Mastery of Design: A White Gold, Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Brooch, 1940

Brooch
American, 1940
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This brooch dates to the Second World War. The history of the brooch is a trifle sketchy, but it was believed to have been worn by the wife or mother of an American serviceman during the war.

The design shows a Service Flag, the official banner of a regiment. Such flags were displayed by American families who had someone serving in the armed forces. Such banners were introduced in 1917 and were in widespread in both the U.S. and the U.K. during the Second World War. The blue star, representing the family member, would be replaced with a gold one if he was killed in action.