if you could provide a close-up photo or two, preferably of one of the medallions so that we can examine the pattern/ writing ( attached to the centre piece) it would help. The Star and Crescent are emblamtic of the middle east and were later adopted into period jewelry.
At this stage, I would be leaning more towards a middle-eastern origin; Persia, Islamic & India are also strong contenders. Photos up close and in focus will help particualry of the smaller medallions. If there are any marking at all - anywhere on the brooch please provide details. Please resubmit the question and upload clear photos.
Kind Regards Yvonne Hammouda-Eyre
Rating
Appears Victorian by: Anonymous
Hi there, Your lovely brooch appears Victorian, mid to late 1800s. This was the height of the superstition era, which ironically also included a large movement in Darwinism. These factors contributed to the style of Victorian jewelry which included stars/moons, bugs/animals and many types of flowers and gemstones. All of which had specific secret meanings in their symbolism.
The first letter of a gemstone on sentiment rings, other Victorian jewelry, etc - when lined up correctly - would spell out words like "dearest", "regards" and so on, so that only the wearer and giver knew the secret meanings. For example turquoise gemstone would be "T", emerald would be "E".
I would have to look at the clasp and some other aspect to define the age, reagon and maker. Art there any markings? Purity like 14k? Initials? All of these would help.
There was also an Egyptian craze in the 1920s where a large amount of jewelry was brought over from the middle east. Is possibly Art Deco.
