Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A stunning 2.5-inch circular sunburst brooch featuring pale yellow 'Easter Egg' stippled cabochons and shimmering Aurora Borealis rhinestones. Set in a textured gold-tone filigree, it exemplifies the high-glamour costume jewelry of the mid-century era.
Story
Albert Weiss founded his company in 1942 after learning the trade at Coro. By the late 50s, he was a master of the 'Aurora Borealis' finish, a coating developed with Swarovski to mimic the Northern Lights' iridescent glow.
Maker / Origin
Albert Weiss was a former Coro designer who established his own New York firm in 1942. He became famous for using high-quality Austrian crystals and was one of the first to embrace the Aurora Borealis finish. His pieces were sold in high-end department stores like Lord & Taylor.
Condition & Value
The gold-tone metal and rhinestones appear in good condition, but the yellow 'Easter Egg' cabochons show significant peeling and loss of the top finish layer. This visible wear reduces the value by approximately 40-50% compared to a mint specimen.
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.