Mid-Century Costume Jewelry Paste or Crystal Pin/Brooch
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin) · Unidentified costume jewelry manufacturer (possibly Trifari, Eisenberg, or Miriam Haskell-style unsigned piece). Reputation based on era-specific mass production for the mid-market costume jewelry industry.
Pattern: Generic Mid-Century Floral/Abstract Rhinestone Brooch; no specific pattern name or collection identified; discontinued production.
Type
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin)
Maker
Unidentified costume jewelry manufacturer (possibly Trifari, Eisenberg, or Miriam Haskell-style unsigned piece). Reputation based on era-specific mass production for the mid-market costume jewelry industry.
Material
Likely Silver-tone Pot Metal (White Metal) or Rhodium-plated Base Metal with paste rhinestones or glass crystals; little to no actual silver content expected.
Dimensions
Estimated approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length; weight likely 15-25 grams including stones and base metal structure.
Description
An elegant mid-century costume brooch featuring a dynamic arrangement of brilliant-cut glass rhinestones. The piece employs a tiered, openwork architecture that creates depth, mimicking the high-end platinum and diamond cocktail jewelry of the 1940s. Its interlocking swirls offer a sense of movement, typical of the feminine, ornate aesthetic prevalent in post-war formal attire.
Key Features
Tiered openwork construction, varied stone sizes (large focal stones vs. small melee), and a silver-tone setting designed to enhance stone brilliance.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-tone Pot Metal (White Metal) or Rhodium-plated Base Metal with paste rhinestones or glass crystals; little to no actual silver content expected.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver-tone finish with pave and prong-set round and faceted chaton-cut rhinestones. Design features interlocking swirls and layered openwork in a Late Art Deco or Early Mid-Century style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image; likely stamped on the reverse with a maker's mark (e.g., 'STERLING' if silver, or a brand name) and a patent number.
Construction Details
Cast metal frame using industrial molding techniques; typical of mass-produced jewelry. Stones are set using a combination of glue-in (paste) and metal prongs.
Functional Features
Hinged pin stem with a safety C-clasp on the reverse (mechanical features not visible but standard for this form).
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; jewelry item. Fastening pin serves as the functional attachment mechanism.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; some hand-setting of stones, but the frame is a machine-produced casting with standard assembly-line finishing.
Authentication Indicators
Construction style (mold-cast), stone setting technique, and metal color suggest it is costume jewelry rather than fine sterling silver or white gold.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Providence, RI, or New York, NY centers of manufacturing) or West Germany (noted for high-quality glass stones).
Era & Period
Mid-Century Period (c. 1945-1960); historical context of post-war glamour and the mass-marketing of affordable 'sparkle' to middle-class consumers.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1955 based on stone cuts, mounting style, and organic interlocking scroll design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the mid-20th century, where factory-produced jewelry allowed for complex artistic expressions for the general public.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible darkening of the metal (oxidation), possible 'dead' or yellowed stones due to moisture damage to foil backing, and noticeable grime in the settings.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD depending on any marks on the back and the presence of missing or replaced stones.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a dry, soft cloth; avoid immersion in water to prevent foil-backing damage on the stones; store in a dry place to prevent 'verdigris' (green corrosion on base metal).
Similar Pieces
Trifari 'Crown' brooches, Eisenberg 'Ice' pieces (higher quality crystals), and Coro scroll pins; differs by lacking the specific brand hallmarks of 'high' costume jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Brooches of this style were popularized by Hollywood starlets and became a staple of 'bridge jewelry' which allowed average women to achieve a high-fashion look without the cost of real diamonds.