Vintage 18K White Gold Bucherer Rose Plate or Dish
Hollowware / Decorative Dish · White Gold or Rhodium-plated surface on a precious metal base; exhibits a cool, greyih-white tone characteristic of older white gold alloys.
Purity: Estimated at 18K (750 fineness) based on the Bucherer hallmark standard for luxury giftware, though often these items are high-purity gold plated over silver or solid white gold for specific commissions. Solid gold content would be 75.0%.
Type
Hollowware / Decorative Dish
Purity
Estimated at 18K (750 fineness) based on the Bucherer hallmark standard for luxury giftware, though often these items are high-purity gold plated over silver or solid white gold for specific commissions. Solid gold content would be 75.0%.
Gold Type
White Gold or Rhodium-plated surface on a precious metal base; exhibits a cool, greyih-white tone characteristic of older white gold alloys.
Weight
Undetermined based on visual; typically ranges from 50g to 200g depending on thickness and size for such commemorative items.
Description
A refined and understated luxury item from the house of Bucherer. This white gold or gold-plated precious metal dish features the heritage rose emblem of the Lucerne-based jeweler. The item serves as a testament to the mid-20th-century trend of high-end jewelers producing 'boutique' lifestyle items for prestigious clients.
Key Features
Central Bucherer Rose hallmark, heavy gauge metal construction, and the distinctive 'bucherer' serif type stamp.
Color & Finish
Cool metallic grey with a heavy patina. Surface shows significant 'brushed' or directional scratching from age and use, with a matte finish currently dominating any original polish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Features the iconic Bucherer 'Rose' logo (a stylized floral emblem) and the 'Bucherer' name stamp in lowercase serif font. The lack of a visible numeric karat stamp suggests it may be inside a rim or on the reverse.
Dimensions Estimate
Estimated 4-6 inches in diameter based on the scale of the engraving and metal grain.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible; purely metallic construction with relief engraving for the brand mark.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (Stationary decorative object).
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid metal sheet construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-stamped hallmark with subsequent hand-finishing. The metal shows uniform thickness indicating high-quality rolling before being shaped.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Bucherer hallmark stamp which is correct for the period; metal oxidation patterns are consistent with high-karat white gold or rhodinated silver-gold alloys.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; Manufactured by Bucherer, the prestigious Swiss watch and jewelry retailer founded in Lucerne in 1888.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (circa 1950-1970); Bucherer expanded its luxury giftware and 'boutique' line significantly during this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s; based on the typography of the stamp and the style of the floral hallmark logo.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of Swiss luxury travel and retail, where such items were often presented as commemorative gifts or high-end souvenirs for the European elite.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; the surface exhibits heavy micro-scratching, several deep gouges, and significant silver-grey oxidation. Structural integrity appears sound, but the finish requires professional restoration.
Value Estimate
If solid 18K gold, value is primarily melt-plus-15%; if plated/vermeil, value is $150-$300 as a collectible. Total value depends heavily on metal weight verification via XRF testing.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and mild jewelry solution; avoid abrasive polishes that could strip the rhodium or gold layer. Professional steam cleaning recommended.
Similar Items
Cartier Sterling/Vermeil dishes, Tiffany & Co. 14K commemorative trays, or Patek Philippe porcelain/gold giftware.
Interesting Facts
Bucherer is the largest watch retailer in the world and was recently acquired by Rolex in 2023, making vintage Bucherer-branded items increasingly collectible.