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.