Vintage Gold-Plated Pewter or Base Metal Botanical Openwork Brooch
Brooch/Pin (Botanical/Floral openwork style) · Yellow Gold plating; the color is a decorative finish rather than solid karat gold alloy.
Purity: Gold-Plated/Gilt; the base metal is visible under worn areas, indicating a thin layer of gold over a non-precious white metal alloy like pewter or pot metal.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Botanical/Floral openwork style)
Purity
Gold-Plated/Gilt; the base metal is visible under worn areas, indicating a thin layer of gold over a non-precious white metal alloy like pewter or pot metal.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating; the color is a decorative finish rather than solid karat gold alloy.
Weight
10 - 15 grams; estimated based on the density of common base metal alloys used in vintage costume jewelry.
Description
A circular openwork brooch featuring an intricate, organic botanical design of swirling leaves and stems. The piece exhibits a heavy, rustic aesthetic with a textured reverse side that shows the casting process. Originally finished in a gold tone, much of the plating has worn away to reveal a lead-tin or zinc-based white metal core, giving it a distinctive two-tone, aged appearance.
Key Features
3D textured casting; openwork (pierced) design; organic foliate motif; vintage locking clasp mechanism.
Color & Finish
Oxidized dull grey base metal with remains of a dull yellow gold gilding; the surface is textured and pitted with a heavy antique patina.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible; the reverse shows rough casting marks and no official purity stamps or maker's marks, which is common for mid-tier costume jewelry.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 40mm - 45mm in diameter; standard large statement brooch size.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; the design relies entirely on the cast botanical openwork patterns.
Clasp & Closure
Simple pin stem with a locking C-clasp; the pin appears to be made of a stronger brass or steel alloy to support the weight of the brooch.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; the structure consists of cast interlocking organic vine and leaf shapes forming a circular frame.
Craftsmanship Details
Rough sand-casting or die-casting; the reverse is unfinished and 'as-cast,' while the front is polished. Soldering on the pin joints is functional but utilitarian.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold: The visible white/grey metal core where the yellow finish has rubbed off; the lack of hallmarks; the rough, uneven texture on the reverse characteristic of pot metal casting.
Origin & Maker
Unknown; likely an unsigned pieces of mass-produced fashion jewelry produced in the USA or Europe.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940s-1970s); the rough casting style and botanical 'naturalistic' motif are characteristic of costumer jewelry from this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950 - 1970; the wear patterns and casting technique suggest a vintage age of at least 50 years.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in fashion jewelry where accessories became essential for the 'New Look' and daily coordinated outfits in Western fashion.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition; significant loss of gold plating (brassing), surface oxidation of the base metal, and visible casting pits. The pin mechanism appears functional but shows surface tarnish.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD; the value is purely decorative/vintage appeal as there is no significant precious metal content (melt value is negligible).
Care & Maintenance
Do not use jewelry cleaners or ultrasonics as they will strip the remaining gold plating; wipe gently with a soft dry cloth and store in a dry environment to prevent further oxidation of the base metal.
Similar Items
Monet or Trifari gold-plated brooches; however, those usually carry maker's marks and higher-quality electroplating.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were often called 'costume jewelry' and were designed to mimic the appearance of fine jewelry while remaining affordable to the general public during the mid-20th century.