Overview
An exquisite mid-century costume jewelry brooch featuring a sweeping arrangement of glowing opaline, mother-of-pearl effect navette glass cabochons and sparkling aurora borealis (AB) rhinestones.
Identification
Vintage Aurora Borealis and Opaline Glass Navette Filigree Brooch
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Produced during the mid-20th century (c. 1955–1965), a golden era for American costume jewelry. The combination of aurora borealis rhinestones (introduced by Swarovski in 1956) and opaline glass was highly popular during this decade. Without a maker's mark, this piece was likely manufactured in the jewelry districts of Providence, Rhode Island, or New York, which supplied department stores nationwide.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The seller notes the brooch is in good to excellent condition with minimal metal wear and bright rhinestones. Slight fine surface scratches on the white opaline stones are noted; while typical for glass of this age, they slightly limit the upper-end premium.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for mid-century unsigned costume jewelry is saturated but active, driven by vintage fashion enthusiasts and collectors of specific styles. Pieces with striking visual appeal, such as opaline glass and aurora borealis rhinestones, move steadily but rarely command high premiums unless signed by top-tier makers. Buyers primarily shop on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Poshmark, where visual presentation and condition are the main selling points.
Value Drivers
▲ Aurora borealis rhinestones and opaline glass combination creates strong visual appeal.
▲ Excellent overall condition with bright, unclouded rhinestones.
▲ Intricate wire filigree construction elevates the perceived quality above standard cast pieces.
Concerns
▼ Unsigned status caps the value ceiling, preventing entry into the premium designer tier.
▼ Lack of matching earrings removes the 30-40% premium typically associated with complete demi-parures.
▼ Slight surface scratches on the opaline stones may deter strict condition-focused collectors.
Best Venue
List as a fixed-price Buy-It-Now item on platforms like Etsy or eBay, where vintage costume jewelry performs best. Price at $25-$30 for a steady sale, or bundle with complementary vintage earrings to push the value closer to the $40-$50 mark. High-quality, well-lit photographs highlighting the aurora borealis sparkle and opaline glow are essential to stand out in a crowded market.
Upside Potential
If a hidden maker's mark (such as Weiss or Kramer) or specific construction characteristics linking it to a premium maker like DeLizza & Elster (Juliana) are discovered upon closer physical inspection, the value could shift into the $50-$85 range.