Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a charming mid-century costume brooch featuring molded celluloid or early plastic floral bas-relief mounted on a brass backing, framed by clear paste rhinestones. The central plaque exhibits cold-painted hand detailing under a clear protective glaze or resin coating, set into a patinated pot metal base.
Story
Manufactured during an era when precious metals were rationed for the war effort, costume jewelers turned to innovative plastics like celluloid and lucite to capture romantic floral elegance.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, pieces like this were widely produced by commercial costume jewelry workshops across Providence, Rhode Island, and Gablonz, Czechoslovakia. Artisans combined mass-molded plastic components with hand-applied cold enamel and handset paste rhinestones to offer affordable luxury to everyday women.
Condition & Value
Fair vintage condition. The brass backing shows significant age-related tarnish and wear. The central celluloid plaque has minor surface scratches, and several edge rhinestones are darkened or show foil deterioration. The C-clasp pin assembly remains functional. Condition lowers the market value moderately.
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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.