Hand-Carved Mother of Pearl Rose Brooch

This item is a circular brooch crafted from hand-carved white mother of pearl, featuring a prominent central rose motif in relief. The piece showcases complex craftsmanship with multiple layers of ornamental detail. The center is occupied by a dimensional rosebud with deeply incised petals, surrounded by five broad, serrated leaves that form a mid-layer. The outermost edge consists of a highly intricate, openwork (ajouré) border featuring delicate foliate and floral cutouts. The material exhibits a high-luster iridescence with characteristic milky white, pink, and silver overtones typical of high-quality nacre. The carving is precise, showing fine striations on the leaf surfaces to mimic natural veins. Based on the style of carving and the lattice-work border, this piece is likely a mid-20th-century souvenir or fashion accessory, possibly from the Bethlehem region, renowned for this specific style of shell carving. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or yellowing, though the metal pin fastener on the reverse is not visible for mechanical assessment. The piece measures approximately 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter, representing a fine example of traditional shell carving techniques.