Gold-Tone Metal Scottish Terrier Brooch with Crystal Rhinestones
Brooch/Pin · Yellow Gold Tone (Electroplated base metal alloy)
Purity: Gold-Plated/Costume Jewelry (No precious metal fineness marking visible)
Type
Brooch/Pin
Purity
Gold-Plated/Costume Jewelry (No precious metal fineness marking visible)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Tone (Electroplated base metal alloy)
Weight
Estimated lightweight costume jewelry piece, approximately 8 to 12 grams total weight including stones
Description
This charming novelty brooch is cast in the recognizable silhouette of a Scottish Terrier, a beloved motif in vintage costume jewelry. The piece features a highly reflective, polished yellow gold-tone finish that gleams brightly in the palm. Adding a touch of whimsical elegance, a cluster of shimmering clear crystal rhinestones forms a sparkling collar around the dog's neck, with an additional stone accenting the snout or eye area. The crisp, clean lines and playful design make it a delightful accessory for dog lovers and collectors of vintage-style animal figurals.
Key Features
Distinctive Scottish Terrier silhouette, contrasting crystal rhinestone collar, highly polished reflective yellow gold-tone plating, and secure pin-back mechanism
Color & Finish
High-polish mirror finish in a rich warm yellow gold tone, complemented by sparkling clear rhinestone crystal inlays
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks or maker stamps on the visible exterior surface; reverse side likely contains a basic maker stamp or country of origin mark
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 1.5 inches in length and 1 inch in height, standard medium scale for a novelty animal figural brooch
Gemstones & Inlays
Pavé and bezel-set clear glass crystal rhinestones forming the collar and accenting the facial features of the terrier motif
Clasp & Closure
Standard safety pin stem with a rolling C-catch closure on the reverse side
Chain & Links
Not applicable; this is a solid figural casting designed as a wearable pin
Craftsmanship Details
Base metal die-cast construction with applied electroplated gold-tone finish, featuring hand-set or glued crystal rhinestones secured in channel/pavé arrangements
Authentication Indicators
Bright, uniform yellow gold-tone plating lacking the characteristic deep warmth and patina of solid gold; absence of standard precious metal hallmarks (such as 14K or 750); typical lightweight feel of base metal alloys
Origin & Maker
Unknown mass-market or costume jewelry manufacturer, typical of fashion accessories retailed in department stores or specialty boutiques
Era & Period
Modern/Retro Revival, drawing heavy inspiration from mid-20th-century novelty figural jewelry popularized in the 1950s-1980s
Age Estimate
Likely late 20th century to contemporary fashion jewelry production (circa 1980s-2010s)
Cultural Significance
Figural animal brooches have long served as whimsical fashion statements, allowing wearers to showcase their personality, hobbies, or love for pets through wearable art
Condition Notes
Very good overall vintage or secondhand condition with bright surface luster and all stones intact; minor hairline surface scratches consistent with light handling
Value Estimate
Estimated retail resale value between $10 and $25, as value is derived entirely from decorative and collectible appeal rather than intrinsic precious metal content
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a dry or slightly damp microfibers cloth; avoid harsh chemical dips, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged exposure to moisture or perfumes to preserve the gold-tone plating and crystal sparkle
Similar Items
Vintage Sphinx, Monet, or Trifari figural Scottie dog brooches, though those often feature textured fur finishes or enamel work rather than smooth mirror-polish plating
Interesting Facts
Scottish Terriers, often called 'Diehards,' became immensely popular design motifs in jewelry during the 1930s and 1940s, partly due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous pet Scottie, Fala, who became a cultural icon