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Brooch

1940-1945 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

America joined World War II on the 8th of December, 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbour. To show solidarity with the war effort, a variety of patriotic jewels became popular. They frequently took the form of American flags (like this example) but could also feature jewelled representations of Uncle Sam or military figures.

Although the use of platinum in jewellery was outlawed by the American government during the war, in other respects the country’s jewellery trade prospered. Many stone dealers and cutters emigrated from Europe to America, taking their stock and expertise with them. As a result the United States, and the city of New York in particular, became an increasingly important centre for the gem and fine jewellery trade.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Platinum, diamonds, rubies and sapphires
Brief description
Brooch in the form of the form of the United States flag; platinum, diamonds, rubies and sapphires; USA, 1940-5.
Physical description
Brooch with 'Stars and Stripes', made from platinum, diamonds, rubies and sapphires
Dimensions
  • Length: 1.5cm
  • Width: 1.35cm
  • Depth: 0.5cm
Credit line
Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Patricia V. Goldstein
Subject depicted
Summary
America joined World War II on the 8th of December, 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbour. To show solidarity with the war effort, a variety of patriotic jewels became popular. They frequently took the form of American flags (like this example) but could also feature jewelled representations of Uncle Sam or military figures.

Although the use of platinum in jewellery was outlawed by the American government during the war, in other respects the country’s jewellery trade prospered. Many stone dealers and cutters emigrated from Europe to America, taking their stock and expertise with them. As a result the United States, and the city of New York in particular, became an increasingly important centre for the gem and fine jewellery trade.
Other numbers
  • LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS 352-2003 - Previous loan number
  • 285 - Goldstein Collection number
Collection
Accession number
M.218-2007

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Record createdJanuary 17, 2008
Record URL
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