This is a charming brooch and highly collectable. Shows wear. Stamped SILVER. 

Reference to ladybirds goes right back, one of the oldest being the late 1700's in China where it was seen as a messenger bird to women who stood on the fringe of their designated roles. To Native Americans it was seen as the symbol of the sun. Many songs feature them...ie 'Over the Rainbow', 'The White Cliffs of Dover' 1942, 'Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah 1946, David Bowie's song 'Lazurus' from his last album, Moody Blues' song 'Voices in the Sky'. In the US September 24 is National Bluebird of Happiness Day.