The hackle is raven feathers. It is traditional in Scotland (I read, but have never heard of this before) that a black hackle means that the wearer has a grudge against someone. I don't. But if I'm wearing this brooch, watch out!
It can also be worn without the feathers:
The red material in the background of the piece is polycarbonate car-reflector from a crashed car, as can be seen in the rear view:
Not much else to report!