Post War Akoya Pearl and Silver Brooch / Silver and Pearl Brooch

Revered since antiquity as a symbol of purity, power and wealth, pearls have a long history. Roman women wore them to sleep as they believed that they enhanced beauty, Julius Caesar was a great patron, royalty such as Queen Elizabeth I valued them above all other precious gems.

Even in modern history Coco Chanel was never seen without her pearls, wearing them as her signature fashion statement day and night,Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, two of cinema’s most elegant stars, sported pearls frequently; and Princess Diana brought back the pearl choker. And today pearls are set for a comeback with today's fashion influencers such as the Dutchess of Cambridge sporting pearls often.

This brooch is from the 30s or 40s. It features 4 lustrous Akoya Japanese pearls set in sterling silver. The brooch is very well made and is only marked "SILVER".

World War II devastated the cultured pearl market in Japan. Allied forces occupying Japan after the war were concerned about an illegal cultured pearl trafficking so they actually discouraged the sale of cultured pearls within Japan. To counterbalance this restriction, the Japanese instead sold pearls in military stores frequented by Allied troops. And the Americans came home with pearls! American troops and servicemen bought thousands of pearl jewellery back for wives and girlfriends.

During the war and after World War II, mainly attributed to the hostilities between Japan and other nations of the word at the time; many famous manufacturers such as Mikimoto pieces had their maker's mark removed. It is not unusual to have Japanese made pieces with no makers mark. However the quality and lustre of the pearls does suggest a quality manufacturer.

This design features a grape leaf, and the pearls are four (4) grapes. The pearls measure 5mm to 3.5mm.

Item Weight: 3.71g