Overview
Unmarked cast gold-tone base metal brooch with prong-set faux pearls. The rollover safety clasp and overall cast construction are typical of mid-century costume jewelry production (1950s-1970s).
Identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
Unmarked cast gold-tone base metal brooch with prong-set faux pearls. The rollover safety clasp and overall cast construction are typical of mid-century costume jewelry production (1950s-1970s).
Story
This piece is characteristic of mid-20th-century (1950s-1970s) costume jewelry production. During this era, numerous manufacturers produced cast gold-tone base metal pieces with faux pearls to mimic fine jewelry for the mass market. Without a maker's mark, it cannot be attributed to a specific design house or studio. The secondary market for unsigned mid-century costume jewelry is highly saturated but maintains steady demand.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The brooch is in fair to good vintage condition. The seller notes that one faux pearl is slightly loose but still attached. Because the identification confirms these pearls are prong-set, this indicates a loose or slightly bent prong rather than a failed adhesive bond.
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 maintains steady demand. Buyers are typically vintage enthusiasts, costumers, or crafters looking for wearable, decorative pieces rather than investment-grade jewelry. Pieces move consistently on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark, though generally at modest price points.
▲ Classic mid-century floral design appeals to vintage costume jewelry collectors.
▲ Prong-set construction indicates a slightly higher manufacturing quality than glued alternatives.
▲ Intact and functional rollover safety clasp confirms period-correct hardware.
▼ Lack of a maker's mark caps the value at the general decorative tier.
▼ Loose prong-set pearl requires minor mechanical tightening to prevent loss.
▼ Unverified dimensions could mean the piece is smaller than expected, limiting its appeal as a statement piece.
Best Venue
List on a broad marketplace like Etsy or eBay with an optimistic asking price of $20, expecting offers in the $12-$15 range. Before shipping or wearing, it is highly recommended to use a prong pusher or small jeweler's pliers to gently tighten the metal prong holding the loose pearl to prevent it from falling out.
Upside Potential
If a hidden designer mark (such as Trifari, Coro, or Monet) is discovered upon closer inspection under a loupe, the value could double, pushing into the $30-$50 range. Otherwise, the current estimate represents the ceiling for unsigned pieces of this type.
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.