10 Best Brooches UK 2024 | Susan Caplan, The Royal British Legion and More
Brooches are perhaps the most versatile fashion accessory available, due to the fact they can be worn in a variety of ways. Find the right one, and it’ll be the perfect eye-catching addition to any outfit. They’re also a means of expressing your personality, and they can even provide a function by holding scarves, shawls and accessories in place.
There are so many brooches to choose from that it can be tricky to find the right one to go with your outfit, but luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. Check out our buying guide and then browse our top 10, where we've discovered the best stylish brooches ranging from vintage pins to fancy Swarovski brooches you'll want to collect. Our picks are all available to order online from stores such as Amazon and John Lewis.
Quick List - Top Brooches
Boao

An Eye-Catching Yet Functional Piece of Jewellery for Scarves and Shawls
Susan Caplan

Vintage-Look Swarovski Crystal Brooch at an Affordable Price
Amberta

A Truly Unique Brooch Made From Genuine Baltic Amber

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How to Choose a Brooch in the UK
- Go for a Brooch Made of Precious Metals or Swarovski Crystals for Formal Wear
- Opt for an Enamel Pin With Bold Colors and a Fun Design for Casual Occasions
- Search for a Brooch With Bar Fastening for Added Functionality
- Look for Charity Brooches to Donate to a Good Cause
Choose a Brooch Made From Precious Metals or Swarovski Crystals for Formal Occasions

- Go for superior materials and precious metals: Think silver, amethyst, gold, or even Swarovski crystals. Their rich colour schemes and the sparkle of their materials match perfectly with any formal dress, adding a dash of sparkle. Of course, with every precious material comes an increased cost, meaning that brooches which look more glamourous and formal tend to be more expensive.
- Pearl, crystal, gold, or silver plating: Don’t worry if you don’t have the budget to fork out for pricier pieces though – there are plenty of affordable brooches made from materials which do a pretty good job of replicating the high-end look such as these. You’ll save money, look great, and no one will be able to tell the difference!
- Colour: Choose a brooch with a colour scheme that pairs well with it. There are several ways in which two or more colours can harmonise, but the simplest way to find the perfect pairing is to look for complementary or monochromatic colours.
- Complementary or contrasting colours: These sit at opposite ends of the colour spectrum. Despite being opposites, their contrast is instantly noticeable and visually appealing – think of blue and orange or red and green, for example. Be aware, however, that the result may be a little too striking for some formal events.
- Monochromatic pairing: This colour scheme combines two slightly different variants or ‘tints’, of the same colour. You could pair a vivid red or blue with a softer pastel red or sky blue. The result is a beautiful combination of two colours similar enough to be harmonious, but different enough for a nice contrast. Monochromatic pairing provides a delicate contrast that may be more suited to formal events.
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Opt For an Enamel Pin With Bright Colours and a Fun Design for Casual Wear

It’s a luxury that those not attending a formal event have over those that are – the freedom to choose a brooch in whatever colour they wish without having to worry about how it fits with the rest of their outfit.
- Bright, bold colours: If you’re looking to draw attention to your new brooch or express your outgoing personality, you might appreciate a design that uses striking, attention grabbing colours. It’s possible to find brooches in just about every colour under the sun, so shop around, and if something catches your eye, chances are it’ll catch the eyes of others as well.
- Show your passion: If you have a passion, let it show with your brooch. For animal-lovers, there are plenty of brooches out there shaped like all creatures great and small. Show off your love for your favourite critter by wearing it in brooch form.
- Send a message: Some brooches take the idea of sending out a message to the world a step further and actually feature slogans. If you want to express your mood on a particular day, there’s no better way than by wearing a brooch that sends the message out, loud and clear!
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Look For a Functional Brooch With a Bar Fastening to Wear With Scarves and Hats

