A Journey Through History
Custom brooches and pins are as old as the Bronze Age. Some of the earliest specimens were made out of sharp bone and were used to pierce the ancient fabric in order to keep it in place. Much more civilized examples more or less resembling our today’s brooches can be found in Celtic archeological sites. These pieces, otherwise known as fibulae, were used more as fasteners than accessories, even though they already featured precious metals. The fibulae later evolved into annular and penannular pieces of a circular shape featuring a pin in the middle, the most famous of which is the Tara Brooch from Ireland, dating back to the 8th century AD. Such historical artifacts remind us that pins and brooches were often seen as symbols of wealth and power and were used to commemorate significant events.
The Modern Fasionista’s Secret Weapon
Nowadays, personalized brooches and pins are making a bold and resounding comeback. Gone are the days when brooches were seen as something you can find only in grandma’s closet. Today, many famous fashionistas flaunt their brooches as modern statement pieces. For example, Lady Gaga wore a stunning bird-on-the-rock spessartine brooch at the presentation of the Joker movie. And American-French actor Timothée Chalamet is known for accessorizing his clothes with unusual eye-catching pin pieces. The British royal family is actively following the trend. You can often see Kate Middleton wearing elegant brooches in public, which is likely inspired by the iconic looks of the deceased Queen Elizabeth II. Social media influencers are coming up with innovative ways of styling these accessories, such as making arrangements with multiple pins or using brooches as a kind of hairpiece.
Your Style is Your Best Story
Personalized fashion trends have played a role in popularizing custom pins and brooches. These pieces are now seen as much more than clothes fasteners: they are a way to tell your unique story. And the kind of story you would like to tell is only up to you. Are you looking for a whimsical animal-themed enameled brooch to show your playfulness? Boom! You’ve got it. Is an antique floral piece with Czech garnets just the way to project your elegance to the world? Say no more, some forward-thinking jewelry companies like Olertis already have a design for you. Perhaps, you’d like a pin or brooch that shows you belong to a particular group, such as Harry Potter fandom or a particular organization? Poof, with a wave of a wand, your Deathly Hallows sign or your Greenpeace supporter badge is already waiting for you!
Embrace the Future: Customization Made Easy
If you think we are simplifying things too much, we probably are (we did go overboard with our swish-of-a-wand analogy), but this vision is not far from the truth. With the advances of today’s 3D technology, designing and prototyping your custom brooch or pin piece has never been easier! Especially, if you entrust your future piece to the hands of an experienced jewelry team at Olertis. These guys see a customer not just as a client, but as a creative partner who stands at the core of the project’s vision. If you want to put “personal” into your personalized piece, feel free to check out their website and see some of their design ideas.
Crafting Your Vision: Material and Design Choices
The possible decorative elements may range from intaglios and cameos to danglers and filigrees. The materials and finishes will not only inform the appearance of the final piece but also the budget of your future creation. If you want to save some money while retaining the aesthetics, go for silver with multicolored non-precious stones or an affordable enameled option. On the contrary, if you’re in for a big splurge, you can choose naturally sourced diamond or emerald and pair it with gold or platinum. Naturally, a minimalistic pin will turn out to be cheaper than an ornate brooch with a complex design.
Limitless Creativity
The styling options for wearing pins and brooches are limitless. For example, you can fasten them to a blazer, a dress, a collar of your suit, a belt, or a woman’s bag. Don’t be afraid to explore new clothing and accessory combinations, especially when it comes to such an original and refreshing piece as a brooch. If you want to flaunt your piece as much as possible, consider designing something that goes well with everything but still carries a deeply personal meaning. This is far better than ordering a bunch of differently styled pieces for various occasions. Such an approach comes at the heart of the slow fashion movement and benefits both your pocket and the planet. This is where personalized brooches and pins come in to bring more meaningfulness and practicality to your stylish wardrobe.
