Vintage Déposé Paris Art Deco Style Snowflake Brooch, Gold-Plated/Base Metal
Brooch/Pin (Decorative lapel or scarf pin) · Yellow Gold plating. The original finish is a mid-tone yellow, now heavily dulled by surface oxidation and environmental buildup.
Purity: Likely Gold-Plated or Gilt. Visible oxidation, verdigris, and dark patina strongly suggest a base metal core (such as brass or bronze) with a thin gold wash or plating, rather than solid gold.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Decorative lapel or scarf pin)
Purity
Likely Gold-Plated or Gilt. Visible oxidation, verdigris, and dark patina strongly suggest a base metal core (such as brass or bronze) with a thin gold wash or plating, rather than solid gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating. The original finish is a mid-tone yellow, now heavily dulled by surface oxidation and environmental buildup.
Weight
3 - 5 grams. The item appears to be a lightweight cast or stamped metal piece; given its size and probable base-metal core, it lacks the density of high-karat solid gold.
Description
A charming vintage French brooch featuring a stylized snowflake motif encapsulated within a curved arc. This 'Déposé Paris' piece represents the mid-century European trend for geometric and nature-inspired costume jewelry. The openwork design provides a light, airy feel, while the registered French design mark adds an element of historical provenance to this petite accessory.
Key Features
Diagnostic 'DÉPOSÉ PARIS' stamp; unique snowflake-within-an-arc geometry; vintage trombone-style safety clasp.
Color & Finish
Dull yellow with significant dark gray-to-black patina. The finish is currently matte and uncleaned, showing signs of heavy verdigris (greenish spots) near the pin hinge, consistent with aged non-precious alloys.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'DÉPOSÉ PARIS' on the upper reverse arc. Includes a small circular maker's mark or symbol above the text. 'Déposé' is a French legal term indicating a registered design, commonly found on 20th-century European costume jewelry.
Dimensions Estimate
Width: 25mm - 30mm; Height: 20mm - 25mm. Standard petite brooch size suitable for a lapel.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible. The design relies on openwork metal casting (snowflake and arc motif) without decorative stones or enamel.
Clasp & Closure
Trombone/C-clasp variety with a safety guard. The pin stem is vertically aligned and appears to have a simple rotating safety catch (common in mid-20th century European pins). The dark color of the pin stem suggests it may be made of steel or brass for strength.
Chain & Links
N/A. Single-piece cast structure with a soldered pin back. The structure is rigid with an openwork 'pierced' snowflake design.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast metal construction with secondary soldering for the pin back. The casting is relatively clean but lacks the hand-finished precision seen in 'Fine Jewelry.' Edges are somewhat soft, and the registration stamp is machine-impressed.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Déposé' stamp is authentic to French registration standards. The green oxidation 'verdigris' is a definitive red flag that the item is NOT solid gold, but rather a copper-based alloy with a surface plating.
Origin & Maker
Origin: France (Paris). The 'Déposé' mark identifies it as a registered design produced in the French jewelry market. Brand: Unidentified Parisian atelier specializing in tourist or commercial decorative jewelry.
Era & Period
Mid-Century / Retro (c. 1940s-1970s). While 'Déposé' markings are found earlier, the hardware and font style are consistent with mid-decades commercial French costume jewelry production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950 - 1965. The level of oxidation, the specific 'Déposé' stamp font, and the pin assembly are classic indicators of 50-70 year old costume jewelry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in 'bijoux fantaisie' (costume jewelry) in Paris, where design and style were prioritized over the intrinsic value of materials, allowing high fashion to be accessible to the emerging middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant surface oxidation, localized verdigris (corrosion) on the hinge, and nearly complete loss of high-polish luster. The metal shows substantial darkening which obscures the original gold-tone finish.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD. The value is strictly collectible/vintage interest. The gold content is negligible (melt value is $0), as it is a plated base-metal item in worn condition.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water or chemical cleaners, as the oxidation indicates the plating is compromised; moisture will accelerate the growth of verdigris. Store in a dry environment away from other metals.
Similar Items
Art Deco marcasite pins, vintage Napier gold-toned brooches, or 1950s Monet costume jewelry. Unlike solid gold pieces by Cartier or Van Cleef, these were mass-produced fashion accessories.
Interesting Facts
The word 'Déposé' is the shortened form of 'Modèle Déposé,' which translates to 'Design Registered.' It was a way for French creators to protect their jewelry designs from being copied by other manufacturers across Europe.