Overview
Identified as a vintage costume brooch based on the layered, textured silver-tone metal and prong-set rhinestones, which are characteristic of mid-20th-century costume jewelry designs. I selected the existing lineage for costume brooches.
Identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
Identified as a vintage costume brooch based on the layered, textured silver-tone metal and prong-set rhinestones, which are characteristic of mid-20th-century costume jewelry designs. I selected the existing lineage for costume brooches.
Story
This piece reflects the mid-20th-century (c. 1950s-1970s) trend of nature-inspired costume jewelry. During this era, textured metals, such as the Florentine or brushed finish seen here, were popularized by major fashion houses and widely produced by unbranded manufacturers. Without a maker's mark, it is attributed to general mid-century costume jewelry production. The secondary market for unsigned mid-century costume jewelry is vast, accessible, and largely driven by aesthetics rather than brand prestige.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the description, the brooch features intact prong-set rhinestones and a textured silver-tone finish. Value in this tier is heavily dependent on the absence of metal plating wear (such as verdigris or brassing) and the clarity of the rhinestones.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for unsigned mid-century costume jewelry is vast, accessible, and largely driven by aesthetics rather than brand prestige. Buyers typically shop for specific motifs—like nature-inspired leaves or floral designs—and era-specific textures. While signed pieces from major fashion houses command premiums, unsigned pieces in good, wearable condition move steadily as affordable fashion accessories on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Poshmark.
▲ Classic mid-century nature-inspired leaf motif appeals strongly to vintage fashion buyers.
▲ Textured Florentine-style metal finish adds visual interest and era-specific authenticity.
▲ Prong-set rhinestones indicate a better standard of costume manufacturing compared to glued stones.
▼ Lack of a maker's mark caps the value ceiling, keeping it in the general decorative tier.
▼ Unverified stone clarity — any hidden yellowing or 'dead' rhinestones would drop the value to the lower end of the range.
▼ Unverified clasp functionality — a loose or broken pin mechanism severely limits resale potential.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like Etsy or eBay, targeting vintage fashion buyers. A fast-sale price would be around $10-$12, while a patient listing could aim for $20-$25 if the photos highlight the sparkle and texture well. Ensure the clasp is fully functional and gently clean the rhinestones with a dry, soft brush to maximize appeal before photographing.
Upside Potential
If a faint, previously unnoticed maker's mark (such as Kramer, Weiss, or Coro) is discovered on the reverse, the value range could shift upward to the $30-$50 tier. Otherwise, the current range represents the ceiling for unsigned costume pieces of this type.