Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A striking mid-century brooch featuring three cabochon-cut star sapphires set within an intricate, two-tone foliate design. The piece utilizes textured gold-tone metal and polished silver-tone accents to create a sense of movement and organic flow characteristic of post-war botanical jewelry.
Story
Post-WWII fashion exploded with botanical motifs as a symbol of renewal. These star sapphires were prized for their 'asterism,' a celestial light effect that made every piece of jewelry feel like it held a captive star.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this piece reflects the high-quality 'boutique' costume jewelry tradition of the mid-20th century. Makers like Trifari or Marcel Boucher often produced similar unsigned 'jobber' pieces for high-end department stores, focusing on sculptural depth and stone quality over branding.
Condition & Value
The brooch appears to be in very good vintage condition with no visible loss to the plating. The stones seem securely set, though a jeweler should check the prongs. Excellent preservation of the two-tone finish maintains its market value. Value is driven by the 'star' quality of the sapphires and the two-tone design.
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.