Vintage / antique Bohemian garnet floral star shaped brooch, rose cut stones set in gold tone, possibly gold, gold plated or tombac

Beautiful rose cut Bohemian garnet star / flower brooch. It has the rose cut gems claw/prong set in the gold tone metal with pierced backs to allow more light through. The quality is excellent - there are layers and layers of beautiful stones.

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 last picture shows an old advertisement for similar Bohemian garnet pieces from the period.

It has a diameter of about 1 1/4 inches, so is quite petite. It fastens with a secure roll-over clasp and pin. It is in very good vintage condition - there are one or two minor scratches and scrapes to the back of the brooch. 

The famous garnets of Bohemia were found in the hills to the North-East and North-West of Prague. The glistening red jewels were (and still are) cut in Prague and then the town of Turnov, to the Northe-East 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.