Signed Monet Gold-Tone Wired Butterfly Brooch with Crystal Accents
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin) · Monet (Monocraft Products Company), founded in 1927 in Providence, Rhode Island. Monet is highly regarded for its high-quality triple-plating processes and was a premier manufacturer of fashion jewelry throughout the 20th century.
Pattern: Butterfly Series, specific wired filigree variety with rhinestone/crystal center. Monet produced many butterfly variations, making them popular collectible items.
Type
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin)
Maker
Monet (Monocraft Products Company), founded in 1927 in Providence, Rhode Island. Monet is highly regarded for its high-quality triple-plating processes and was a premier manufacturer of fashion jewelry throughout the 20th century.
Material
Gold-tone base metal, likely a specialized pewter or white metal alloy base with triple gold-plating. Accented with bezel-set clear glass crystals/rhinestones. No precious metal content (not solid gold or sterling silver).
Dimensions
Approximately 2 to 2.25 inches in width (based on the ruler in the image showing roughly 5-6 cm). Weight is estimated at 15-25 grams, typical of Monet costume brooches.
Description
A charming and whimsical vintage Monet butterfly pin, this piece showcases the brand's mastery of the 'gold look' through its famous triple-plating technique. The brooch features four expansive wings rendered in a delicate, radiating wire-effect design, anchored by a central body adorned with shimmering clear crystals. It represents the height of affordable luxury fashion jewelry from the mid-to-late 20th century.
Key Features
Open-work 'wired' wing design, central crystal cluster, authenticated 'MONET ©' signature on the reverse, and the highly desirable gold-tone finish iconic to the brand.
Material & Composition
Gold-tone base metal, likely a specialized pewter or white metal alloy base with triple gold-plating. Accented with bezel-set clear glass crystals/rhinestones. No precious metal content (not solid gold or sterling silver).
Finish & Decoration
High-polish gold-tone finish with textured wired filigree wing design. The center features a cluster of clear circular crystals. The back shows a structured mechanical support for the open-work wings.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'MONET ©' on the reverse central support bar. The presence of the copyright symbol indicates a production date after the mid-1950s.
Construction Details
Machine-cast and assembled utilizing wire-work techniques. It features a swivel-locking safety pin mechanism on a horizontal bar soldered to the central frame. The wings are die-struck or cast to mimic delicate wire filigree.
Functional Features
Standard safety pin stem with a rolling C-clasp to prevent accidental unpinning from garments. The open-work design allows for lightness and visual depth.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item). The 'grip' refers to the safety pin mechanism, which appears original and fully functional with a smooth rolling clasp.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent mass-market craftsmanship. The plating is exceptionally thick and even. The symmetry of the wire-wings and the security of the bezel-set crystals reflect the high quality-control standards of the Providence factory.
Authentication Indicators
The 'MONET' stamp is crisp and appropriately placed. The mechanical pin assembly is consistent with Monet's high production standards for costume jewelry. Solder points are clean and the metal weight feels substantial compared to modern replicas.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, which was the jewelry-making capital of the United States durante the period of this piece's production.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-Century to Late 20th Century. The styling and the 'MONET ©' mark suggest a production timeframe between 1960 and 1980, fitting the vintage costume jewelry era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s. The combination of the wired-wing aesthetic, the specific font of the hallmark, and the use of the copyright symbol point to this decade.
Cultural Significance
Monet jewelry provided American women with accessible, high-quality fashion accessories that mimicked real gold. Butterflies are perennial symbols of transformation and femininity, making them a staple in mid-market fashion jewelry for decades.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Light surface wear consistent with age. Gold-plating appears intact with little to no 'rub-through.' Crystals are present and appear clear. Pin mechanism is straight and functioning.
Value Estimate
$25 - $45 USD. Value is driven by the 'Monet' name and the popularity of the butterfly motif, though as a non-precious metal piece, it is priced as collectible vintage costume jewelry.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid liquid jewelry cleaners. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth after wearing. Store in a padded box or soft pouch to prevent the wire-work from snagging or the crystals from getting scratched. Keep away from perfumes and hairsprays.
Similar Pieces
Trifari 'Garden' pins (often slightly higher in value), Coronet butterflies, or generic 1970s 'boutique' brooches. Monet pieces are preferred by collectors for their superior plating durability.
Interesting Facts
Monet was the first company to use the signature 'Monet' mark on every piece starting in the 1930s. They were also famous for their technical innovations in plating, which were so durable that pieces from the 1960s often look brand new today.