Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
The brooch features faceted black glass stones in a dark, japanned metal openwork setting, characteristic of mid-20th-century Victorian Revival costume jewelry. The presence of a standard rollover safety clasp on the reverse supports a mid-century dating (c. 1940s-1970s).
Story
This style reflects the mid-20th-century (c. 1940s-1970s) resurgence of Victorian mourning aesthetics. Costume jewelry manufacturers frequently used 'French jet' (black glass) and japanned (blackened) base metals to simulate the look of antique jet or onyx. Without a maker's mark, this piece is attributed to the broader mid-century costume jewelry manufacturing boom, likely produced for department store retail.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Value relies heavily on the integrity of the glass stones (no chips or flea bites) and the japanned finish (no flaking or rust). The rollover safety clasp must be fully functional. Pending clear macro photos, the current valuation assumes all stones are present and original, and the metalwork is structurally sound.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Mid-century Victorian Revival and 'mourning style' jewelry enjoys a steady niche following, particularly among gothic fashion enthusiasts and vintage costume jewelry collectors. Unsigned pieces move primarily on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Mercari, where aesthetic appeal drives the sale more than brand pedigree. Prices are generally accessible, with most unsigned brooches trading between $20 and $50, while signed pieces from desirable makers command a modest premium.
▲ Popular Victorian Revival 'mourning' aesthetic with high contrast black-on-black styling.
▲ Use of faceted black art glass ('French jet') rather than plastic/lucite.
▲ Intricate openwork filigree construction elevates the piece above basic cast-metal brooches.
▼ Unverified maker — a missing maker's mark limits the piece to unbranded secondary market pricing.
▼ Unverified dimensions — if the brooch is smaller than 2 inches, it may fall toward the $15-$20 floor.
▼ Unverified stone condition — any chipped facets or missing stones would severely discount the value.
Best Venue
List on a vintage-friendly marketplace like Etsy or eBay where gothic and Victorian Revival aesthetics perform well. Ensure the listing includes exact dimensions and clear, well-lit macro photos of both the front and the back clasp. Price optimistically around $50-$60 to allow room for offers, expecting a final sale in the $30-$40 range.
Upside Potential
If a clear photo of the reverse reveals a desirable maker's mark (such as Weiss, Regency, or Kramer), or if specific construction traits point to DeLizza & Elster (Juliana), the value could shift toward the $60-$90 collector tier.
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.