A brooch is an ornament worn by women usually on a lapel of a jacket or on a coat. They can also be worn on waist bands. Brooches have been worn for centuries, originally by people of rank. They are usually made of metal, silver or gold and are usually decorated with gemstones or crystals. Often they are enamelled and they can be made in a multitude of shapes and designs, popular ones being butterflies and dragonflies, flowers and snowflakes.
Cornflower is a garden plant which usually has beautiful dark blue flowers. Another name for this pretty flower is Bachelor's Button, as it is said that bachelors who were in love used to wear this flower.
Crystal A crystal is a clear mineral which is used in various forms in jewellery making. Crystals in most of our brooches are clear. Many crystals come from Austria and the Czech Republic and when placed in brooches sparkle when they catch the light, creating a very attractive jewellery item to wear.
Four Leaf Clover is a plant often found in the wild. It is much more rare than the usual three leaved variety and it is considered to be lucky for the person who finds one.
Lapel Pin A lapel pin is worn, as one would imagine, on the lapel of a jacket or coat. A pin is pushed through the material and a backing plate sits on the reverse and hides the pin.
Snowflake Snowflakes are romanticised in brooches and look very appealing. Snowflakes are formed when rain droplets freeze which then grow when passing through the atmosphere. Some appear quite large flakes and these are the shapes on which snowflake brooches are often based.
Vintage The term vintage here refers to the style rather than the actual item. The brooches are made in the style of brooches from a bygone age, but usually using modern materials.