Here’s to More Men in Brooches



Celebrity men have been making headlines during the last few years for their daring red carpet ensembles paired with jewelry. Most often, they’ll wear a brooch—it’s almost a no-brainer these days to distinguish one penguin suit from another (though many men are becoming bolder in their wardrobe choices too).

Lord Jewelry Majestic dragonfly brooch
Majestic dragonfly brooch/pendant in 18k yellow gold and enamel with 5 cts. t.w. sapphires, 0.3 ct. t.w. rubies, and 1.28 cts. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Lord Jewelry

Some take the jewelry a step further, which dates back to 2019 and early 2020. There was an absence of most live red carpet events this year, but we saw Hamilton‘s Anthony Ramos in an incredible statement-making necklace at the Oscars, a long list of artists at the 2020 Grammy Awards in remarkable necklaces (and one in a truckload of pearls), and Timotheé Chalamet and Harry Styles, like, all the time basically.

Amulet by D Lemonade brooch
Make Lemonade brooch in sterling silver with brucite, $195; Amulet by D

Yet despite the stellar looks we’ve seen coming out of men’s jewelry as of late, a brooch still feels like an essential element of dressing up. It’s sort of strange that way, how it feels as though the brooch weaves in and out of favor, popping up on runways at times, red carpets at others. But for men, it shouldn’t even be a thought—I’d argue its even more required than a pair of cufflinks.

Alison Nagasue lapel pin
Triangular lapel pin in 14k white gold with 6 cts. t.w. diamonds, $55,000; Alison Nagasue

Think about it: A man—or a person of any gender, really—gets dressed up in their finest suit or tuxedo. With or without a tie (another option that goes back and forth in style), it’s polished and refined. Some go for a pocket square, others, more rarely, an ascot. A brooch either blows all those accessories away or works well with them. Either way, it’s a win.

Thelma West vintage brooch
Ancient Mandala brooch in 18k white gold with 1.1 ct. old-cut diamond center and 6 cts. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Thelma West

But let’s take that one step further, shall we? No one is getting dressed up right now, at least most of us aren’t. Some are still wearing button-downs or sweaters (no one asks—or cares—what’s on the bottom) for Zoom calls and virtual meetups with friends. Therein lies the perfect opportunity to accessorize the Zoom top, and a brooch would work perfectly. If men continue to get more comfortable with wearing a variety of jewelry, imagine how great it would be to see a brooch-adorned sweater in the office or on the street?

Louise Kennedy Bee brooch
Sofia bee brooch with Swarovski Crystals, €95 ($115); Louise Kennedy

Here’s to seeing more men take on new and exciting jewelry looks. But even if they don’t, these brooches will suit any gender—and many shoppers will be glad to have the option.

Top: Carved brooch in 18k white gold with onyx and 1.7 cts. t.w. diamonds, $20,700; Yoki Collections

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JCK Contributing Editor

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