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I’ve loved brooches ever since I was little and my Grandma showed me her precious collection of the most beautiful designs and sparkling gems. I was entranced! In an age of fast fashion and fleeting trends, the antique brooch offers something quietly joyful: character, craftsmanship and a sense of connection with the past. 

Originally, the brooch was an essential part of daily dress, worn on cloaks, bodices and lapels for centuries, to fasten clothing and a provide a decoration. 

Antique brooches also tell stories. A Victorian floral spray in gold and gemstones might speak of romance and sentiment, while a Georgian foil-backed diamond brooch reflects candlelit evenings and extraordinary handcraft. Each piece carries the marks of its time – the materials available, the skills of the maker, and the tastes of its original owner. To wear one is to become part of that story.

Today, brooches are enjoying a fresh moment. They are no longer saved just for special occasions or worn in traditional ways. Many people love wearing them on coats, scarves or hats, while others group two or three together for a playful, modern look. 

The brooch you can see pictured is a beautiful vintage Kokichi Mikimoto brooch dating from the 1960s, crafted in textured 14k yellow gold and modelled as an elegant leaf spray A classic and collectible design from one of the world’s most esteemed pearl makers who was the first to culture a pearl in 1893.

Perhaps the greatest joy of an antique brooch is its ability to transform an outfit instantly, and wearing one is a lovely way of carrying a little piece of history with you.

Article originally published in the Purbeck Gazette on 16th February 2026.