Brooches aren’t just about looking flash, and some serve a functional purpose as well as a cosmetic one. Their pin and catch design, used to keep your brooch secured to your clothing, is also a highly effective means of keeping other items of clothing pinned in place.
While most brooches can be used to this end, if you’re intent on using your brooch in this way, it helps to find one with a design that accommodates this, namely one that is longer or larger with a lengthy pin.
If you’re someone that wears scarves, shawls and other clothing accessories frequently, you’ll find a brooch of this kind incredibly useful, and the lovely thing is it’s not too difficult to find one that looks as amazing as it functions.
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Seek Out Charity Brooches to Help Support a Good Cause

Brooches benefit the wearer by enhancing an outfit or expressing their personality, but some can benefit others too. Many charities have seen the advantage of creating brooches that, when purchased, support deserving causes.
The Royal British Legion, for example, now offer a more enduring version of the poppy badges used to mark Remembrance Sunday every year. They can be used annually, and as with the yearly paper poppies, proceeds from its purchase go towards supporting serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
Other charities have followed suit, and a number of them now produce brooches or pins whose proceeds go towards providing vital support to those in need. As well as looking distinctive, charity brooches are a way of showing your support for a worthy cause.
10 Best Brooches in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Boao Faux Crystal and Pearl Brooches | ![]() | An Eye-Catching Yet Functional Piece of Jewellery for Scarves and Shawls | |
2 | The Royal British Legion Floral Poppy Brooch | ![]() | Show Your Support for the Royal British Legion | |
3 | Susan Caplan Vintage Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Bar Brooch | ![]() | Vintage-Look Swarovski Crystal Brooch at an Affordable Price | |
4 | Amberta Sterling Silver Mouse Brooch With Baltic Amber | ![]() | A Truly Unique Brooch Made From Genuine Baltic Amber | |
5 | Susan Caplan Vintage 22ct Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Fish Brooch | ![]() | Designer 22 Carat Swarovski Brooch for a Beautiful Family Heirloom | |
6 | John Lewis & Partners Give a Little Love Pin Badge | ![]() | Spread a Little Love With This Charitable Pin Badge | |
7 | BHGT Animal Crystal Brooches | ![]() | Brightly Coloured Brooches for Animal Lovers | |
8 | The Noble Collection The Lord of the Rings: Lorien Leaf Brooch | ![]() | Lord of the Rings Prop Replica Brooch for Tolkien Fans | |
9 | Weiy Cat Pin Badge Brooch | ![]() | Adorable Enamel Cat Brooch With Replica Pearl Chain | |
10 | Willbond Cute Enamel Letter Brooch | ![]() | Bring Joy to the World With This Colourful Brooch Set |
An Eye-Catching Yet Functional Piece of Jewellery for Scarves and Shawls
These safety pin-shaped brooches strike a unique balance between functionality and cosmetic appeal. Their quirky design, in combination with their faux crystal and pearl, is immediately eye-catching, but they also useful for holding scarves, shawls and accessories in position.
Its selection of 4 designs also means you'll be able to switch things up depending on your mood or outfit. Its pins may be a little too thick for finer fabrics, but worn with the appropriate attire, these brooches are a functional and attractive piece of jewellery.
The Royal British LegionFloral Poppy Brooch
Show Your Support for the Royal British Legion
Every November, people in the UK don Poppy badges in honour of Remembrance Day, the date that marked the end of the First World War. This beautiful glass stone brooch, produced by the Royal British Legion from designs handpicked by the Duchess of Cambridge, offers a beautiful alternative to the traditional paper poppy that can be worn year after year.
Though its poppy design is quite subtle, its association with Remembrance Sunday means this brooch might be a little restricted as to when it can be worn. Worn around November, however, it can be a special way of showing your support for the British Legion Charity.
Susan CaplanVintage Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Bar Brooch
Vintage-Look Swarovski Crystal Brooch at an Affordable Price
This limited edition vintage piece from Eclectica adopts a traditional bar style with crystals, yet it wouldn't look out of place on any modern-day fashionista's jacket or dress. Plus, its shape and size make it perfect for fastening a scarf or wrap.
