Vintage Silver and Carved Mother of Pearl Brooch or Pendant From the Holy Land

This beautiful silver and carved mother of pearl brooch is from the 1940s and was made in one of the two Holy Land cities famous for this work: Bethlehem or Jerusalem.  This work has been a traditional craft from at least the 18th century. It is far superior to the modern work nowadays done by machines.  The carving is of roses over a lattice background. The brooch is mounted on a sterling silver frame surrounded by wound wire. 

The back of the brooch is marked "silver 950" which is more pure than sterling. The spring ring closure has a safety mechanism and works well.  The brooch doubles up as a pendant and so can be worn on a chain if you so wish.

• Diameter is 4.5 cm (1 3/4")
• Weight is 11.4 g.