This brooch is hand patinaed bronze and matte silver plate. Handmade in the U.S.A. New with tags! Retired design. No need to use a polishing cloth; soap and water will do (per directions that came with the brooch). The story of the "Survivor Tree" Callery Pear Leaves (Pyrus calleryana): The tree was originally planted at the trade center complex in the 1970s. It was discovered in the rubble weeks after the 9/11 attacks with snapped roots and a blackened trunk. It was taken to the Arthur Ross Nursery in Van Cortlandt Park in The Bronx and nursed back to health. It was 8 feet tall at the time of the attacks and now stands 35 feet tall. It was replanted at the site on 12/22/2010. The tree symbolizes the city and country's resilience. About the artist, Michael Michaud for Silver Seasons Artist Michael Michaud collects flora from his travels around the world. Your jewelry is then cast from nature's own creation, capturing each natural detail of the original. Silver Season's fine craftsmen then hand finish each design in bronze, sterling silver or gold using genuine stones and pearls.