Help With A piece of jewewry Please!

[dbarron]

My Mother-n-law came across this piece at a yard sale and I was wondering if anyone could tell me a little more about it? Is this just a decorative item, or is it some sort of Masonic symbol, or the like? or could it be some sort of military piece? I think it was made in England, Birmingham, by F.J Davis & Co. Can anyone tell me a date that this would have been made on? Also it seems to have some type of stones or gems inlayed into the piece, can anyone tell me what they are? Where can I find out more about F.J David & Co.? Any information will be much appreciated!

[oel]

Hi welcome to forum.
Celtic Brooches & Pins
To me looks like a Sterling Silver Celtic Traditional Tara pin Brooch ; try a Google Image search.

THE TARA BROOCH

http://www.solvar.ie/pages/story-of-irish-jewellery/
The Irish tradition of metal working goes back over three thousand years to the Bronze Age. In those days, everyday items, such as swords and knives, were made of iron. However, bronze, silver and gold were used in the design of brooches, pins, rings, buckles, crosses and chalices.

The Tara Brooch is a classic example of Bronze Age craftsmanship. Discovered around 1850 in Bettystown, Co. Meath, it is exquisitely made in silver and gilt, decorated with interlacing patterns, spiral and trumpet devices, silver framed glass studs and gold filigree.



Oel

[volpone]

The first pic has some yellow color cast, but I would bet that the inlaid stone is Connemara marble, a sort of olive-green mottled stone from Ireland.

[dbarron]

Thanks Oel & Volpone for the help and for answering my post. I did google Tara brooch, I think you are spot on Oel, Thanks! It was very interesting reading about the history of the design and seeing other similar pieces, some of them almost seemed to have a steampunk look to them. Volpone, Connemara Marble looks very much like the material used on this piece in pictures a found on the net and that would make perfect sense with the shamrocks that are incorporated into this design. Thanks again for the great info!

[AG2012]

It should be Edward Durban & Co,Birmingham,but there is something else in the mark in front I cannot read well. 1890..1897. Date letter is not clear.

[AG2012]

Yes, it is F J Davis & Co (registered Jul 1914).