Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a striking pair of dimensional bow brooches crafted in bright silver-tone cast metal with translucent ruby-red cold enamel. Each piece is bordered by sparkling aurora borealis rhinestones and milgrain-textured edges, capturing the joyful glamour of mid-to-late 20th-century holiday and novelty costume jewelry.
Story
In 1956, Swarovski introduced the iridescent Aurora Borealis coating with Christian Dior. Soon after, American fashion embraced this prism-like sparkle for festive holiday brooches meant to light up winter lapels.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, these brooches hail from the bustling post-war costume jewelry boom, when manufacturers in Rhode Island, New York, and later East Asia created high-glamour, affordable accessories for department stores. Makers like Avon, Gerry's, and Roman specialized in seasonal holiday ribbon motifs just like this.
Condition & Value
Both brooches appear to be in excellent condition with no visible loss to the red enamel, bright rhodium-style plating on the reverse, and all aurora borealis stones intact and clear. The rollover clasps appear straight and functional.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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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.