This brooch appears to be from 1890s and designed in the style of "Art Nouveau". American made it is - 14k gold as indicated and set with natural "seed" pearls. It's a masonic brooch.
Ray Denslow reveals true meaning of Cross and Crown: "The Cross and Crown may be said to be confined almost exclusively to the historical degrees in Masonry as exemplified in the various orders of knighthood of York and Scottish rites.
In Gaul we find the cross to have been a solar symbol when it had equal arms and angles; to the Phoenicians it was an instrument of sacrifice to their God, Baal; and to the Egyptians, the crux ansata was his symbol of eternal life." (Ray V. Denslow, Masonic Portraits, Transactions of ths Missouri Lodge of Research, vol. #29, p.7---emphasis in the original)
Alec Stromberg Los Angeles, California www.strombergtime.com 1st Place Winner of Gemmys Award 2011 of Lapidary Journal
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Plumb Gold, Natural Pearls & Jewelry Marks by: Peter
Hi Gary, pretty brooch; although you have included a photo of the reverse, which is appreciated, we cannot see the actual marks in the photograph.
The pearls, appear to be seed pearls, they could be freshwater pearls or imitations. Natural Pearls are Rare.
In 1978 the karat mark followed by a P was introduced so that a manufacturer could guarantee the piece was "plumb" gold. It is no less that 14K solid gold.
What is interesting is the actual design of the brooch, the subject on the front, with the crown and cross on the diagonal going through the crown is the jeweler's mark for MANCHESTER SILVER CO. On Sterling Silver, Manufacturing Silversmiths, Providence, RI, USA ca. 1904 - 1985.
