Featured Information on pin/brooch?

Dear all,
I have what may seem to be a very silly question; what is the difference between a pin and a brooch? Is it geographical, that some countries use the word pin instead of brooch, or is there a clear distinction between the two?

One reason for asking is this item below; i have no clue of what it is, from where, or age, and i was hoping someone can help me out again here. As you can see, it is silver, there is a black stone/glass in center, it is approx 5,5 x 1 cm, and weigh around 4,5 g.

But what is it? A pin or a brooch? And can anyone share their wisdom with me here?

 

Not a silly question at all Torkel, it caused me to think why I define them differently. I could be way off, but to me, a pin serves a function, like a scarf pin or collar pin, where a brooch is an ornamental enhancement.
Interested in hearing other's POV on this.

 

Thanks, this was very useful and interesting! Now i hope someone can have advise on my pin - as i think it is now!

 

I'd call your piece a bar-brooch, around 1925/1930

 

It will look wonderful polished up

 

I'm with kyra, an Art Deco bar brooch, in the classic Deco combination of silver and onyx. I think North Americans would call it a pin.
I have found that North Americans use the term pin more often than Europeans do (including the UK). What I remember from Australia is that the Aussies have the same definition of brooch and pin as we Europeans do.

As they say, divided by a common language.

 

We call it a pin when it's costume and brooch when it's precious metal, as often as not. Some just call it a pin either way. One Ebay I have to use both words to sell the critters.

 

Yes, the same style.

@kyratango , did you see that the seller of the listing inh/hunting found also has a very cute onyx set butterfly brooch:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/263...ing-and?ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-3

 

I think your pin is from Mexico. Black onyx.
May or may not be particularly old.
If it has been in your possession for a long time, then 1940s. Otherwise if just picked up, they are still making this style.

Polish it - It will look better.
I doubt there are any more marks on your pin, but polishing often reveals marks hidden by tarnish.

 

Black onyx was used a lot in European Art Deco, Torkel is in Norway. The brooch could be German.
Onyx is found in different parts of Europe, especially Germany and Russia.
Black onyx and jade is also a classic Art Deco combination, and also seen a lot in European jewellery.
By Georges Fouquet:

 

Good point.
I'm still thinking from a US view point

 

Forum cooperation works, we have always been able to shake hands across the pond, even crossing the North American continent in the process.

 

Again I am very impressed with all of you! Your knowledge blows me away every time, and the same goes for your willingness to share the knowledge with an open mind! I have worked with oncologists, doctors and hospitals for many years now, and i dare say that the world would be so much better, if they were all like you, say no more!

But one questions remains, and i will make another thread for that one, so stay tuned!

 

Don't laugh, @Any Jewelry but I wonder if Americans (?) simply avoid using the word "brooch" because - depending on who's saying it - it seems it could be spelled "broach."

Actually, it is pronounced "broach," but I have noticed some actually do say "brooch."

That clears it up for me, anyhoo! Lol

 

Even more confusing, I have seen it written as broach, as in a beautiful silver broach.
We use the French word 'broche' for brooch. It rhymes with posh. Maybe that's an idea to avoid ambiguity?

 

And then there's brioche.....

We calls them brooches, unless they are specifically pin shaped. So, the only things you'll see use the term pin will be stick pins or cravat pins or hat pins. Everything else is a brooch/broach/brioche. I hasten to add that those last are NOT the way it is spelled.

 

Are you sure?