A couple birthdays or Christmases ago, my Mom, brother and sister-in-law gave me this brooch. It's an Ann Hand brooch. Her jewelry is well known around DC and often graces the lapels of powerful women like Secretaries, First Ladies and presidential candidates. All Ann Hand jewelry has a story - the symbols and materials are all chosen for a distinct reason. For this, the Air Force brooch: ...it's wings are the grace, speed and precision of the world's most incredible Air Force...the wings gain their power and sustain their endurance from the Air Force family represented by the beautiful silver laurel..." Kinda awesome, isn't it?
Her most famous pin is this one, the Liberty Eagle pin, which I bet you recognize.
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is one of the most famous brooch wearers here in DC, and she has a wonderful book that you should read:
The pictures and stories behind the jewelry are fabulous, as are her stories about where and when she wore her brooches. For very important meetings and negotiations, she would pick her jewelry to send a message. You can order it here or better yet, go get it from your local library :-)
