The person who bought it posted a question about this on an ethnic jewelry forum, he or she thought it was a 'Egyptian breast plate' LOL. Whatever it is, it's quite strange, but maybe a tribal fusion dancer can make something interesting out of this.
This is actually Medieval jewelry... 13th century Europe. It is designed to be worn exactly the way it is displayed only over a simple, long woolen dress. How someone got a hold of it with the idea it was for belly dancing is beyond me.
fantastic blog for jewellery like that blog
Silver Jewelry
I'd call it "Industrial Pharaonic." Either go full-on steampunk with it, or wear on stage (more than 15 feet from audience) over a white ancient style gown.