The Queen's Broach

Weight: 2 lbs
Dimensions: 2 inches by 4 inches
Rarity: This item is one of a kind
Crafter: Monterey Yumtenge
Creation Date: 146 MD
Original Owner: Ash Tokagedu
Current Owner: Mulberry

Value

This piece was commissioned by Queen Ash. It was made by the famed jeweler Monterey Yumtenge. At the time its creation, its value was 50 gold pataca. Monterey was paid a hefty sum of 75 pataca for his work. Given its significance to the Thaulanders, it's current estimated value is 10,000 pataca.

Construction

This piece was commissioned by Queen Ash and made by the famed jeweler Monterey Yumtenge. On the back of the broach is a locking pin to keep it attached to whatever item of clothing is needed. It's the first known example of such a clasp. After this success, the locking clasp became the standard for such things.
It's made from bronze mined from the Rookgroom Mountains. The broach is thin and curves around itself. The two amethysts set into it were a gift to its first owner, Queen Ash, from her cousin, Princess Magnolia of Becina. The gift marked Ash's ascension to the throne.
Like many pieces of that era, the metal is smooth and polished without any markings. The surface is only marred by the indents where the amethysts were set in.

History

When Ash had this piece made, she hasn't intended for it to become as much of an icon as it did. When her daughter, Catawba, ascended the throne in 167 MD, Ash passed it on to her. Catawba had loved the broach since she was a child and wore it proudly to honour her mother, who passed away in late 169 MD.

Catawba passed it on to her daughter and so on. After four generations, it was declared a state relic and made an official part of the queen's regalia. Every queen of Thauland for the last three centuries has worn this broach as part of their official regalia.

Replicas of this broach are popular, especially as gifts to young girls.