Beaded Wool Cardigan Appraisal

Vintage Beaded and Sequined Wool Cardigan

This is a vintage ladies' cardigan sweater, likely dating from the 1950s or early 1960s. The garment is constructed from a fine-gauge knit, typically a wool or cashmere blend, in a classic cream or light beige ivory hue. It features a round, crewneck collar with a full button-down front using small, matched round buttons. The most prominent feature is the intricate hand-applied embellishment on the front panels and right shoulder. These decorations consist of dark bronze or copper-toned metallic sequins and seed beads arranged in dynamic, swirling floral and foliate motifs reminiscent of Mid-Century Modern or late Art Deco aesthetics. The swirling patterns create a sense of movement, terminating in delicate leaf-like sprigs. The sweater has ribbed trim at the neckline, cuffs, and hem, indicating high-quality construction common in mid-century gala or cocktail knitwear. The condition appears fair to good for its age, showing some minor pilling and surface fuzz typical of natural fibers. There are no major visible stains, but the beadwork should be inspected for loose threads or missing components to ensure structural integrity and value.