Featured Strange Vintage Brooch with Flag Images

This brooch is quite unusual. The background is bronze looking and there is a large amethyst looking stone in the center. Each point of the brooch is a different flag. I thought maybe it might be some sort of United Nations souvenir but could not find anything that looks like it. There are no markings of any kind. Any thoughts??

 

What is the size?

Debora

 

The central stone is photographing a bit like a color change sapphire. Does it change in different lights, including UV?

 

Looks like Nato countries to me. Good thing they kept Greece and Turkey on opposite sides. That's the way things usually are.

Could be just me, but it looks like nice quality costume to me. The finish on the back and the mass-produced pin attached to the back are signs imo. The central stone has a bit too much pleochroism (different colours from different angles, seen in the facets) for amethyst. It could be Czech amethyst glass.

 

If sixteen NATO member states, should be able to date by those included. Twelve at the beginning; thirty now. Here's list and when they joined.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_states_of_NATO

Debora

 

Hum... Sixteen in 1982 when Spain joined. That looks about right for age of your brooch.

Debora

 

Debora, the diameter of the brooch is 2 1/4". I did find one other for sale on Ruby Lane after i searched for Nato brooch. Thanks to all for the help!

 

I'm sure everyone will be interested in seeing so I'm posting the link. The seller dates it to 1952, with a rationale explained listing.

https://www.rubylane.com/item/60437...O-Insignia-Flags-Modified?search=1&t=fb1bed12

And thanks due to Any Jewelry for identifying.

Debora

 

Such a pretty center stone