THE BRITISH EMPIRE BROOCH
Obverse: Pearl grey cross patonce in enamel with top limb replaced by rose pink bow. In centre, environed by enamelled rose pink circle, gold effigy of Britannia seated. The whole in 22-carat gold on solid silver. May also be worn as a pendant.
Reverse: "For God and The Empire" and Assay Office Hallmark.
Size: 1 2/5 inches by 1 1/2 inches.
THE BRITISH EMPIRE BROOCH is intended to be worn in their private capacity by all women who have associations with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, by women who are themselves holders of the Order and by wives, daughters, sisters and kinswomen of those who belong to the Order. It is in the well established British tradition which encourages wives and other close relations to wear pieces of jewellery based on regimental or service emblems - a pleasing way of sharing in the distinction without conferring official status.
Norman Grant, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and of the City of London, has designed the brooch in 22-carat gold on solid silver.
A bow, the traditional female emblem, replaces the top limb of the cross patonce of the Order. The rose pink of the bow and the pearl grey of the cross are the two colours chosen for the Order by Queen Mary when Grand Master. The seated effigy of Britannia adorned the insignia of the Order from its foundation in 1917 until she gave place to the likeness of King George V and of his consort Queen Mary in 1937. Britannia appears on the obverse of the British Empire Medal.
Officers of the College of Arms have given their opinion: "that the classic design of the British Empire Brooch is aesthetically attractive, not likely to be confused with the decoration but recognisably symbolic of the Order."
£137.00