Vintage Gold Tone Floral Brooch with Cream Enamel and Rhinestone Accents
Brooch/Pin (Floral Spray) · Yellow Gold Tone (Warm-tone plating), likely finished with a costume-grade electroplating process rather than a high-karat solid gold alloy.
Purity: Gold Tone Base Metal (Non-Solid Gold). This item appears to be costume jewelry consisting of a gold-plated or gold-washed base metal, typically brass or alloy, with no precious metal fineness markings visible.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Floral Spray)
Purity
Gold Tone Base Metal (Non-Solid Gold). This item appears to be costume jewelry consisting of a gold-plated or gold-washed base metal, typically brass or alloy, with no precious metal fineness markings visible.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Tone (Warm-tone plating), likely finished with a costume-grade electroplating process rather than a high-karat solid gold alloy.
Weight
10-15 grams. As a costume piece with enamel and metal construction, the weight is substantial for its size but does not carry precious metal value.
Description
An elegant mid-century floral spray brooch featuring two stylized blossoms and a sweeping leaf. The petals are layered with cream-colored enamel, giving a soft, organic contrast to the bright yellow gold-toned metal and the sparkling rhinestone centers.
Key Features
Stylized lily or daisy motifs, sweeping leaf structure, prong-set rhinestones, and high-contrast cream enamel inlays.
Color & Finish
Polished yellow gold tone finish with cream/off-white enamel inlays. The enamel has a satiny, pearlescent sheen, while the metal stems show a high-polish reflective surface.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks or purity stamps (like 14K or 585) are visible in the provided image. Many such costume pieces are unmarked or carry a maker's mark (e.g., Trifari, Coro, Sarah Coventry) on the reverse pin mechanism.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 6.5 cm in total length and 4 cm in width at the widest flower point, as indicated by the measuring tape in the image.
Gemstones & Inlays
Clear colorless rhinestones (likely glass or crystal) in round brilliant cuts, set at the center of the flowers and on the stem. The petals feature cream enamel or mother-of-pearl imitation inlays.
Clasp & Closure
Likely a standard safety pin or revolving 'C' clasp mechanism on the reverse side. The stem curves into a traditional pin-back structure for attachment to clothing.
Chain & Links
N/A - This is a rigid brooch construction. The 'links' between the flowers and stem are rigid soldered joints or part of a single cast frame.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast metal construction with hand-applied enamel and machine-set rhinestones. Soldering points are hidden behind the main elements to maintain a clean front-facing aesthetic.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold: Absence of purity hallmarks (10k, 14k, 18k), use of rhinestones instead of genuine diamonds, and the specific 'spray' construction common in costume jewelry of the 1960s.
Origin & Maker
Likely American or European mass-market costume jewelry. Common manufacturers of this style include Monet, Trifari, or Napier, though without a visible mark, it remains an anonymous boutique piece.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Retro-influenced) - stylistic indicators such as the spray design, enamel work, and rhinestone accents suggest a date range from the late 1950s to the 1970s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1975 based on the floral spray motif and the specific style of the faceted crystal settings.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of fashion in the mid-20th century, where costume jewelry allowed everyday consumers to achieve a luxury 'Golden Age' look without the investment of real bullion.
Condition Notes
Very Good - The gold tone plating appears intact with minimal brassing or wear. The enamel is smooth without apparent chips, and all rhinestones appear present and seated properly.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD based on secondary market trends for vintage costume jewelry. Value is purely decorative and collectible rather than based on metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, dry cloth only. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and liquids, as they can loosen glue-set rhinestones and damage the enamel coating. Store separately to prevent the pin from scratching other items.
Similar Items
Trifari 'Crown' collection floral pins, 1950s Coro enamel brooches, or contemporary gold-plated fashion jewelry from brands like Swarovski.
Interesting Facts
Floral spray brooches became immensely popular in the mid-20th century as a way for women to accessorize lapels of suits and coats, often designed to mimic the high-jewelry designs of houses like Van Cleef & Arpels.