Vintage Decal Paris Silver-Tone Costume Brooch with Snowflake Motif
Brooch/Pin · None (Silver-tone costume metal); significant oxidation and plating loss revealing dark base metal underneath.
Purity: Non-gold/Base metal with silver-tone plating; contains no identifiable gold content or fineness markings.
Type
Brooch/Pin
Purity
Non-gold/Base metal with silver-tone plating; contains no identifiable gold content or fineness markings.
Gold Type
None (Silver-tone costume metal); significant oxidation and plating loss revealing dark base metal underneath.
Weight
5.0 - 10.0 grams
Description
A vintage costume jewelry brooch featuring a seasonal snowflake aesthetic. The reverse reveals a cast metal construction with a 'decal PARIS' signature. While not made of gold or precious metals, it represents the era of European fashion jewelry designed for accessibility and seasonal style.
Key Features
Snowflake-shaped cutout design, 'decal' brand signature, and arched decorative header.
Color & Finish
Dull silver-gray with significant pitting, oxidation, and mottled patina. The finish is a worn metallic plating over a non-precious base metal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'decal PARIS' in lowercase/uppercase sans-serif font on the reverse arc section. No precious metal purity stamps (such as 750 or 925) are present.
Dimensions Estimate
30mm x 35mm estimated; standard accessory size.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible on the reverse; likely features rhinestones or enamel on the obverse (front) side based on the snowflake cutouts.
Clasp & Closure
Simple C-clasp with a tension-wire pinstem; non-locking safety mechanism typical of mid-tier costume jewelry.
Chain & Links
N/A; solid cast back plate with a hinged pinstem attached by a base-metal solder point.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced cast base metal with stamped branding. The soldering at the pin hinge is functional but unrefined, consistent with lower-to-mid-tier fashion accessories.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'decal PARIS' stamp confirms its identity as a costume piece. The lack of purity stamps and the visible oxidation red-flag this as a non-gold item.
Origin & Maker
France; manufactured by Decal Paris, a brand known for accessible fashion jewelry and accessories.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-to-late 20th Century (circa 1960s-1980s); characteristic of mass-produced Parisian souvenir or boutique costume jewelry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970 - 1985 based on the font style of the maker's mark and the simple pin assembly.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of fashion in post-war Europe, where jewelry was used as a versatile accessory rather than just a store of wealth.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition; heavy oxidation, plating failure (pitting), and dark tarnish across the entire reverse surface. The pinstem appears functional but shows surface wear.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. The value is purely ornamental/collectible; it has zero gold melt value or precious metal bullion content.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry; avoid water or jewelry cleaners which may further strip the remaining plating. Clean with a dry, soft cloth only.
Similar Items
Vogue Paris brooches, vintage Trifari snowflakes, or contemporary pewter pins. Unlike gold items, these rely on design value rather than scrap metal value.
Interesting Facts
Decal Paris was one of many companies producing 'Bijoux de Couture' or fashion jewelry in France, catering to tourists and local boutiques during the height of the mid-century fashion boom.