Overview
A high-domed, multi-tiered 'cocktail' brooch featuring brilliant clear rhinestones in round and pear-shaped cuts. The piece is constructed with a complex open-work frame finished in bright rhodium plating, a…
Preliminary identification
Mid-Century Rhodium-Plated Rhinestone Floral Brooch, c. 1955
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Story
Post-war fashion in the 1950s was defined by Christian Dior’s 'New Look,' which favored ultra-feminine silhouettes that required bold, sparkling accessories to complete the ensemble.
Maker / Origin
While this piece is unsigned, it exhibits the high-level craftsmanship associated with the great American costume jewelry houses like Weiss, Coro, or Trifari.
Condition & Value
The piece appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible 'dead' or yellowed stones. The rhodium plating is exceptionally crisp, and the safety clasp on the reverse remains functional. Excellent preservation of the stones' brilliance significantly supports the value.
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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 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD