VINTAGE 'WESTMINSTER DRAGOONS' 18K REGIMENTAL BROOCH, 1978

Late 20th century regimental brooch set with two heraldic supporters pavé set with round single-cut diamonds, their eyes set with two round rubies in grain settings, flanking a central shield rendered in vibrant polychrome enamel depicting the insignia of the Westminster Dragoons, the shield surmounted by a pierced gold portcullis flanked by enamelled red and white Tudor roses on green stems, all set above a royal blue enamelled scroll inscribed with the regimental title 'WESTMINSTER DRAGOONS' in gold lettering, fitted to the reverse with a hinged pin and safety catch, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold with white gold setting highlights, bearing the maker's mark 'JWB', full British hallmarks for 18 karat gold, Birmingham, 1978.

Why we are obsessed: 

Military badges are usually born of humble metals, but this piece sits at the extraordinary intersection of martial pride and fine English jewelers art. The Westminster Dragoons carry a battle-honoured legacy like few others, from being the first Allied troops to enter liberated Jerusalem in 1917 to breaching the beach defenses on D-Day in 1944. Presentation and sweetheart pieces of this caliber were commissioned exclusively for elite regimental keepsakes and senior officer affiliations. It is an uncommonly luxurious, magnificently preserved slice of British Yeomanry history.