Enter the Era of the Brooch: Why 2026 is the Year of the Pin

Whether you’re unearthing a family heirloom, thrifting for a brooch, or using runway inspiration to find a pin for your jewelry wardrobe, we have specially formulated jewelry cleaners to make your brooch brilliant

In the world of fashion, what was once considered vintage often becomes the most radical tool for self-expression. As we step into 2026, the brooch is one of the most buzzed about accessories, and we love how the piece symbolizes a step towards authentic style. Far from being a relic of the past, Pinterest has predicted the brooch as one of the most soaring trends of the year, with searches for “brooch aesthetic” up over 110%. The best news, you, your mom, your aunt, or grandmother most likely has a brooch collection for you to “shop,” for a sentimental piece that’s authentic to you. 

In an age of mass-produced, fast fashion, the brooch represents the ultimate “slow fashion” flex. It’s an heirloom with modern relevance and a piece of history that adds instant weight and character to a basic blazer or a simple knit. 

From the Runway to the Red Carpet

The brooch’s 2026 revival isn’t just happening on our mood boards, it’s dominating high-fashion corridors. We saw sculptural, oversized pins at Tory Burch, where they were used to anchor cardigans in avant-garde shapes. At Miu Miu, brooches added a “bookworm chic” layer to layered knits, while Carolina Herrera used vibrant, floral-inspired pins to add a sense of drama to structured coats.

Perhaps the most impactful shift is how the brooch is smashing gender norms. A$AP Rocky made waves at the awards ceremony by pairing a stunning 1940s vintage opal and diamond brooch with his suit at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards. Whether it’s pinned to a lapel, a tie, or even a waistband, it’s the definitive accessory for anyone looking to bridge the gap between historical elegance and modern edge.

The Thrill of the Hunt: Thrifting for Vintage Brooches

The best part about this trend? The most authentic pieces are waiting for you in dusty display cases at your local vintage or antique store, or if you’re lucky enough, your own attic. 

[EMBED VIDEO OF UNBOXING HEIRLOOMS]

Here is how to thrift for a brooch that feels like a find:

• Check the Weight: High-quality vintage pieces (even costume jewelry) should have some “heft.” If it feels too light or made from tin, it’s likely a modern mass-produced reproduction.
• Inspect the “C-Clasp”: Flip the brooch over. Older Victorian or early 20th century pieces often have a simple “C” clasp without a safety locking lever. These are true antiques.
• Look for Maker’s Marks: Bring a small magnifying glass (a jeweler’s loupe) and look for stamps like 925 (sterling silver), 12k/14k GF (gold filled), or designer names like Trifari, Monet, or Eisenberg.
• The “Shake” Test: Gently shake the brooch near your ear. If you hear rattling, the stones are loose. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the piece will need some TLC before its debut.

The Care Ritual: How to Clean Your Antique Finds

Once you bring your treasure home, the first thing you’ll want to do is clear away the decades of dust. Because antique brooches are often delicate or use older “foil-backed” stones, you must be careful with how you clean them.

Here is your Connoisseurs cleaning guide for vintage brooches

For Cleaning Brooches: The Connoisseurs La Sonic Safewave is a safe and speedy way to clean a brooch by getting into all of the piece’s nooks and crannies. Just fill the tank with our jeweler developed concentrate, rinse, and wear. 

For Cleaning Sterling Silver & Heavy Tarnish: If you find a chunky silver piece that has turned black with age, use Connoisseurs Dazzle Drops Silver Jewelry Cleansing Crème. It is non-toxic and gentle, removing tarnish while leaving an anti-tarnish shield behind.

For Cleaning Delicate & “Mystery” Metals: Many vintage brooches are costume jewelry made of plated metals or featuring porous stones like pearls and opals. Use Connoisseurs Delicate Jewelry Cleaner. It’s formulated to be extra gentle, ensuring you don’t damage the finish or loosen older glues.

The Cleaning Finishing Touch: For a quick “glow-up” without liquids, the Connoisseurs UltraSoft Gold or Silver Polishing Cloths are essential. The inner cloth removes dirt and tarnish, while the outer cloth buffs the piece to a high-luster shine.

Cleaning a thrifted brooch is a grounding ritual. As the grime of the past disappears to reveal a hidden sparkle. You aren’t just cleaning a piece of metal, you’re refining a past story and bringing into the present moment.

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[EMBED VIDEO OF UNBOXING HEIRLOOMS]