Mid-Century Textured Silver Peach or Citrus Brooch
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin) · Unidentified; possibly a boutique silver workshop or mid-tier manufacturer like Coro, Trifari (if plated), or a Scandinavian workshop if high-purity silver. The lack of visible signature suggests a commercial production or smaller artisan.
Pattern: Botanical/Fruit Series; features a realistic textured fruit (peach or orange) with stem and leaf accents. No specific pattern name is associated without a visible maker's mark.
Type
Jewelry (Brooch/Pin)
Maker
Unidentified; possibly a boutique silver workshop or mid-tier manufacturer like Coro, Trifari (if plated), or a Scandinavian workshop if high-purity silver. The lack of visible signature suggests a commercial production or smaller artisan.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality Silver Plate over a base metal (white metal or brass). The high-shine on the leaves contrasted with the matte body is typical of rhodium-plated sterling or silver-toned costume jewelry.
Dimensions
Estimated at 3.5 cm to 4.5 cm (1.4 - 1.8 inches) in diameter. Likely weighs between 12 to 18 grams if solid sterling.
Description
A charming and tactile mid-century brooch depicting a ripe peach or citrus fruit. The piece utilizes a high-contrast decorative technique: a deeply pitted, matte-finished 'skin' on the fruit body paired with sleek, polished silver leaves and stems. The organic form and play of light off the textured surface make it a classic example of representational nature jewelry from the post-war era.
Key Features
Hyper-realistic stippled texture on the fruit; dual-texture finish; three-dimensional 'puffed' or hollow-back casting; stylized twin-leaf stem.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality Silver Plate over a base metal (white metal or brass). The high-shine on the leaves contrasted with the matte body is typical of rhodium-plated sterling or silver-toned costume jewelry.
Finish & Decoration
Combination finish: the fruit body features a heavy 'florentine' or 'stippled' texture to mimic fruit skin; the leaves and stems are polished to a mirror finish. Design style is Naturalistic Mid-Century Modern.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in the image. Would typically be located on the reverse side on the pin bar or the flat of the fruit. Expected marks would be 'STERLING', '.925', or a maker's hallmark/logo.
Construction Details
Cast construction using the lost-wax method to achieve the organic texture. The pin mechanism (not visible) is likely soldered to the back. Leaves appear integrated into the main casting rather than applied.
Functional Features
Functional brooch pin on the reverse side, likely featuring a safety C-clasp or a tromone clasp common in mid-20th-century jewelry.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable for a brooch; the 'grip' is the pin mechanism itself, which should be tensioned to hold the weight of the metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision casting with excellent mold detail. The transition between the textured body and the smooth stems is cleanly executed, indicating a professional-grade finish.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the casting suggests high-quality manufacturing. To confirm if sterling, a '925' mark must be found; the absence of wear on 'high points' suggests it is either solid silver or well-preserved rhodium plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Western Europe. The style is consistent with American 'fruit cocktail' jewelry trends of the 1960s.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1950s-1960s). The use of high-texture metal against high-polish accents was a hallmark design trend of this era in both fine and costume jewelry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the stippled texture and leaf vein design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war shift toward naturalistic and whimsical accessories. Such pieces were often worn on lapels of wool suits or lightweight day dresses, symbolizing domestic prosperity and a return to organic beauty.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The surface shows minimal tarnish. The texture remains crisp without signs of over-polishing or plating wear through to a base metal. No visible distortions to the stems.
Value Estimate
$35 - $65 if high-quality costume/silver plate; $85 - $150 if hallmark-confirmed Sterling silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water to reach into the pitted texture. Avoid heavy polishing pastes which may fill the stippling. Store in a soft pouch to prevent scratches on the polished leaves.
Similar Pieces
Trifari 'Fruit Crate' series (costume), Georg Jensen 'Fruit' motifs (fine silver), or Beau Sterling botanical pins.
Interesting Facts
Fruit-themed jewelry became a major fashion staple in the 1940s and 50s, popularized by designers like Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., leading to many more accessible interpretations in the following decades.