Ruby and diamond pin, French, circa 1940.

Ruby and diamond pin. Set with five square baguette cut natural no heat rubies in open back grain and rubover millegrain settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.60 carats, further set with sixteen round old cut diamonds in open back grain settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.70 carats, all to a circular cluster with central cross motif with pierced gallery and fancy backholing, fitted to reverse with secure pin, approximately 7.8cm in length. Marked yellow and white gold, French, circa 1940.

This pin is set with a red cross amongst a white background - a symbol commonly associated with Saint George. Saint George's Cross has appeared on many flags and emblems, including England's national flag. At the Geneva Convention of 1864, it was made a protection emblem, and can only be worn by medical personnel and people carrying out humanitarian work, to protect them from military attack on the battlefield. As this pin dates to the 1940s, it could well have been connected with the war effort.