Brooches

Brooches are a bit of a mystery. Their values can range significantly depending upon their age, the type and number of stones, and their condition. The better the quality of the materials used and the more limited the release, the higher the price it will fetch. Moreover, brooches from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Renaissance periods (like properties) tend to collect higher value than those of other historical periods. 

Brooches vary in popularity with fashion trends. Sometimes they are worn in the hair, to attach scarves, or to the front of jackets. 

Most recently, fob watch brooches sold at Bonhams for a considerable sum. A Cartier fob watch brooch sold at auction for £44,800 with buyer’s premium. It contained diamonds and onyx, was Persian inspired, and came from the Art Deco period which increased its value. 

Celtic Brooches

Celtic brooches were used by women and men as cloak fasteners and were worn by Celts and Vikings. The first Celtic brooches were seen in the Early Medieval period in Ireland and Britain and feature a long pin attached to a ring. The pin moves around the ring which prevents damage to the garment.

Famous Brooch Wearers

Lady Justice Hale was renowned for wearing brooches when she sat at the House of Lords (now Supreme Court) with a spider brooch being particularly noted. It was one which was worn on the day of the prorogation judgment and insisted that her choice of brooch was not indicative of any political statement whatsoever. She stated that she began wearing them when receiving the first as a gift from her husband and to spruce up her predominantly dark attire for court. She insists that her reason for wearing them was completely unlike the strategic approach used by Madeline Albright, US Secretary of State, and diplomat. Lady Hale also said that she would wear colourful scarfs into the courtroom to remind the predominantly male justices that women were now present. 

Queen Elizabeth II was another who had an affinity for brooches. 

Her daytime style was to wear a brooch on the lapel of her jacket or dress and to use it to fix a sash in the evening. The Prince Albert brooch was one she wore often and was a wedding gift designed by Gerrard and Prince Albert to give to Queen Elizabeth II’s great grandmother the night before the wedding. 

Should you require a jewellery valuation, please contact Quastel Associates and the team will find the most appropriate valuer for your requirements.