estateRUTH.

Identification

Unsigned Gold-Tone Rhinestone and Enamel Flower Cart Brooch

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

Visual evidence confirms a cast base-metal figural brooch depicting a flower cart, decorated with clear and pink glass rhinestones and brown enamel.

Story

This piece is a classic example of mid-to-late 20th-century costume jewelry, a period when figural brooches were mass-produced to offer affordable fashion accessories. Without a maker's mark, it is attributed to one of the many generic or department-store jewelry manufacturers operating during that era. The secondary market for unsigned, mid-century costume jewelry is vast and highly saturated. Buyers are typically vintage fashion enthusiasts, casual wearers, or crafters looking for affordable, decorative pieces.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on the seller's description, the brooch is in very good vintage condition. All glass rhinestones are present, clear, and bright, and the enamel details are intact. The noted color toning on the gold-tone metal is consistent with age and does not significantly detract from its decorative value.

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 unsigned, mid-century costume jewelry is vast and highly saturated. Buyers are typically vintage fashion enthusiasts, casual wearers, or crafters looking for affordable, decorative pieces. Items in this tier move primarily on volume-driven platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark, where aesthetic appeal and condition drive sales rather than brand prestige.

Value Drivers

▲ Excellent vintage condition with all rhinestones present and bright supports the upper end of the range.

▲ Popular figural motif (flower cart) appeals to novelty costume jewelry collectors.

▲ Intact enamel detailing adds visual contrast and shelf appeal.

Concerns

▼ Lack of a maker's mark strictly caps the value at the generic costume jewelry tier.

▼ Unverified dimensions — if the piece is unusually small (under 1. 5 inches), it may command slightly less.

Best Venue

Price it around $12-$15 with clear photos of the front and back, and be sure to include the exact dimensions in the listing to help buyers gauge its scale.

Upside Potential

If a thorough inspection reveals a previously unnoticed designer hallmark (such as Coro, Trifari, or Weiss) hidden on the reverse or clasp, the value could shift into the $25-$45 range depending on the specific brand.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps

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.

  • 1stDibs
    Vintage gold enamrl pearl flower cart designer brooch
    High-value outlier; designer piece on luxury platform represents a different market tier.
    $475
  • 1stDibs
    Vintage carriage flowers gold enamel rhinestone designer brooch
    High-value outlier; designer piece on luxury platform represents a different market tier.
    $193