry, so the rhinestones and enamel do not get scratched. Before pinning a brooch on a delicate fabric such as silk, try it on a hidden fold. Avoid spraying perfume directly on the piece. For 925 sterling silver designs, the silver care guide gives the right steps.
