Mid-Century Vintage Gold-Tone Floral Pendant with Aurora Borealis Rhinestones
Pendant/Charm · Yellow Gold Tone using a base metal alloy (potentially brass or pewter) with a decorative electroplated finish.
Purity: Non-solid gold; likely gold-plated or gold-washed base metal (costume jewelry). Contains 0% actual gold karat value.
Type
Pendant/Charm
Purity
Non-solid gold; likely gold-plated or gold-washed base metal (costume jewelry). Contains 0% actual gold karat value.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Tone using a base metal alloy (potentially brass or pewter) with a decorative electroplated finish.
Weight
3 to 5 grams
Description
An ornate vintage costume pendant featuring a central floral cluster. The five-petaled flowers are set with iridescent AB crystals that flash orange, blue, and yellow. These are surrounded by smaller clear glass stones in a textured gold-tone setting that creates a radiant, tiered effect typical of mid-century evening wear accessories.
Key Features
Aurora Borealis rhinestone coating, tiered floral 'bouffant' structural design, and granulated beaded gold-tone detailing.
Color & Finish
Medium yellow gold-tone with a textured/granulated finish and significant aged patina/tarnish appearing as dark oxidation in recessed areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. Usually found on the reverse side or a small metal hang tag if produced by a designer like Trifari or Sarah Coventry.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 20mm x 20mm (petite to standard fashion size).
Gemstones & Inlays
Multicolor 'Aurora Borealis' (AB) coated glass rhinestones in the center of flowers, surrounded by clear pavé-set chaton rhinestones.
Clasp & Closure
Simple integrated bail/jump ring at the top for suspension on a chain; jump ring shows significant wear and base metal exposure.
Chain & Links
N/A (Chain not pictured); structural frame is cast metal with a 'nest' or floral cluster design.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast metal construction with press-set glass stones. The textures are molded rather than hand-engraved, typical of mid-tier fashion production.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold include the dark oxidation/greening on the jump ring, the lack of purity stamps, and the use of foil-backed rhinestones which are rarely set in high-karat gold.
Origin & Maker
Likely USA or Europe; mass-produced fashion jewelry of the mid-20th century. Unsigned, though reminiscent of 'Sarah Coventry' or 'Coro' styles.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s - 1960s); identifiable by the use of Aurora Borealis rhinestones (introduced in 1955).
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII boom of 'accessible luxury' where costume jewelry allowed middle-class women to emulate the high-fashion 'New Look' of Paris.
Condition Notes
Good Pre-owned Condition. Significant tarnish/patina is present on the bail and metal crevices. Stones appear intact but may have slight foil backing degradation (graying). Wear grade: Vintage Good.
Value Estimate
Market value $10 - $25 USD. Value is based on vintage aesthetic and collectibility as costume jewelry, not gold content.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or water. Wipe only with a soft, dry cloth. Keep away from perfumes and hairspray which will destroy the AB coating and dissolve rhinestone foil/glue.
Similar Items
1950s Brooches by Weiss or Eisenberg; these differ by having higher-quality stone settings and pin-back mechanisms rather than bails.
Interesting Facts
The Aurora Borealis coating was developed by Swarovski in 1955 in collaboration with Christian Dior to mimic the Northern Lights.