Gold-Plated Vintage Costume Jewelry Aurora Borealis Crystal Pendant
Pendant (Charm/Slide) · Yellow Gold plating; likely high-copper brass base metal providing the warm underlying tone.
Purity: Gold-plated / Costume level. Not solid gold (likely brass or copper alloy base with <1 micron plating).
Type
Pendant (Charm/Slide)
Purity
Gold-plated / Costume level. Not solid gold (likely brass or copper alloy base with <1 micron plating).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating; likely high-copper brass base metal providing the warm underlying tone.
Weight
3 - 5 grams (estimated based on hollow-backed costume jewelry construction).
Description
An ornate mid-century costume jewelry pendant featuring a central iridescent crystal surrounded by a cluster of smaller AB stones. The frame utilizes a textured, gold-toned base with beaded edges to simulate fine wire-work. The 'Aurora Borealis' finish on the stones creates a prismatic rainbow effect when hit by light, a hallmark of 1950s fashion accessories popularized by Swarovski.
Key Features
Aurora Borealis iridescent coating on glass stones; 'sunburst' or 'snowflake' cluster arrangement; textured granulation detail.
Color & Finish
Medium yellow gold tone with significant oxidation and surface plating wear; textured and filigree-style finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps on front; typical for this style is a 'HONG KONG', 'GERMANY', or brand tag on the reverse (not pictured).
Dimensions Estimate
25mm x 25mm (approximately 1 inch diameter); petite to standard size.
Gemstones & Inlays
Foil-backed Aurora Borealis (AB) multi-colored iridescent crystals, likely glass or acrylic, claw-set.
Clasp & Closure
Integrated circular jump ring bail for attachment to a chain.
Chain & Links
N/A (Pendant only); structural metal features beaded decorative borders and wire-work style molding.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast base metal construction with prong-set stones; simulated filigree textures designed for visual impact at a low price point.
Authentication Indicators
Visual 'brassing' (darker metal showing through yellow) suggests plating; lack of high-purity gold hallmarks; iridescent coating typical of costume glass.
Origin & Maker
Likely mass-produced costume jewelry from the USA, Western Germany, or Hong Kong (unbranded).
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Retro Costume Jewelry (Late 1950s - 1960s).
Age Estimate
50 - 70 years old (circa 1955-1965 based on the use of AB crystal coating).
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the post-war era, where high-fashion looks were made accessible to the middle class through costume materials.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant plating loss on the top jump ring and edges showing base metal; some dust/grime between settings.
Value Estimate
Decorative/Collectible value: $15 - $35 USD. Minimal to zero gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, dry cloth only. Avoid water or ultrasonic cleaners as these can dissolve the adhesive or foil backing of the stones.
Similar Items
Coro or Trifari cluster pins and pendants; Sarah Coventry 'fashion' jewelry of the same era.
Interesting Facts
The 'Aurora Borealis' coating was developed by Swarovski in 1955 in collaboration with Christian Dior to mimic the Northern Lights.