Vintage Gold-Plated Aurora Borealis Crystal Floral Pendant
Pendant (Costume Jewelry) · Yellow Gold Tone. The alloy used for the plating appears to be a high-copper yellow gold, common in the 1950s-1960s to create a rich warm honey-gold finish.
Purity: Gold-Plated/Non-Solid (Base Metal). No gold purity stamps visible; typical of mid-century costume jewelry which uses a thin gold electrode plating (usually under 1% gold content).
Type
Pendant (Costume Jewelry)
Purity
Gold-Plated/Non-Solid (Base Metal). No gold purity stamps visible; typical of mid-century costume jewelry which uses a thin gold electrode plating (usually under 1% gold content).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Tone. The alloy used for the plating appears to be a high-copper yellow gold, common in the 1950s-1960s to create a rich warm honey-gold finish.
Weight
2 to 4 grams. Given the cast base metal construction and standard costume jewelry dimensions, this item is lightweight and holds negligible melt value.
Description
This charming mid-century pendant features a tiered floral cluster design. Each 'petal' section is textured with golden granulation and centered with shimmering Aurora Borealis crystals that reflect shades of blue, orange, and pink. It represents the 'New Look' era of femininity where sparkle and floral motifs were highly prized in evening wear accessories.
Key Features
Prong-set iridescent AB crystals, tiered 3D 'pom-pon' construction, and a florentine-esque textured metal finish.
Color & Finish
The item features a rich, warm yellow gold-tone finish with a textured, granulated surface. There is visible 'brassing' (wear to the plating) on the jump ring loop, revealing a darker base metal underneath.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. Many pieces of this era were unsigned or were part of sets where only the clasp was marked. Lack of '14K' or '750' stamps strongly suggests costume classification.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 18mm x 18mm (sub-centimeters). A petite, standard-sized pendant suitable for a fine chain.
Gemstones & Inlays
The piece is set with foiled 'Aurora Borealis' (AB) crystals. These are glass stones with a vacuum-sputtered metallic coating that creates a rainbow/iridescent effect. Central round stone surrounded by smaller accent crystals.
Clasp & Closure
Simple integrated bail (loop). The jump ring is a basic circular wire loop designed for a spring-ring or lobster-claw chain.
Chain & Links
N/A (Pendant only). The structure is a 'cluster' or 'cocktail' style with multiple cast tiers to create a 3D floral effect.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast base metal with hand-applied foil-backed glass stones. The tiered construction is achieved by soldering several cast layers together. Finishing is standard for mid-tier vintage costume pieces.
Authentication Indicators
Red flag for solid gold: The visible wear on the loop shows a grey/brown base metal. The iridescence of the stones is created by a coating typical of glass, not natural gemstones. No hallmarks are present.
Origin & Maker
Likely USA or Europe (West Germany was a major producer of this style). Unsigned, common among mass-produced high-quality mid-century fashion jewelry.
Era & Period
Mid-Century / Retro (c. 1955-1965). The use of Aurora Borealis crystals, which were patented by Swarovski in 1955, is the primary indicator of this period.
Age Estimate
Circa late 1950s. The surface texture and stone type are quintessential to post-WWII feminine fashion.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war boom in affordable 'cocktail' jewelry, allowing middle-class women to emulate the look of high-end diamond and gold pieces seen on Hollywood screen stars.
Condition Notes
Good. The stones appear intact and retain their iridescence. Significant wear to the gold plating is visible on the jump ring, indicating historical use. Some dulling of the finish in deeper recesses.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00. The value is purely decorative/collectible. It has zero investment value in terms of gold content but holds historical value for vintage fashion enthusiasts.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver polish or ultrasonic cleaners, as these will strip the gold plating and the AB coating on the stones. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth. Keep away from perfumes and hairspray.
Similar Items
14K Gold Opal Pendant (visual similarity in play-of-color), Coro or Trifari signed costume pendants (higher collector tier), or modern glass crystal fashion jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Aurora Borealis crystals were created through a collaboration between Christian Dior and Swarovski in 1955. They were intended to mimic the flashes of light seen in the Northern Lights.