Men in brooches
When you say wedding, a few things immediately come to mind. Gowns, flowers, food, suits, the church, and of course, being a jeweler, jewelry. We had a wedding just a month ago. It was my niece Gillian and her now-husband, Yassine, who tied the knot. As with most women, we had our gowns planned months in advance. Hair and makeup artists were booked early, especially since they tend to be in high demand during the cooler months.
Planning the jewelry, however, was the easiest part for us. We have a store to choose from. Almost everything we wear is for sale, and honestly, the best way to sell it is to wear it.
More often than not, the women, who already have two million and one things to do, also end up preparing what the men will wear. All the boys in the family had to seek advice from their wives and mothers on what to buy or have made. With a gem-colored theme, choosing a shade that was unique from everyone else proved to be a challenge. The bride’s instructions were clear. If you were part of the core family, you were not allowed to duplicate a color.
But in the end, I think we achieved exactly what she envisioned. Everything came together beautifully.
A confident comeback in men’s fashion
Even if the bride naturally outshone all the guests, the Dizon men made sure there was just enough spotlight left for them. Each of them adorned their suits with brooches, adding a touch of personality, elegance, and just the right amount of flair.
These days, men are becoming more adventurous with how they dress, especially when it comes to accessories. The traditional pocket square and tie bar are no longer the only acceptable ways to elevate a suit. Brooches, once considered exclusively feminine or reserved for older generations, are now making a very confident comeback in men’s fashion.
What used to feel like a bold or even risky choice is now seen as stylish, expressive, and intentional. A well-placed brooch can instantly transform a simple suit into something memorable. It adds character, tells a story, and reflects personality in a way that a standard suit simply cannot.
Brooches in history
Interestingly, this is not entirely new. Long before modern tailoring and red carpet styling, brooches were worn by kings, noblemen, and warriors. In ancient and medieval times, brooches, often referred to as fibulae, were used not only as decorative pieces but also as functional fasteners for cloaks and garments. They were crafted in gold, adorned with gemstones, and worn proudly as symbols of power, wealth, and status.
European kings and aristocrats in particular used brooches to signal rank and prestige. The more intricate and jewel-encrusted the piece, the higher the wearer’s standing. These were not subtle accessories. They were statements of authority.
In many ways, what we are seeing today is simply a modern revival of that same idea. Men are once again using brooches to distinguish themselves, not in hierarchy but in style.
The perfect middle ground
At the wedding, each brooch felt like an extension of the wearer. Some chose classic designs, understated yet refined. Others leaned into color, matching the gem-themed palette of the celebration. Some pieces sparkled subtly under the lights, while others made a stronger statement. No two were alike, and that was exactly the point.
As a jeweler, I find this shift particularly exciting. For so long, men’s jewelry has been limited to watches, cufflinks, and the occasional ring. But now, there is a growing openness to explore beyond those boundaries. Brooches offer that perfect middle ground. They are elegant without being overpowering, decorative yet still masculine when styled right.
Perhaps what makes brooches so appealing to men today is that they allow for individuality without requiring a complete departure from classic dressing. You can still wear your perfectly tailored suit, your crisp shirt, your polished shoes. The brooch simply adds that unexpected detail, a quiet statement that says you are paying attention.
And in a room full of well-dressed guests, sometimes it is that one small detail that makes all the difference.
At least in this wedding, it certainly did.
Although if the men keep this up, we might need to start reminding them who the real star of the show is. Because the moment a groom walks in wearing a brooch that rivals the bride’s diamonds, we may have a very different kind of wedding in our hands.
