Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
The brooch features a molded openwork floral design imitating carved ivory, confirming the seller's assessment of plastic. The reverse shows a glued-on base metal pin assembly with a simple rollover clasp, typical of inexpensive mid-to-late 20th-century costume jewelry.
Story
This brooch is characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century costume jewelry, often produced in Japan or West Germany for export to the American market. The molded plastic was designed to mimic the look of intricately carved ivory, a popular and accessible style during the mid-century period. As an unsigned piece, it was likely sold in department stores or fashion boutiques. The secondary market for unsigned mid-century costume jewelry is highly saturated but active.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the provided details, the molded plastic front appears intact with no obvious chips or cracks, retaining its faux-carved aesthetic. The reverse features a glued-on base metal pin assembly with a simple rollover clasp, which is typical for the era.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for unsigned mid-century costume jewelry is highly saturated but active. Faux ivory (celluloid or later plastics) remains popular for its vintage aesthetic, offering the look of traditional carving without the ethical and legal restrictions of real ivory. Buyers are typically vintage fashion enthusiasts shopping on platforms like Etsy and eBay, where these pieces move steadily at modest price points.
▲ Classic mid-century floral design mimicking carved ivory appeals to vintage fashion buyers.
▲ Confirmation of plastic material avoids the strict legal and platform restrictions associated with selling real ivory.
▲ Intact molded details provide a convincing faux-carved aesthetic.
▼ Unverified diameter — if the piece is unusually small (under 1. 5 inches), it may command the lower end of the range.
▼ Unsigned status limits the piece to intrinsic decorative value rather than carrying a collector premium.
▼ Base metal pin assembly relies on aged glue, which can fail and require minor repair by the buyer.
Best Venue
List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or Etsy, targeting vintage costume jewelry buyers. Price competitively around $20-$25 for a steady sale. Given the modest individual value, consider bundling this with similar mid-century brooches to increase the total transaction value and offset shipping costs.
Upside Potential
If the brooch is exceptionally large (over 3 inches in diameter) or if a close inspection reveals a hidden designer mark or country of origin stamp (e. g., 'Made in Japan' or 'W. Germany'), the value could push toward the $40-$50 range seen in premium vintage listings.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.