Vintage-Style Gold-Tone Cameo Brooch with Red Glass Accents
Brooch / Pendant Combination · Yellow Gold-Tone Alloy (likely brass or pewter base)
Purity: Non-precious / Costume Gold-Tone Plate (likely 0% gold content)
Type
Brooch / Pendant Combination
Purity
Non-precious / Costume Gold-Tone Plate (likely 0% gold content)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold-Tone Alloy (likely brass or pewter base)
Weight
15-25 grams
Description
An ornate costume jewelry brooch featuring a classic resin cameo profile of a woman. The piece is set in a textured yellow gold-tone metal frame decorated with a rope border and a floral/leafy base. It is accented by artificial red and pink stones, finishing with a dramatic dangling faceted red crystal drop.
Key Features
Rope-twist bezel, floral filigree arrangement, dangling red faceted drop, and neo-classical cameo motif.
Color & Finish
Antique yellow gold-tone with an oxidized/darkened patina in the recessed floral areas; satin finish on the rope border.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps; likely lacks purity hallmarks as it appears to be costume jewelry.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 60mm length x 35mm width
Gemstones & Inlays
Molded resin or plastic cameo insert; red faceted rhinestones/glass crystals; small pink/champagne accent rhinestones.
Clasp & Closure
Assuming a standard safety pin or C-clasp on reverse; jump ring attachment for the dangling drop.
Chain & Links
Dangling round link used for the pendant drop; rope-textured bezel frame around the cameo.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast metal construction with machine-set adhesive for stones; standard mass-production finishing with artificial antiquing applied to recessed metalwork.
Authentication Indicators
The 'brassy' bright yellow tone and dark oxidation in details are red flags for plated base metal rather than solid gold. Lack of visible hallmarks (like 14K or 585) further indicates costume jewelry.
Origin & Maker
Mass-market costume jewelry (e.g., Sarah Coventry, Avon, or unbranded boutique production)
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (1970s-1990s) Revival Style (Victorian/Edwardian aesthetic)
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-2000
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Revival' jewelry movements where historic designs were mass-produced for the general public using affordable materials like gold-plated alloys and resin.
Condition Notes
Good; showing some darkening/oxidation consistent with age. Stones appear intact, though minor surface scratches on the resin cameo are likely.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD (Decorative/Fashion value rather than investment/melt value)
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry; do not use jewelry cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners as they will strip the gold-plating and damage the resin. Wipe with a soft dry cloth.
Similar Items
Authentic 19th-century shell cameos in 14K gold frames (significantly more valuable); Florenza or Trifari costume brooches.
Interesting Facts
Cameos were popularized in the Victorian era as souvenirs from the 'Grand Tour' of Italy, often carved from shell or stone. This item is a modern fashion tribute to that era.