Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a beautifully detailed mid-century pendant-brooch designed in the romantic Victorian Revival style. It features a dual-tone gold and silver-tone metal setting, intricately encrusted with glittering clear paste rhinestones in a floral and foliate motif, finished with four dangling faux pearl drops.
Story
During the 1950s, post-war fashion embraced ultra-feminine, nostalgic designs. Women turned away from wartime utility to celebrate the romanticism of the 19th century, wearing elaborate revival jewelry to formal social gatherings.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this piece represents the high-quality costume jewelry produced during the mid-century boom by manufacturers in hubs like Providence, Rhode Island, or Gablonz, Germany. These workshops specialized in democratizing luxury, making runway-worthy designs accessible to the everyday woman.
Condition & Value
The pendant-brooch appears to be in very good vintage condition. All paste rhinestones are present and retain good brilliance, with only minor yellowing consistent with age. The faux pearls show minimal nacre loss, which is excellent as peeling significantly reduces the value of vintage costume jewelry.
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.