Antique 1910s Rose Cut Bohemian Garnet Star and Crescent Moon Cluster Gilt Brooch

"...The stars about the lovely moon fade back and vanish very soon, when round and full, her silver face swims into sight, and lights all space..." -Sappho.

This eye-catching, turn-of-the-century Bohemian garnet Czech brooch features a crescent moon surrounding a six-pointed star. In Victorian times, this symbolism was common, with the moon representing the feminine moon goddess and the star symbolizing guidance and direction. Some also see it as a romantic gesture, as in "I give you the moon and the stars." The pavé-set, rose-cut garnets in gilt (gold over silver) create a remarkable sparkle, especially in sunlight! 

Bohemian garnets originated from the hills of Bohemia in Czechoslovakia and were highly sought after by the European upper class from the 1820s to the 1920s. To learn more about Bohemian garnets, read our blog post here.

The brooch is in very good antique condition, with minimal signs of wear. The surface of the gilt exhibits areas of slight wear, a characteristic of antique jewelry. The safety clasp is fully functional, with no marks or stamps. There are no missing garnets, and no signs of chipping or cracking are visible. The pin is bent and slightly out of shape, but it secures firmly to the clothing. There are a few areas of discoloration on the back, which aren‘t visible while wearing.

The brooch measures 3/4" in height and 1/2" in width, weighing 2.80 grams. The box is for display only.