Red Hat Society Brooch Value Guide

This vintage Red Hat Society brooch is a quintessential piece of memorabilia from the social organization founded in 1998 to celebrate women over 50. Inspired by Jenny Joseph's poem 'Warning,' these stylized pins featuring women in red hats and purple attire represent the group's playful and defiant spirit.

What Is Red Hat Society Brooch Worth?

The typical price range for Red Hat Society Brooch is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the enamel, as chips or scratches in the red and purple paint significantly reduce the $25-$35 market value.
• Presence of all original rhinestones, as missing stones are common in these vintage pieces.
• The specific design complexity, with figures holding accessories like handbags often fetching higher prices than simple hat-only pins.
• Historical relevance to the early years of the society (1998-2000) versus modern mass-produced replicas.

How to Identify Red Hat Society Brooch?

• Look for the signature color combination of vibrant red enamel on the hat and purple accents on the figure's clothing.
• Check for a gold-tone metal base with clear rhinestone embellishments typically found on the handbag or hat brim.
• Verify the stylized 1990s-2000s aesthetic, often depicting a woman in a confident pose holding a small handbag.
• Examine the reverse side for a secure safety-pin style clasp common to late 20th-century costume jewelry.

History of Red Hat Society Brooch

The Red Hat Society, founded in 1998 in the United States, is a social organization for women primarily aged 50 and beyond. Members are known for wearing red hats and purple attire at their gatherings, a practice that originated from a poem by Jenny Joseph titled 'Warning.' This brooch is a classic piece of memorabilia associated with the society, reflecting its playful and celebratory spirit.