Antique and Vintage Brooches
Brooches probably started out as utilitarian fasteners rather than decorative pieces of fine jewelry. Some of the earliest brooches from ancient Roman times were shaped like simple rings or crescents. This style was also favored by the Vikings and medieval Europeans, who used them to secure collars around their necks.
In their early history, brooches were worn by men as often as women. Europeans used them as badges or insignia to indicate...Continue Reading