Preliminary identification

Vintage Silver-Tone Openwork Filigree Brooch with Amethyst and Pink Rhinestones

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a beautiful mid-century costume jewelry brooch featuring a circular, openwork filigree design in a bright silver-tone metal. It is set with a central round amethyst-colored rhinestone, surrounded by alternating oval purple and pale pink faceted rhinestones that catch the light beautifully.

Story

Post-war fashion demanded accessible luxury, sparking a golden age of costume jewelry. Women used vibrant, sparkling brooches like this to instantly elevate simple dresses and suits. It represents a time when glamour was made democratic.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece is designed in the style of prominent mid-century costume jewelers like Sarah Coventry, Coro, or Judy Lee. These companies specialized in high-quality, affordable jewelry sold through home parties and department stores, defining the look of the suburban American woman.

Condition & Value

The brooch appears to be in excellent vintage condition. The silver-tone plating is bright with minimal wear or tarnish, the pin mechanism is fully functional, and all rhinestones are present, clear, and securely set. Excellent condition helps maintain its value at the higher end of the range.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.