Vintage 10K Yellow Gold Scroll Motif Jabot Brooch with Safety Chain
Brooch/Pin (Jabot style) · Yellow Gold with a brassy, high-copper alloy tone typical of American 10K gold.
Purity: Likely 10K (41.7% pure gold) or 12K Gold-Filled. The color and oxidation patterns suggest a lower karat alloy common in mid-century costume and semi-fine jewelry.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Jabot style)
Purity
Likely 10K (41.7% pure gold) or 12K Gold-Filled. The color and oxidation patterns suggest a lower karat alloy common in mid-century costume and semi-fine jewelry.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with a brassy, high-copper alloy tone typical of American 10K gold.
Weight
3.5 to 5.0 grams (including pin stem and safety chain).
Description
A charming mid-century jabot-style brooch featuring an elegant double-ended scroll design. The piece centers on a high-shine gold sphere that reflects light beautifully against the contrasting matte-textured ribbon ends. The inclusion of a safety chain highlights the era's focus on secure, functional luxury.
Key Features
Tension-set visual balance between the two scroll ends and the central orb; distinctive safety chain attachment; dual-texture finish.
Color & Finish
Medium yellow gold with a high-polish sphere and a textured/sandblasted 'bark' finish on the ribbon/scroll elements. Noticeable patina and minor tarnish in recessed areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps in the image; typically found on the pin stem or the reverse of the scroll. Likely marked '10K', '1/20 12K GF', or a maker's mark like 'KREMENTZ'.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 35mm in length and 20mm in width; safety chain approximately 1.5 inches.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features a central polished gold-tone sphere as the focal point.
Clasp & Closure
C-clasp or revolving safety catch on the main pin; secondary safety chain with a small spring ring clasp for added security.
Chain & Links
Standard cable link safety chain, likely machine-made with soldered links for durability.
Craftsmanship Details
Likely die-struck components with hand-soldered pin findings and safety loops. The texturing is applied via a mechanical rolling or stamping process.
Authentication Indicators
The color consistency suggests solid low-karat gold or high-quality gold filling. Lack of plating wear on high-friction areas like the scroll tips is a positive sign of quality.
Origin & Maker
Likely United States; style is consistent with manufacturers like Krementz, Van Dell, or Wells who specialized in gold-filled and low-karat gold jewelry.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1940s - 1960s). The ribbon/scroll motif is characteristic of post-WWII feminine jewelry design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960 based on the safety chain style and the specific sandblasted texture of the gold.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'feminine' styling of the 1950s, where gold jewelry became more accessible to the middle class through lower karat weights and innovative plating techniques.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Minor surface scratches on the central sphere; some slight bending of the pin stem. Flexibility of the safety chain is intact. Overall grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Melt value: $80-$120 (if 10K solid); Resale value: $45-$75 (if gold-filled) or $150-$225 (if solid 10K).
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with a soft jewelry cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the sphere is hollow. Store separately to prevent the safety chain from tangling.
Similar Items
Victorian scroll brooches (usually heavier 15K/18K gold) or contemporary 14K ribbon pins (usually lighter with CAD-CAM precision).
Interesting Facts
Jabot pins were originally designed to be worn on the ruffled frills (jabots) of men's and women's shirts in the 17th century, but evolved into purely decorative lapel pieces by the mid-20th century.