Signed Bethlehem mother-of-pearl jewelry

Signed Bethlehem mother-of-pearl jewelry
Bird Peace dove brooch. Hand carved Mother-of-pearl. 3 cm. 1970s. Signed Bethlehem mother-of-pearl jewelry

Signed Bethlehem mother-of-pearl jewelry
This stunning brooch is an example of the traditional Palestinian art of mother-of-pearl carving dating back to the 14th century. Hand carved by highly skilled artisans of Bethlehem, this 1970s brooch is marked “Beth-lehem”.
Today, mother-of-pearl is used in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes to make iridescent handmade items, such as crosses, souvenirs and jewelry. One of the most famous mother-of-pearl carvers and jewelry designers of the mid-century was Gregory Zugby, whose workshop ceased to exist in 1973.
Undoubtedly, mined in coastal waters, mother-of-pearl was a cheap, affordable and beautiful material for creating cult objects, souvenirs and jewelry. A school of mother-of-pearl carving was opened in Jerusalem in the middle of the 19th century. Pilgrimage literature describes bazaars and workshops where the locals created and sold magnificent examples of church arts and crafts. Over the next 100 years, the industry has developed to provide pilgrimage and tourist markets with rosary beads, crosses, small icons, boxes, holy book covers, and jewelry.

Camel mother-of-pearl brooch
Camel mother-of-pearl hand carved vintage brooch pin. 1970s

The younger generation of mother-of-pearl craftsmen in the Bethlehem area still do the work by hand, although most of them have automated workshops. Working with mother-of-pearl requires simple tools such as cutters. In addition, the craftsmen use chemicals to glue the pieces of mother-of-pearl together. Next, they polish them to not only improve their appearance, but also to preserve them for a long time. The work is laborious, requires skill and patience.

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Signature

Signed Bethlehem mother-of-pearl jewelry

Butterfly round shaped brooch. Carved mother-of-pearl, rhinestones, enamel, lucite, sterling silver
Butterfly round shaped brooch. Carved mother-of-pearl, rhinestones, enamel, lucite, sterling silver
Carved mother-of-pearl flower design pendant
Carved mother-of-pearl flower design pendant
Christmas bells brooch
Christmas bells vintage brooch
Butterfly mop carved pin. 1970s
Butterfly mop carved pin. 1970s
Dove brooch pin. Mother-of-pearl. 1970s
Dove brooch pin. Mother-of-pearl. 1970s
Filigree mother-of-pearl handcarved vintage brooch
Filigree mother-of-pearl handcarved vintage brooch
Fish carved mother-of-pearl brooch
Fish carved mother-of-pearl brooch
Fish mop carved pin. 1970s
Fish mop carved pin. 1970s
Five pointed star carved mother-of-pearl brooch
Five pointed star carved mother-of-pearl brooch
Flower brooch. Carved mother-of-pearl
Flower brooch. Carved mother-of-pearl
Flower design vintage brooch
Flower design vintage brooch
Genuine mother of pearl dove brooch
Genuine mother of pearl dove brooch
Leaf design mother-of-pearl earrings
Leaf design mother-of-pearl earrings
Maple leaf mother-of-pearl brooch pin
Maple leaf mother-of-pearl brooch pin
Signature
Signature
Mary with baby Jesus carved mother-of-pearl pendant
Mary with baby Jesus carved mother-of-pearl pendant
Menorah mother-of-pearl brooch. 3.5 cm
Menorah mother-of-pearl brooch. 3.5 cm. 1960s
Round shaped filigree blackened sterling silver bird brooch pendant
Round shaped filigree blackened sterling silver bird brooch pendant
Seahorse handcarved mother-of-pearl lapel pin
Seahorse hand carved mother-of-pearl lapel pin
Star of Bethlehem brooch and clip on earrings, carved mother of pearl
Star of Bethlehem brooch and clip on earrings
Sterling silver carved mother of pearl floral design earrings
Sterling silver carved mother of pearl floral design earrings
Teardrop mother-of-pearl silver earrings
Teardrop mop silver earrings
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Signature

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