I have always thought of a jewelry box as so much more than just a place for pretty things. It’s really a lady’s quietest form of diplomacy. While a necklace sits quietly, a brooch serves as an envoy for your personality, purpose, and intentions. It is the ultimate secret weapon for a lady who wishes to make a statement without saying a word!
During her visit to the United States last month, Queen Camilla showed us how diplomacy is done… with pins! She landed wearing the Unity Pin—a Cartier piece featuring the American flag entwined with the Union Jack—signaling deep respect before she even stepped off the plane. For the White House welcome, she chose the heart-shaped Cullinan V diamond, projecting strength and the literal weight of history.
The true visionary of the “art of the pin” was the late Madeleine Albright, who quite literally wrote the book, Read My Pins. She famously used her lapel to signal her stance with a wink. She wore a golden snake to meet Iraqi officials after they called her a serpent, and she arrived at a meeting with the Russians wearing a massive insect pin after discovering the State Department had been bugged. I just love the thought of a formidable stateswoman having such a clever sense of humor, great spirit, and sharp wit!
Traditionally, pins are worn on the left side, directly over the heart. This is as practical as it is sentimental. Because most people are right-handed, a person’s eye naturally travels to the left side during a handshake. Placing your brooch there ensures your message is the very first thing they see. It is the most elegant way to ensure you are understood before a single word is exchanged… undercover messaging!
GrandMillennial Tip:
If you do not have any pins/brooches, consider starting your collection with intention and buy what tells YOUR story! Queen Camilla delights in a bit of whimsy; she is often seen with her charming Van Cleef & Arpels “Lucky Animals” pins—a little hedgehog or a silver owl. It is a sweet reminder that while one may wear a crown, one shouldn’t take oneself too seriously! Your pin should be every bit as articulate and charming as you are!
xx
Holly
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