Preliminary identification

Vintage Gold-Tone 'Key to My Heart' Floral Brooch, c.1945

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic 'Retro' era costume brooch featuring a skeleton key entwined with a blooming rose and accented by teal-colored faceted glass stones.

Story

The mid-1940s saw a massive surge in 'sweetheart jewelry' as soldiers returned home and families looked toward a future of domestic stability. The skeleton key was a potent symbol during this time, representing the 'key to the home' and the 'key to the heart' after years of separation.

Maker / Origin

While this piece appears to be unsigned, it was produced during the golden age of American costume jewelry. Companies like Coro, Trifari, and Boucher dominated the market, employing European designers…

Condition & Value

The brooch shows moderate wear to the gold plating, particularly on the 'bit' of the key and the edges of the rose petals, where the silver-toned base metal is visible. The teal glass stones appear bright and well-preserved, though the clear center rhinestone shows slight 'graying' due to age-related foil degradation.

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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

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD