Small Golden-Star Brooch

The Le 31 Small Golden-Star Brooch delivers diamond-level brilliance and fire for 29 CAD, a value enabled by Simons' vertical integration, yet the piece is only available in a silver finish (not gold-tone), uses cubic zirconia on a likely plated base with unconfirmed hypoallergenicity, and its friction-based closure lacks a safety catch, risking detachment on smooth fabrics.

Brand heritage

Le 31 name comes from Simons' 1840 store at 31 côte de la Fabrique.

Why this is supported

The Le 31 brand name is derived from the address of the original Simons store at 31 côte de la Fabrique, which began operations in 1840.

the brooch carries a direct thread to the family-run retailer's 180-year historyLe 31 as a Simons house brand — naming_origin_31_c_te_de_la_fabrique

As a house brand, Le 31 bypasses traditional wholesalers, enabling the 29 CAD price.

the cost reflects a vertically integrated supply chain designed for trend-driven accessibility, not a compromise on the intended fashion-forward aestheticLe 31 as a Simons house brand — private_label_exclusivity_and_price

This heritage gives the brooch a subtle regional identity that resonates with buyers familiar with Quebec retail history.

Materials

Cubic zirconia stones on a likely plated brass or zinc alloy base, with unconfirmed hypoallergenicity.

Why this is supported

The brooch's metal base is not disclosed, but

Based on common construction for Le 31 brooches, it is likely a base metal (such as brass or zinc alloy) with a plated finish.What is the exact metal used (e.g., brass, stainless steel) and is it hypoallergenic or nickel-free?

The cubic zirconia stones are durable and brilliant:

On the Mohs scale, cubic zirconia rates 8–8.5, which is hard enough to resist scratching from daily handling and fabric contactWhat the materials mean for look and longevity — cubic_zirconia_hardness

and

Cubic zirconia's high refractive index (2.15–2.18) and strong fire (dispersion ~0.058–0.066) mean the 2.5 cm star throws off noticeably diamond-like sparkleWhat the materials mean for look and longevity — cubic_zirconia_brilliance

For longevity,

a quick buff with a dry soft cloth after wear helps preserve the silver finish.What the materials mean for look and longevity — plated_metal_care

However,

We cannot confirm if it is hypoallergenic or nickel-free, as this information is not provided.What is the exact metal used (e.g., brass, stainless steel) and is it hypoallergenic or nickel-free?

The brand's listed material is 'Cubic zircons, metal'. The metal composition is not disclosed, and in Q&A the brand cannot confirm hypoallergenic or nickel-free status.

likely a base metal (such as brass or zinc alloy) with a plated finishWhat is the exact metal used (e.g., brass, stainless steel) and is it hypoallergenic or nickel-free?

This indicates potential nickel content. Furthermore, the metal is described as

typically a plated brass or zinc alloy that resists tarnishing best when kept away from moistureWhat the materials mean for look and longevity — plated_metal_care

. If the plating wears, the allergenic base is exposed. In contrast, the cubic zirconia stones are hypoallergenic and non-reactive.

The cubic zirconia stones in this brooch are engineered to mimic diamond's optical properties.

Cubic zirconia's high refractive index (2.15–2.18) and strong fire (dispersion ~0.058–0.066) mean the 2.5 cm star throws off noticeably diamond-like sparkle, especially under evening or directional lightWhat the materials mean for look and longevity — cubic_zirconia_brilliance

Additionally, the stones are durable for daily wear.

Color

Available only in silver finish, not gold-tone as the name suggests.

Why this is supported

The product name implies a gold finish, but

Durability

Resists scratching from daily handling and fabric contact.

Why this is supported

The cubic zirconia in this brooch has a Mohs hardness of 8–8.5, making it

hard enough to resist scratching from daily handling and fabric contactWhat the materials mean for look and longevity — cubic_zirconia_hardness

. This maintains the star's polish over time. As a buyer tradeoff,

unlike softer rhinestones, this brooch won't dull over time, but you should still store it separately from other jewelry to avoid scratching softer piecesWhat the materials mean for look and longevity — cubic_zirconia_hardness

.

