Agraf in French - the clip hook. In the Middle Ages was very popular accessory, acting as a smart fasteners or buckles in the area of the gate. Later agraffas began to decorate and other details of the costume, as well as shoes, hats, hairstyles. For Western European nobility clasps made of gold and silver, decorated with enamel, chasing, filigree, precious stones. Initially, the main form of these ornaments were plates, rosettes, wreaths, under the influence of Gothic appeared clasps with religious motifs.
Antique brooch is considered the precursor of Agrafa, served barrette, pin. Agrafa analogue in Russia - apron. In the Renaissance clasp passed their position under the pressure of various suspensions, but in the XVII century restored to its former popularity, becoming fashionable to this day brooch.