Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An elegant mid-century costume jewelry pendant featuring a large, prong-set oval smoky glass central stone. This focal stone is framed by a halo of brilliant-cut clear rhinestones set within an openwork, textured silver-tone metal border, topped with a stylized split-loop bail.
Story
During the post-war era, costume jewelry allowed everyday women to access Hollywood glamour. This piece mimics the high-end platinum and diamond cocktail jewelry of the 1950s and 60s, designed to catch the light of a dinner party.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this piece reflects the manufacturing traditions of major mid-century costume jewelry hubs like Providence, Rhode Island, or Gablonz, Germany. These workshops specialized in high-quality base metal casting and precision glass-setting, making luxury aesthetics accessible to the middle class.
Condition & Value
The pendant is in good vintage condition. There is some minor wear and dulling to the silver-tone plating on the reverse, and slight yellowing/aging to a few of the smaller rhinestones, which is very common for foil-backed stones of this age. Excellent preservation of the central smoky stone.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.