Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Cabochon Compact Case
Gold Accessory / Compact Case · Yellow Gold with a heavy warm tone, likely alloyed with copper and silver.
Purity: Likely 18K (750 fineness); typical for luxury European vanity items of the mid-20th century. 75% pure gold.
Type
Gold Accessory / Compact Case
Purity
Likely 18K (750 fineness); typical for luxury European vanity items of the mid-20th century. 75% pure gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with a heavy warm tone, likely alloyed with copper and silver.
Weight
Estimated 80-120 grams total weight, including gemstones and internal mirror/mechanism.
Description
An exquisite example of mid-century vanity glamour, this circular compact features a luxurious textured gold lid centered by a striking turquoise floral burst. The craftsmanship reflects an era where everyday accessories were treated as fine jewelry.
Key Features
Hand-stippled gold texture, tiered turquoise cluster setting, and precision hinged movement.
Color & Finish
Rich deep yellow with a textured 'stippled' or 'sablé' finish on the lid and a decorative engine-turned or florentine pattern on the sides.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found inside the rim or on the thumbpiece; expected marks include '750' or a maker's mark like 'Van Cleef & Arpels' or 'Cartier'.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 60mm to 70mm in diameter; standard palm-sized luxury compact.
Gemstones & Inlays
Central oval turquoise cabochon surrounded by two tiers of smaller turquoise beads in a cluster setting.
Clasp & Closure
Push-button thumbpiece, possibly embellished with turquoise, featuring a tension-fit snap closure for the hinged lid.
Chain & Links
N/A; features a knurled decorative edge and precision-hinged construction instead of links.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-chased texture on solid gold sheet; recessed hinge and precision-fitted interior housing.
Authentication Indicators
The depth and consistency of the texturing, the high-quality bezel settings for the stones, and the weight-to-visual-density ratio.
Origin & Maker
Likely French or Italian (e.g., Boucheron, Van Cleef, or Bulgari influence) given the high-quality texturing and turquoise use.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Retro (circa 1950s-1960s); characterized by bold yellow gold and turquoise 'sky-blue' accents.
Age Estimate
Produced circa 1955-1965 based on the stippled gold work and gemstone arrangement.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of post-war social etiquette where luxury compacts were visible symbols of status in high society.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good; slight patina in crevices, minor surface scratches on gold, all stones appear present but require cleaning.
Value Estimate
Melt value approx. $4,000-$6,000; Collectible value $8,000-$15,000 depending on the confirmed maker.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners due to porous turquoise; clean with a soft dry cloth and keep away from perfumes/hairsprays.
Similar Items
Gold powder boxes by Stratton (usually brass/plated) or high-end solid gold vanity cases by Cartier.
Interesting Facts
Turquoise was often paired with yellow gold in the 1950s to evoke 'Exoticism' and Mediterranean luxury.