Vintage / antique Bohemian garnet star brooch, rose cut stones and cabochons set in yellow metal possibly gold, Victorian

Beautiful rose cut and cabochon Bohemian garnet star shaped brooch. It has the rose cut and round cabochon gems claw/prong set. The quality is excellent. The brooch is not stamped but I believe it is set in gold.

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.