Meaning and History of the Brooch

Brooches are very special and  this day they are hardly considered to use on a garment. Brooches have been around since the prehistoric age. Brooches were called  Fibula.  It was designed to be attached to a garment or as a clasp used by the Romans, Greeks and Celts and tribes of the Early Bronze Age.  They were made out of metal, silver or gold but most of the time bronze with no gemstones.  They were used as a fastener and to adorn a garment.

Brooches used to identify the wearer, ethnicity, social class or even as military equipment. Later in the Victorian Age , periods between 1830’s to 1890 brooches were given as symbols of those passed on. This was very much acceptable within their society in those times. The designs were very artistic with filigree accents in platinum.

During the Edward Era, after 1890 to 1915 brooches and pins were very elaborate. They were not  just a simple piece of gold or silver metal but a piece full of all sorts of gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds in various shapes and colors. Then later came the brooches in form of flowers, symbols, nature and figures in more fancy and symbolic designs. Ancient fibula are prized items for collectors especially if  they are well preserved. I have to say that  brooches were and are a symbol of love and status. They are coming back in fascinating array of shapes and designs.   

Maria Perez

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