Featured Dutch filigree with coral? I hope?

I got this today for ...not much. My brain registered filigree and gold-filled and old and it wasn't until I got home and opened my baggie that my brain said "Dutch" or a wanna-be. The C clasp is missing but oh well; the red coral isn't. The metal still needs testing. Did I hit an Oops, @Any Jewelry ?

 

Unusual and attractive - can't recall seeing a piece quite like it, but the bezel, the 'chain-link' borders, the 'ribbed' effect on the hinge, even the flat-back 'ball' elements (though not used or attached in this manner) are all things I've seen on Italian pieces. Interested to see if AJ is familiar with similar designs - I like it...

~Cheryl

 

I've never seen one like it either. The coral in the middle really is coral. Could be Italian for all I'd know but it doesn't "feel" like it.

 

That’s really unusual. I love anything with coral in it!.

 

It is a beauty evelyb, I would have bought it too.
It isn't Dutch though, although I must say, I still come across Dutch pieces that are new to me.

That wire loop setting (better term?) is used a lot on Balkan pieces, although not exclusively there.
My guess is Croatia, which is also a filigree and coral country. Croatia has close cultural ties with Italy, and much of the coast was Venetian at one time.
Adriatic coral is often that orangey red colour. Adriatic coral is essentially Mediterranean coral, the Adriatic Sea is the part of the Med between Italy and Croatia and the other Western Balkan countries.

 

Or Macedonia maybe? Ohrid?

 

That is possible, although as far as I know the use of coral is a fairly recent thing in Ohrid, and this brooch is an oldie. I could be wrong.

 

Good point on the age and coral. I've some older filigree with that slightly curved diamond shape, but it's Marsh Arab work, so that's probably no help.

 

I've seen somewhat similar metalwork come from Albania, but it was later. Maybe I should just consider it Eastern Adriatic and consider it solved? I love the wirework on it.

 

Croatia did well getting dibs on coastline didn’t they .

 

They did and it's lovely, especially Split.

 

That's the best thing. If you want to sell it, include the name Balkans. Many people in the Balkans have more money now, and are buying the old stuff.

It is lovely.

 

I just wish the clasp hadn't parted ways! I guess when you're fragile and older than dirt, stuff happens.