A Carved Ruby and Gold ‘Cross of Lorraine’ Brooch

A ruby and gold cross of Lorraine brooch by René Boivin 1944, the cross with scalloped outline set throughout with fifteen oval carved rubies, each a little bud with two leaves at the base, in claw settings within an 18ct yellow gold scalloped frame to a double pin brooch fitting on the reverse. The Cross of Lorraine is a Latin style cross motif with an additional horizontal bar across it, the upper one shorter than the one beneath, which was used during the Second World War as a symbol of French patriotism, particularly by the Free French Forces led by Charles de Gaulle. The reverse of this brooch is engraved with the date ‘Aout 1944’ which lends weight to it having been made and worn as a symbol of support to those fighting to free France from the Nazis. This brooch is a beautiful jewel with historical meaning and significance, standing for courage and freedom and in the little ruby buds – hope and expectation for brighter days ahead.