Vintage Gold-Toned Costume Jewelry Bracelet with Fold-over Clasp
Jewelry (Bracelet) · Unidentified costume jewelry manufacturer (common to Trifari, Monet, or Coro types); mass-market Mid-Century production.
Pattern: Non-specific floral and geometric costume motif; typical of department store 'bijouterie' sets.
Type
Jewelry (Bracelet)
Maker
Unidentified costume jewelry manufacturer (common to Trifari, Monet, or Coro types); mass-market Mid-Century production.
Material
Base metal (likely brass or pewter alloy) with gold-tone electroplating; contains glass or plastic 'pearls' and synthetic turquoise/resin stones.
Dimensions
Estimated 7-7.5 inches in length; standard wrist size. Weight approximately 30-50 grams based on bulk.
Description
A vibrant assortment of vintage costume jewelry featuring a focal gold-toned bracelet. The piece showcases a white enameled blossom and deep teal cabochons, typical of the eclectic 'statement' jewelry popular in the late 20th century.
Key Features
Fold-over tension clasp, white five-petal enamel flower, teal synthetic stones, and chunky gold-tone link construction.
Material & Composition
Base metal (likely brass or pewter alloy) with gold-tone electroplating; contains glass or plastic 'pearls' and synthetic turquoise/resin stones.
Finish & Decoration
Polished gold-tone finish; features an enameled white flower with a rhinestone center and bezel-set faux turquoise cabochons.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image; typically found on the reverse of the clasp or a small metal hang-tag if present.
Construction Details
Machine-cast components; assembled with jump rings and machine-stamped fold-over clasp mechanism.
Functional Features
Mechanical fold-over safety clasp with a hinged tension bar for secure fastening; bezel settings for cabochon stones.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item); Clasp utilizes a thumb-operated lever mechanism in gold-finished base metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced cast links; evidence of machine-tooling on the clasp; stones are likely glued (paste) rather than prong-set by hand.
Authentication Indicators
Mechanical clasp design is consistent with late 20th-century fashion jewelry; lacks the hallmarks associated with precious sterling silver or solid gold.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or East Asian mass-production (Providence, RI was a historic hub for this style).
Era & Period
Late Mid-Century Modern to Retro (approx. 1960s-1980s) based on clasp style and 'junk jewelry' lot context.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1985; based on the specific design of the fold-over clasp and the enameled flower aesthetic.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of fashion during the mid-to-late 20th century, where affordable 'costume' pieces allowed women to match jewelry to specific outfits without the cost of fine metals.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition; some visible 'verdigris' or oxidation near jump rings; light surface scratches on the enamel; some plating wear on high-friction areas of the clasp.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD; value is primarily decorative/vintage appeal rather than material scrap value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a dry, soft cloth only; avoid water or jewelry dips as they can dissolve the foil backing of stones or ruin the glue-set 'pearls'. Store in a dry place to prevent 'green' oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Trifari 'Crown' series (higher quality plating); Monet gold-tone bangles (usually heavier base metal); Avon floral jewelry sets.
Interesting Facts
Items like these are often found in 'jewelry jars' or 'estate lots,' which have become a popular 'treasure hunting' niche for finding high-end designer costume pieces hidden among unmarked items.