Brilliance

High refraction creates diamond-like sparkle and fire, especially under directional light.

Why this is supported

Cubic zirconia has a refractive index of 2.15–2.18 and high dispersion (0.058–0.066), properties that cause it to

. The 2.5 cm star cut concentrates this effect into a compact lapel accent, making it suitable for both formal and smart-casual settings.

Value

29 CAD delivers diamond-level brilliance and fire comparable to far pricier pieces.

Why this is supported

Through vertical integration with Simons, Le 31

allows this cubic-zirconia brooch to reach a 29 CAD price pointLe 31 as a Simons house brand — private_label_exclusivity_and_price

, while delivering the high brilliance that usually commands multiples of that price.

The $29 CAD price is made possible by Le 31's vertical integration.

Le 31 bypasses traditional wholesale intermediaries, which allows this cubic-zirconia brooch to reach a 29 CAD price pointLe 31 as a Simons house brand — private_label_exclusivity_and_price

This cost savings comes with a tradeoff: the base metal is not specified, so buyers get a lower price at the cost of material transparency.

Closure security

Closure lacks a safety catch and relies on friction; may come undone on smooth fabrics.

Why this is supported

The brooch's post-and-hook closure

relies on friction and fabric tensionHow secure is the post and hook closure? Does it have a locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening?

and it

does not have a safety catch or locking feature.How secure is the post and hook closure? Does it have a locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening?

,

making it less secure against accidental snags or movementHow secure is the post and hook closure? Does it have a locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening?

on smooth or lightweight fabrics.

Finish

Product named Golden-Star is available only in silver.

Why this is supported

The product title includes 'Golden', but the only color option listed is Silver.

The product name includes 'golden-star' but the actual color is silver.Is the cubic zirconia star offered in only this gold-tone finish, or are there other finishes like silver or rose gold?

This is confirmed in a Q&A response. Additionally, the brand explains that 'Golden' in the name may allude to the high refractive index of cubic zirconia, which can appear golden in certain light, as noted:

Cubic zirconia's high refractive index (2.15–2.18) and strong fire (dispersion ~0.058–0.066) mean the 2.5 cm star throws off noticeably diamond-like sparkle, especially under evening or directional lightWhat the materials mean for look and longevity — cubic_zirconia_brilliance

However, no gold-tone finish is offered.

House brand model

Le 31's vertical integration as Simons' house brand allows this brooch at 29 CAD without design compromise.

Why this is supported

Le 31 is Simons' in-house brand, leveraging vertical integration to bypass wholesale markups. This business model ensures that the price reflects efficiency, not compromised design. For example,

the cost reflects a vertically integrated supply chain designed for trend-driven accessibility, not a compromise on the intended fashion-forward aesthetic.Le 31 as a Simons house brand — private_label_exclusivity_and_price

Additionally, the brand carries heritage from the original Simons store at 31 côte de la Fabrique, adding a 180-year retail legacy to the product.

Le 31 takes its name from the original Simons store at 31 côte de la Fabrique in Quebec City, opened by Peter Simons in 1840Le 31 as a Simons house brand — naming_origin_31_c_te_de_la_fabrique

The house brand model also enables agile color offerings, as shown by the silver finish.

This brooch is available in a silver finish (color: Silver), not gold-tone. The product name includes 'golden-star' but the actual color is silver.Is the cubic zirconia star offered in only this gold-tone finish, or are there other finishes like silver or rose gold?

Cost-saving construction

Plated metal and non-locking C-clasp keep costs down at the expense of tarnish protection and security.

Why this is supported

The brooch uses standard costume jewelry materials and closure to achieve its low price point.

The unspecified metal base is consistent with costume jewelry in this tier — typically a plated brass or zinc alloy that resists tarnishing best when kept away from moisture, perfumes, and lotionsWhat the materials mean for look and longevity — plated_metal_care

The closure is also straightforward.

The post and hook closure is a simple C-clasp type, not a locking mechanism.How secure is the post and hook closure? Does it have a locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening?