This antique 14 karat gold handmade shield brooch is refined with very fine filigree and cannetille. Beautifully made with a rosette and flowers. This Dutch headdress ornament, called 'stift' - used to be part of an ear iron - is transformed into this beautiful shield-shaped brooch. The scenery, the two horns and the detailed filigree and cannetille, means ‘cornucopia’. Cornucopia means abundance. 
 
This stunning handmade shield, was part of a headdress ornament. These shields were worn in pairs and attached to the ear iron. It was unique and important to the national costume and traditions in The Netherlands. It started as a 'simple' accessory, a kind of peasant jewelry that women wore in some regions in The Netherlands. In the beginning the ear iron was created to secure expensive lace skullcaps from the strong sea winds, the simple iron band evolved into an ornate headdress, to display family wealth in the form of valuable metals and detailed filigree and cannetille work.
 
Shield measurements: Length 6 cm and width 6.5 cm
Shield weight: 13 grams
 
We are happy to answer any questions about this gorgeous handcrafted shield brooch.