The first documented brooches from the Bronze Age (3300BC -1200BC) were crafted from flint, thorns, and base metals like copper and bronze. They consisted of a simple pin fastened into a circular ring that helped to secure heavy cloaks and tunics worn during the heavy winters. In the Iron Age between 1200BC and 550BC, as metalworking technology advanced, the bow, the plate, and the penannular (ring-shaped with an opening in circumference) brooches displayed copper and iron wire designs. 
Brooch origin: Brooches originated as functional fasteners, later evolving into decorative and symbolic accessories through various historical periods. Then came the medieval brooches, whose designs were influenced by the Migration period, Anglo-Saxons, Celtics, and Scandinavians. The round shape gave way to a few non-circular styles like strip brooches, making them fashionable, too. Brooch designs consisted of birds, wheels, hearts, and cross motifs. Till the late medieval era, men and women continued to wear brooches to fasten clothing at the neck. Sometimes, these brooches carried simple inscriptions on the gold or silver metal base.

By the arrival of the Byzantine Era 313AD- 1453AD, intricately designed brooches were covered with gemstones, enamelling, and pearls. In this period, clergymen and the elite wore brooches to fasten clothing and to display their wealth and social status. In the early modern jewellery period 1500 to 1800AD, with colonisation expanding, Renaissance, Georgian, and Neoclassical brooches became more ornate with diamonds, gems, and pearls. From the 17th to 20th century, Victorian mourning brooches and geometric Art Deco-style brooches continued to be an essential part of jewellery collections. But at the beginning of World War I, brooches saw a decline and almost disappeared until about two decades earlier, when designers decided to incorporate a modern twist on this timeless piece of jewel. This rich history of brooches showcases their evolution from practical accessories to symbolic, ornamental pieces of fashion.

Brooch designs consisted of birds, wheels, hearts, and cross motifs. Till the late medieval era, men and women continued to wear brooches to fasten clothing at the neck. Sometimes, these brooches carried simple inscriptions on the gold or silver metal base. Brooches embody the enduring charm and timeless appeal of accessories.

By the arrival of the Byzantine Era 313AD- 1453AD, intricately designed brooches were covered with gemstones, enamelling, and pearls. In this period, clergymen and the elite wore brooches to fasten clothing and to display their wealth and social status. In the early modern jewellery period 1500 to 1800AD, with colonisation expanding, Renaissance, Georgian, and Neoclassical brooches became more ornate with diamonds, gems, and pearls. From the 17th to 20th century, Victorian mourning brooches and geometric Art Deco-style brooches continued to be an essential part of jewellery collections. But at the beginning of World War I, brooches saw a decline and almost disappeared until about two decades earlier, when designers decided to incorporate a modern twist on this timeless piece of jewel.

Making a brooch starts with design conceptualisation. An artist prepares a CAD drawing of the brooch design. The design includes fine details of every component, from the choice of base metal to the shape, size, gemstones, setting style, finishes, etc. 

Once the design is approved, the next step is to sit with the kaarigar and explain the exact requirements. The Kaarigar begins with cutting, shaping, and sawing the metal according to the design. Once all the pieces are ready, they are soldered together. 

The brooch has been in existence for centuries. It has evolved from a functional item to a purely decorative accessory. In the Bronze Age, the earliest brooches, called fibulae, were used to fasten garments. Since then, the classical fibula or brooch has adapted to the characteristics, materials, and designs of various periods from the Medieval period across the Renaissance, Baroque, Georgian, and Victorian eras. Knots, hearts, mythological figures, floral motifs, and geometric shapes replaced the simple round pin.

 Also, they became more ornate with precious stones and pearls. Today, brooches have become a versatile fashion accessory. They are available in silver, gold, and alloys. They may contain diamonds and precious coloured stones or cubic zirconia and glass. Their designs are minimalist, vintage-inspired, trendy, and influenced by global designs.