A Touch of Clasp: The bejewelled brooch is back in a big way…

A beautiful brooch offer a trouch of clasp

While, for many, the word “brooch” conjures up a rightly-lost world of coy maiden aunts with the most vanilla of embellishments pinned in one corner of a bosom-banishing blouse, this most uncouture of clothing clasps is no longer on its last gasp. Indeed, it has now become something of a badge of honour among the more fashion forward….

Whether set with diamonds or decked with sapphires, the brooch is the jewellery du jour
Whether set with diamonds or decked with sapphires, the brooch is the jewellery du jour

Actress Uma Thurman, for one, was spotted wearing a fine 1948 Cartier diamond peacock specimen at a recent ball, while the Spring/Summer 2018 runways have been awash with Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton variants of this increasingly in-vogue costume adornment. Indeed, whether pinned to a parting, nestling along the neckline or used to judiciously jazz up a jacket, brooches are clearly the jewellery du jour.

It’s an odd turnabout for an item that was initially prized more for its utility than for its aesthetic qualities. Back in the Early Bronze Age for instance, it was an essential asset when it came to locking a loose loincloth in place or reducing the potential for embonpoint embarrassment.

In contemporary couture, though, a time when cold-proofing a codpiece is no longer a priority for many designers, the once-humble brooch has taken its rightful place in the premier league of personal adornments. Let’s now pin our hopes on it staying that way.

Text: Hira Desai