Gold brooch with a garnet - mace motif, 1915-1920

There are forms in jewelry that carry more than just decorativeness. The mace motif – stemming from military symbolism and the noble ethos – gained particular significance between 1915 and 1920. This was a time of breakthrough: the end of empires and the rebirth of statehood. This brooch was created precisely at this moment in history.

The composition is built from two crossed maces – simple, almost austere forms, ending in spherical heads. A centrally set garnet of deep, saturated color creates a strong, geometric accent. The stone has clearly defined facets that reveal wine-colored reflections under light, contrasting with the warm tone of the gold. It is surrounded by a decorative, hand-formed setting with a soft, spiral line – a detail revealing a nineteenth-century attachment to ornament, even though the era was already moving towards simplification of forms.

The brooch was made of 583 carat gold – an alloy characteristic of items circulating in the former Russian partition. Its particular collectible value is enhanced by the hallmarks, which bear witness to a turbulent time and changes in assay systems.

Here we find:
– the "56 ZŁ" mark – used locally by the community of 56 "Polish" goldsmiths between 1915 and 1920, operating at the guild level, without uniform state regulation,
– the Polish transitional legalization mark from 1920 – an image of a man in a feathered cap, symbolizing the first attempts to regulate the assay system in reborn Poland,
– Polish assay marks (test 3) from 1921–1931, confirming further legalization of the product in the already stabilized system,
– the maker's mark AE, indicating the workshop or master responsible for the execution.

This is an object that "reads" like a document – with layers of history imprinted in gold. The mace motif, a symbol of strength and power, combined with the deep red of the stone, creates a decisive, almost heraldic composition.

For a collector of old Polish jewelry, this is an example of an item from a transitional period – a moment when craftsmanship operated between the old order and the new state reality. For the wearer – it is a piece of history recorded in gold and garnet.

In Poland we offer delivery via InPost or UPS.
International orders are fulfilled in cooperation with UPS.

We offer the possibility of exchange or a full refund within 14 days from the date of purchase.

We fulfill orders only within the European Union.

• Our jewelry is crafted with attention to every detail. To ensure it retains its beauty for years, we recommend proper use and care.
• Jewelry is a delicate product – avoid impacts, tugs, and contact with hard surfaces, which can lead to damage or deformation.
• The product may contain small parts – it is not intended for children or animals. Keep it out of their reach.
• If you notice any damage, discontinue use of the product.
• To maintain the luster and quality of your jewelry, store it separately, in a box or soft pouch, to avoid scratches and tangles.
• Avoid contact with water (pearls and emeralds) and chemicals (e.g., perfumes, creams, cosmetics).
• Remove jewelry before sleeping, bathing, physical activity, and household chores.
• For cleaning, use a soft, delicate cloth designed for jewelry. Avoid harsh materials and sharp tools that can cause scratches.

Entity responsible for product safety:
Syncret Cyganek Spółka Jawna
ul. Bracka 8, 31-005 Kraków
e-mail: butik@syncret.com