Another very appealing feature of this simple yet pretty brooch is the materials used – despite featuring a real Swarovski crystal, it is gold plated, which keeps the price down while the glamour factor stays firmly up.
AmbertaSterling Silver Mouse Brooch With Baltic Amber
A Truly Unique Brooch Made From Genuine Baltic Amber
This beautiful, deep orange brooch gets its unique hue from the genuine Baltic amber used to make it. This special material is obtained from the Baltic Sea region, and has been valued for its healing properties for thousands of years.
The delicacy of this Baltic amber means that this brooch must be cared for properly to prevent tarnishing, and in fact, you'll get a free care guide upon purchasing. Wear it with care and you'll enjoy a truly unique piece of jewellery.
Susan CaplanVintage 22ct Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Fish Brooch
Designer 22 Carat Swarovski Brooch for a Beautiful Family Heirloom
This limited production piece of vintage jewellery uses such fine quality ingredients – including 22 carat gold plate and Swarovski crystals – that you may feel a little reluctant to wear it! It could certainly serve as a beautiful family heirloom or a piece to collect.
It'd be a shame to keep this beautiful swallow brooch locked away, though, and its unique mix of colours deserve to be shown to the world. Due to its high quality, this brooch may not be suited for everyday wear, but for special occasions or as a keepsake, it's perfect.
John Lewis & PartnersGive a Little Love Pin Badge
Spread a Little Love With This Charitable Pin Badge
There's something visually appealing about its contrast of teal and red, but as well as looking pretty, this brooch also benefits the needy – all the profits of any purchase go to FareShare and Home-Start UK.
Its message of positivity is certainly of the kind that the world could do with more of. It's a little on the small side, but it's hard to feel disgruntled when you know your brooch is doing some good in the world.
Brightly Coloured Brooches for Animal Lovers
This selection of brightly coloured brooches is perfect for any animal lover looking to jazz up their outfit. For a highly reasonable price, you get 4 brooches, featuring a series of contrasting designs and colour schemes that would go with both formal or informal outfits.
Show your allegiance to your favourite animal (or insect), or mix and match depending on what you're wearing. Take care while wearing them, though, as unfortunately they're not quite as durable as more expensive brooches, and can break if treated roughly.
The Noble CollectionThe Lord of the Rings: Lorien Leaf Brooch
Lord of the Rings Prop Replica Brooch for Tolkien Fans
Despite being a Lord of the Rings prop replica, this leaf brooch looks pretty enough that it can be appreciated by anyone. It's fans of Middle Earth that'll love it most, however, and they'll instantly recognise it as the Elven brooch gifted to Frodo and the Fellowship after their stay in Lothlorien.
Its design is subtle and attractive enough that it'll look great as an item of clothing, but it has the added benefit of being instantly recognisable by fellow Tolkien fans as a nod to the film series. For this reason, it's perhaps best suited to at least casual fans – those who don't enjoy the films may not appreciate the attention!
Adorable Enamel Cat Brooch With Replica Pearl Chain
This the perfect brooch for any cat lover, and as its popularity suggests, there are a lot of them out there! Its design is both adorable and fashionable, featuring a small white cat playing with a 'ball of wool' which is actually a small pearl.
It's cute enough to raise a smile while remaining subtle enough that it'll go well with any outfit. Take care where you place your brooch, though, as the dangling pearl has a tendency to get caught!
Bring Joy to the World With This Colourful Brooch Set
If you're someone that likes to use their brooch as a means of self-expression, you'll love this selection of colourful badges from Willbond, which features a series of positive and light-hearted messages that'll make people smile.
Pick the brooch that suits your mood that day, or mix and match as you see fit. Some may find their bright chirpy style a little garish, but for those looking to make the world a brighter place, this selection of brooches is a real treat.
Written and researched by Ben Willimett
Top 5 Brooches
No. 1: Boao|Faux Crystal and Pearl Brooches
No. 2: The Royal British Legion|Floral Poppy Brooch
No. 3: Susan Caplan|Vintage Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Bar Brooch
No. 4: Amberta|Sterling Silver Mouse Brooch With Baltic Amber
No. 5: Susan Caplan|Vintage 22ct Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Fish Brooch
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.