Large vintage / antique Bohemian garnet brooch, different shaped stones set in gold tone, early Art Deco period 1920s

Beautiful Bohemian garnet brooch with gems of different shapes and sizes claw/prong set in gold tone. The quality is excellent and it is in very good vintage condition. The brooch is not stamped - it may be gold covered 900 silver it could even be gold, otherwise pieces like this were often set in tombac. The final picture shows an antique advertising plate for these Bohemian garnet pieces.

The famous garnets of Bohemia were found in the hills to the northeast and northwest of Prague. The glistening red jewels were (and still are) cut in Prague and then the town of Turnov, to the northeast of Prague. Turnov is part of the Bohemian Paradise Geopark; a UNESCO listed nature reserve where people can discover unique geological phenomena such as dolomite caves, petrified forests, olivine balls and gem materials, such as chalcedony, opal, amethyst, jasper and garnet. Turnov has been known for stone cutting, engraving and jewellery making for hundreds of years, the most prolific period being the 1700s. A jewellery school was established there in 1884 and two years later, a museum was opened. "The Museum of the Bohemian Paradise" is a very interesting place for visitors eager to learn about gems, jewellery, mineralogy and more, particularly Bohemian garnet. Turnov's highest mountain, Kozákov is the site where deposits of garnet have been found.