How to Choose a Statement Brooch in 2026
The Brooch Is Having a Moment — And Les Néréides Has Been Making Them Since 1980
Something interesting has happened to the brooch. After decades of being filed under "grandmother's jewellery box", it has quietly returned to the front row — pinned to oversized blazers on the Paris runways, worn as a scarf accent by style editors, and rediscovered by a generation of women who want their accessories to say something more than "I matched my earrings to my outfit."
At Les Néréides, this is not a trend we are following. Our Paris atelier has been designing and hand-painting statement brooches since the brand was founded in 1980 — from crystal-set floral pieces to sculpted animal designs to wisteria blooms rendered in hand-enamelled detail that takes hours to complete. Every brooch in the collection is crafted individually in gold-plated brass, using faceted crystal, cultured pearls, and hand-applied enamel.
This guide is for anyone curious about brooches as a category — how to wear them, how to choose the right one, and why this overlooked piece of jewellery deserves a place in any considered collection.
A Short History of the Brooch, Through a Parisian Lens
The brooch is one of the oldest forms of jewellery in existence — originally a functional clasp, it evolved across centuries into a canvas for artistic expression. In the courts of Versailles, brooches signalled rank and taste. In the Art Nouveau period of the late 1800s, Parisian jewellers transformed them into sculptural miniatures featuring flowers, insects, and mythological figures — designs that Les Néréides' founders drew directly from when they opened their first boutique on Rue Paradis in 1980.
Today, the French brooch tradition lives on in pieces that are still hand-enamelled in Paris, still inspired by nature and narrative, and still made to be worn rather than displayed. The difference between a mass-produced brooch pin and a hand-painted French brooch is the same as the difference between a print and an original painting — both depict the same thing, but only one carries the hand of its maker.
Five Ways to Wear a Statement Brooch in 2026
One of the reasons brooches have returned so forcefully is their versatility. Unlike earrings or necklaces, a brooch is not tied to a single position — and that freedom is exactly what makes it exciting. Here are five ways to style one.
1. On a Blazer Lapel
The classic placement, and still the strongest. A statement brooch pinned to the left lapel of a tailored blazer — navy, black, or camel — creates an instant focal point. It signals intention: this outfit was not thrown together, it was considered. A crystal brooch with faceted stones reads particularly well here, catching office light and adding dimension to structured tailoring. For a guide to pairing jewellery with different outfit types, see our flower jewellery styling tips.
2. At the Neckline
Pin a brooch just below the collar of a button-up shirt, or at the V of a wrap dress. This placement draws the eye upward and works as an alternative to a necklace — particularly effective with a floral brooch that carries its own colour palette. A hand-enamelled piece from Les Néréides, with its rich pinks, purples, and greens, becomes the centrepiece of the look.
3. On a Scarf or Wrap
This is where brooches earn their keep in the cooler months. Pinned to a cashmere scarf or a wool wrap, a brooch holds the fabric in place while adding artistry to what would otherwise be a purely functional layer. An orchid or wisteria brooch — with its cascading petals and hanging crystal beads — works beautifully here, creating movement and visual interest against a solid-colour backdrop.
4. On a Bag
Pin a brooch to the front flap of a structured handbag or tote for an unexpected accent. This works particularly well with smaller, sculptural designs — an animal brooch or a crystal-studded flower pin. It personalises a bag you have carried a hundred times and makes it feel new again.
5. In the Hair
Tuck a flat-backed brooch into the twist of a chignon or pin it to a headband for an evening look that moves beyond the expected. This placement is dramatic and photogenic — particularly with a flower brooch or a piece with pearl detail. Reserve this for occasions where you want the brooch to be the single point of focus.
How to Choose the Right Brooch
With so many designs available, choosing a brooch can feel less intuitive than picking earrings or a necklace. Here are four things to consider.
Scale: A brooch should be visible. If it is too small, it reads as an afterthought; too large, and it overwhelms. As a general rule, a statement brooch sits best on a blazer or coat, while a smaller piece works on a shirt collar or scarf.
Motif: Choose a design that connects to something you care about — a flower that reminds you of a place, an animal that holds personal meaning, an abstract crystal piece that simply catches your eye. Les Néréides brooches are deliberately story-led: each collection draws from nature, art, music, or cultural narrative.
Metal tone: Most Les Néréides brooches use gold-plated brass, which pairs naturally with warm skin tones and autumn/winter palettes. If your wardrobe leans cool-toned, look for pieces where the enamel work carries silver, blue, or purple detail.
Occasion: A crystal brooch with faceted stones reads formal and evening-appropriate. A hand-painted floral brooch reads more relaxed and daytime. An animal or whimsical brooch adds personality and conversation. There is no wrong answer — only degrees of intention.
Five Brooches Worth Knowing
Here are five pieces from the current Les Néréides brooch collection that represent the range of what is available — from sculptural florals to narrative animals to crystal-rich statement designs.
Flower and Butterfly Brooch — A signature Les Néréides piece from the Loves Animals collection. Daffodils and white asters in hand-enamelled detail, with a small butterfly poised to land. Delicate without being fragile. View this piece.
Wisteria Flowers Brooch — From the Shaded by Flowers collection. Cascading wisteria petals in hand-painted enamel that rest colourfully over the heart. One of the most evocative pieces in the range. View this piece.
Cultured Pearl and Rosebush Leaf Brooch — From the Queen of Flowers collection. A rosebush leaf in pink and green enamel, set with a cultured pearl. Quietly elegant, with a softness that suits both daywear and evening. View this piece.
Westie Brooch — From Les Néréides Loves Animals. A hand-painted West Highland Terrier rendered in miniature — a gift piece for the animal lover who wears her passions on her lapel, quite literally. View this piece.
Purple Clematis and Wisteria Brooch — From the Montmartre 1900 collection. Purple clematis, two-tone faceted crystal, hand-enamelled ivy, wisteria, and dangling crystal beads. The most elaborate piece in the current collection — a true statement brooch for occasions that call for presence.
Caring for Your Brooch
Storing: Keep each brooch in its original box or a soft pouch, with the pin clasp closed. This prevents the enamel from being scratched by other jewellery.
Cleaning: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. Avoid water, chemical cleaners, and ultrasonic cleaning — hand-enamelled surfaces are delicate by nature.
Transporting: If travelling with a brooch, wrap it individually in tissue and place it in a hard case. The pin mechanism and the enamel work both benefit from protection against pressure and friction.
For the full guide, visit our care instructions page.
Explore the Collection
A brooch is one of the few pieces of jewellery that announces itself — pinned to a lapel, a scarf, or a collar, it tells the world something about the woman wearing it. If you have been curious about brooches but never known where to start, explore the full Les Néréides brooches collection and find the piece that speaks to you.
Looking for a brooch as a gift? With Mother's Day approaching, a hand-painted French brooch is one of the most meaningful things you can give. Free Australian delivery on orders over $199.
