The Surprising History of the Very First Brooch
Hey r/MyJewelryRepair,
When you think of brooches today, you probably picture something decorative, sparkly, or even a bit vintage. But the very first brooches were nothing like that.
They actually go back to the Bronze Age (2000–800 BCE), where they started out as simple pins made from bone, wood, or metal. Their only purpose was to fasten garments, not decorate them.
By around 800 BCE, those pins evolved into fibulae—the first “true” brooches. If you’ve ever used a safety pin, you already get the idea. Fibulae were common among the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans, and eventually became more elaborate. Some had animal designs, geometric patterns, and decorative inlays.
As time went on, brooches shifted from utility to symbols of wealth and status. Roman and Medieval versions were made of gold, enameled with detail, and often set with gemstones. One famous example from the 3rd century, the Braganza Brooch, shows a warrior in combat and is considered a masterpiece of Hellenistic gold work.
The Victorian era gave brooches a deeply personal meaning. Locket-style brooches held portraits or even hair, while mourning brooches used jet or black enamel to honor loved ones who had passed away.
The turn of the 20th century brought Art Nouveau’s flowing, organic shapes—think flowers, insects, and feminine figures with enamel and gemstones. A couple decades later, Art Deco arrived, with sharp geometry, symmetry, and lots of diamonds and platinum that fit the glamour of the Jazz Age.
Today, brooches are less about function and more about individuality. They’ve gone from being basic fasteners to timeless works of art, carrying thousands of years of cultural meaning.
If you want to see the full breakdown, check out our latest blog post here: https://myjewelryrepair.com/2025/09/first-of-its-kind-the-brooch/
Posted Sep 11, 2025, 5:01 PM UTC