The Great British Brooch Revival is here. In the U.K., online searches reportedly soared 253%, to 17,000, in the past month for this piece of jewelry that used to be dismissed by some as overly formal.
Much of the renewed interest in brooches is traced to the royal stage. The Princess of Wales (aka Kate Middleton), who’s frequently credited with driving fashion trends, has brought brooches back into the style vernacular, wearing meaningful heirloom pieces at high-profile events.
Her choices, from Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond leaf brooch to pearl-and-diamond designs, subtly communicate themes of continuity and respect—and for someone whose public position is rooted in discretion, they’ve turned the brooch into an example of “power jewelry.”
“The Princess of Wales carefully chooses these pieces to honor tradition, reflect her role, and silently express strength,” said Emma Snowdon, creative director at London-based jeweler Berganza, in a statement. “It’s a message that strikes a chord with today’s audiences.”
Queen Camilla has also championed the brooch: Over the weekend, she wore a historic British bugle horn brooch at ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of V-J Day. At the Royal Ascot in June, Camilla wore the Cullinan V brooch (pictured at top) and the Rothschild diamond watch brooch, unseen for nearly a century prior.
An Edwardian brooch (circa 1905) with diamonds and natural pearls, $357,750; Berganza
This brooch revival, however, is not confined to palaces. “It’s clear they’ve gone beyond traditional circles,” said Snowdon. Younger consumers, influencers, and stylists in their 20s and 30s are using brooches in fresh, modern ways, she noted. “From lapels to bags and even hair accessories, brooches are turning up everywhere,” Snowdon’s statement said.
“Brooches offer a way to wear meaning. They can represent personal stories, family history or simply a love of craftsmanship. That’s what makes them so timeless and so modern.”
The brooch’s popularity extends across both the new and pre-owned markets. Berganza, a specialist in vintage and antique jewelry, reports a 125% increase in brooch sales over the past year.
“This isn’t just a trend—it’s a rediscovery of something with real substance,” Snowdon said. “As fast fashion gives way to enduring style, brooches offer collectors something genuinely rare: beauty, heritage, and individual expression.”
Top: Queen Camilla wearing the Cullinan V brooch at the Royal Ascot on June 17 (photo: David Davies/PA/AP)
✨ Want to explore more exclusive insights into the global diamond & jewelry industry?
👉 Visit aidi.org