The geometric shape, Japanese-inspired subject, and extraordinary craftsmanship make this brooch a quintessential Art Deco jewel. The rectangular plaque features buff-top ruby blossoms with delicate onyx branches and a black enamel frame. Pinned to the low-slung waistline of a 1920’s simple black dress, it would have made an exquisite belt-brooch. But, it’s unlikely it was ever worn that way. This brooch was in the private collection of Mary of Teck, wife of the British king George V. Born in 1867, she favored earlier styles of clothing and jewelry. A year before her death, Mary of Teck gave the brooch to the actress Angela Dowding when she married the queen’s cousin Gerald Laselles. A note, handwritten on stationery from Queen Mary’s home, Marlborough House, accompanies the piece and reads: “For Angela from Mary R, 1952.”