Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This vibrant mid-century costume brooch features a dimensional, multi-tiered swirl motif set with brilliant magenta and tourmaline-pink glass crystals. Crafted in a warm gold-tone setting, each marquise- and round-cut stone is individual prong-set to maximize light reflection. A stamped oval 'WEISS' cartouche on the reverse confirms its authentic New York origin.
Story
Founded in New York City in 1942, Albert Weiss brought high-end Fifth Avenue glamour to mid-century American fashion. His secret? Using top-quality Austrian glass crystals hand-set in pronged settings usually reserved for fine diamonds.
Maker / Origin
Albert Weiss learned his craft at Coro, the largest costume jewelry manufacturer of the era, before launching his own company in 1942. Weiss became legendary for superior quality standards, particularly in crystal clear rhinestones and vivid floral designs, before closing its doors in 1971.
Condition & Value
Very good to excellent vintage condition. All prongs appear tight, stones are present and retain original brilliance without deadening, and the gold-tone plating shows negligible wear. The back pin mechanism functions securely. Excellent condition supports top-tier pricing.
Full Research
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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.