What is this heavy jeweled thing?

I bought it online, listed as a pendant, but it is far too heavy & bulky to be a pendant in my opinion. Weighs over 100 grams & even without paisley style side pieces, it measures about 5.5" wide.

Someone suggested maybe a crown ornament, but I think it would probably be a bit concave, which it is not (completely flat). A cloak ornament was also suggested, but that fabric would have to be very sturdy.

The filigree is attached to backing plate with tiny brads. The side pieces have needle sharp prongs, which feels like the ones found on antique belt buckles. Could this be meant to attach to a belt? Age?

 

Don't have much time now, sorry, but try Bulgaria and other former Ottoman Balkan countries. I love it, btw.

 

I think it is a pendant or part of a necklace but WDIK

 

The mark looks like 10K or 11K, but of course, it is not gold. Maybe LLK or IIK? I'll take a closer pic of the mark.

There is something that could be considered to be a fixed bale at the top, but the heft & size throws me, especially with the side pieces & their dangerously sharp prongs......obviously meant to be mounted to something. By the way, all of the paste settings are rose cut, if that means anything.

 

Maybe its for a sash ?

 

Maybe Greek............... http://mir-grekov.ru/travel/img/greece/greece-6670.jpg

 

Almost the same piece, although mine is missing some dangles. Where do I go to find the piece you just showed me? Thanks!

 

No idea.... remove everything past .ru in the link and it takes you to a Russian travel agent I think.

 

Google translates the info on the photo as the National History Museum of Greece, Athens.

 

Looks like an Ottoman style buckle, possibly gilded silver. Guessing it's from the Balkans or former area of the Ottoman Empire, or possibly Greece or Macedonia.

 

I wish it would, but alas no. Those faceted glass stones can be found in ethnic jewellery from Europe, Asia Minor, the Middle East, and North Africa. I am probably forgetting some other regions. They were used a lot in Central Europe and former Ottoman occupied countries.
They were used for their colour. Colour symbolism is important in ethnic jewellery. In general, red is protective, especially for women and women's health, green means fertility and life, blue protects against the evil eye and other baddies.

Maybe they were made in Bohemia, for local use and for export, but that is just a guess.

 

Agree, it is much like the Bulgarian etc 'pafte'. That double leaf shape is seen from the Balkans to the Caucasus region, and on some of the Greek Islands and Cyprus as well.
Mainland Greece and Macedonia are also part of the Balkans btw.

 

You all have given me so much help for research - thank you!

Does anyone think this goes on a belt?

 

For a Breast Plate of some sort??????????????????????

 

That would be my guess.