Crystal Brooch
Although diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, crystals are the ones the girl ends up spending most of her time with. Crystals are inexpensive and yet give off the same look as diamonds (unless you are an avid jeweler) most men and many women can never tell (unless you tell them yourself). Diamonds and crystals help a women feel classy and more feminine. One of the classiest pieces of jewelry that are out there is the brooch. The crystal brooch, which is usually made out of Swarovski crystals, is just simply gorgeous. The crystal brooch looks amazing in certain lighting, when the light reflects at certain angles; they just sparkle in every which way. Brooches have never lost their popularity, even through generations of women; we all seem to gravitate towards the diamond or crystal brooch. Today, more than ever, brides are adding the crystal brooch to their wedding day attire. They pin the crystal brooch to their shoes, veil, gloves, and floral bouquets, anywhere on the dress is acceptable, and even in the hair (which I think is just absolutely beautiful). I personally would purchase the Bel Aire style crystal brooch, which is only $36.95, and attach it to my wedding dress, if I were ever to get married. I would also choose the starfish style crystal brooch which sells for $43 dollars, and I would use that particular piece to place in my hair for formal or semi formal event.
Antique Crystal Brooch
As a piece gets older it becomes more valuable (just like anything else). The antique crystal brooch looks beautiful and captures the look our grandmothers wore decades ago. The antique crystal brooch comes in white silver, black silver, white gold, black gold, pearl, and even opal. The antique crystal brooch also comes in a variety of different rhinestones. The rhinestones are similar to the ruby, amethyst, aquamarine, and other gems that are very rare and expensive. My favorite antique crystal brooch would have to be the antique white metal with multi-colored crystals. They have the yellow and brown rhinestones that resemble yellow sapphires. You can purchase the antique crystal brooch that I am talking about for only $13.46 brand new, plus whatever the small fee is for shipping and handling.
Costume Brooch
The costume brooch is another great piece of jewelry. I tend to like the jewelry that resembles pieces from the 1940’s and 1950’s. So I actually prefer pieces like the 1950’s vintage fashion costume brooch with cabochon and fake seed pearls. To me, this costume brooch resembles an eye. It has tiny emerald stones surrounding the circular shaped brooch. Then in the center of the costume brooch there is a giant emerald circular stone (similar to a pupil). Surrounding the “pupil” is tiny fake pearls and it is definitely a piece of art work to be jealous of (if you don’t have it). This particular costume brooch sells used for about $50 dollars. Even if you purchase a used piece of jewelry, such as the one I have named, you can purchase cleaning supplies to rejuvenate any stone or metal that may have lost its shine. If you happen to be on a budget (as most people are in today’s economy) I recommend a home remedy. Simply mix 3 drops of ammonia, 3 or so drops of dish soap, and about ½ a cup of water. Before you do any washing of the stones, try and take a bobby pin or something similar and try and see if you can wiggle any of the stones out, if the stones do not budge then your good to proceed on with the cleaning process. Take a tooth brush and softly wash the brooch. If you want to get into the cracks even more, I suggest a toothpick or even a piece of pipe cleaner for the best results. After you finish with the homemade solution, rinse in cold water. You may have to repeat the process to get the look you crave. It is a very inexpensive, yet worthy trick, all jewelry collectors must know.
If you are into really creative brooches all you have to do is search the internet and you will get pages upon pages on the subject. One really creative brooch was designed by a man out of Salt Lake City, Utah. He took a cockroach and bejeweled it’s head. Then he put a tiny leash on the end of the cockroach to ensure no easy get away. The man sells them online for $80 dollars and if you happen to be in the Salt Lake City, Utah area you can purchase them in the store for only $60 dollars. There are many other unique and fun facts on the brooches. Just turn to the internet and you will find plenty of information on the jewelry.