Custom Hand-Twisted Wire Name Brooch (Gold-Filled or Low Karat)
Brooch/Pin (Name jewelry) · Yellow Gold. The warm, slightly brassy tone suggests a standard copper-silver-gold alloy consistent with mid-century American gold-filled wire.
Purity: Likely 12K or 14K Gold-Filled (1/20 12KGF) or 10K/14K Solid Gold wire. Purity is approximately 5% for gold-filled or 41.7%-58.5% for solid gold.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Name jewelry)
Purity
Likely 12K or 14K Gold-Filled (1/20 12KGF) or 10K/14K Solid Gold wire. Purity is approximately 5% for gold-filled or 41.7%-58.5% for solid gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. The warm, slightly brassy tone suggests a standard copper-silver-gold alloy consistent with mid-century American gold-filled wire.
Weight
1.5 to 2.5 grams. This is a lightweight item due to the thin gauge of the wire construction.
Description
A charming example of personalized wire-art jewelry, this brooch features the name 'Alireza' (or similar script) hand-manipulated from a single strand of gold wire into a cursive script. The piece ends with a decorative flourish and a shimmering clear rhinestone accent, capturing a nostalgic, artisanal aesthetic that was once highly popular as a personalized gift.
Key Features
Single-strand construction, hand-bent cursive lettering, integrated pin-back mechanism, and a small terminal stone accent.
Color & Finish
Classic Yellow. The finish is a bright, polished surface with evidence of mild patina and minor surface scratches from handling and age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in image. Typical marks for these items are stamped on the pin stem or the small terminal loops, usually '1/20 12K GF' or '14K'.
Dimensions Estimate
Length: 35-40mm; Height: 10-12mm. Wire gauge is approximately 18-20 gauge. Pin stem length extends slightly beyond the name.
Gemstones & Inlays
A single small clear accent stone, likely a glass rhinestone or a cubic zirconia, set in a simple wire-wrapped bezel or 'prong' loop at the tail of the script.
Clasp & Closure
Integrated safety pin style closure. The wire itself is coiled to create a spring tension, with a simple hooked 'catch' on the opposite end.
Chain & Links
N/A. The piece uses a continuous wire-manipulation technique to form the structural name.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-manipulated wire. The artisan used round-nose pliers to create the script loops. Soldering is minimal or non-existent, relying on the tension of the wire for structural integrity.
Authentication Indicators
The 'spring' coil at the beginning of the pin is a classic indicator of hand-twisted wire jewelry. The color suggests a real gold surface, though the lack of heavy hallmarks suggests it is likely gold-filled.
Origin & Maker
Likely American. These were commonly made by traveling 'wire artists' or artisanal jewelers at state fairs and carnivals. Individual maker is unknown.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940s-1960s) or late 20th Century. This specific font and wire-wrapping style flourished in American craft fairs and souvenir shops during these eras.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980. The wear on the wire and the font style are consistent with mid-century personalized jewelry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-century trend of personalized 'identity' jewelry, allowing the wearer to display their name or the name of a loved one as a custom accessory.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is some minor distortion in the lettering alignment and slight bending of the pin stem. The wire shows light surface oxidation typical of gold-filled materials.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is based on artistic craft and sentiment rather than melt value, as the gold content is likely minimal if the item is gold-filled.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft polishing cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners as the stone may be glued or loosely set. Do not over-bend the pin stem as the metal may fatigue and snap.
Similar Items
Cast nameplates (carries more weight), laser-cut 14k name necklaces, or Victorian 'Mizpah' brooches.
Interesting Facts
Wire-wrapped name brooches were extremely popular in the United States during WWII as 'sweetheart jewelry' and remained a staple of souvenir craft for decades.