Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
An elegant Edwardian sterling silver brooch featuring a large, cushion-cut clear rock crystal (or high-lead paste) stone, flanked by two smaller round-cut paste stones in bezel settings. The piece is presented in its original cream-colored silk and velvet-lined presentation box from J.J. Haggarty's New York Cloak & Suit House, located at Seventh and Grand Avenue in Los Angeles.
Story
In the early 1900s, J.J. Haggarty's was the pinnacle of Los Angeles luxury fashion. This delicate brooch was purchased as the perfect finishing touch for a high-society lady's silk gown, surviving over a century in its original box.
Maker / Origin
While the specific silversmith remains unidentified, the retailer, J.J. Haggarty, was a legendary department store founder in Los Angeles. Starting as a buyer, Haggarty built a fashion empire on Grand Avenue, catering to the wealthy elite of Southern California during the city's first major boom era.
Condition & Value
The brooch appears to be in excellent antique condition with minor tarnish on the silver frame. The central stone shows no major chips or scratches. The original paper and silk-lined box shows light age-related yellowing but remains structurally sound with clear, legible branding.
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.