Cluster Pin Appraisal

Vintage Rhinestone Cluster Stick Pin

The item is a vintage stick pin, characterized by its decorative head and long, slender pin. The head of the stick pin is circular and features a prominent central clear rhinestone, faceted to maximize sparkle, surrounded by multiple smaller clear rhinestones. These smaller stones appear to be pavé-set or prong-set closely together, creating a radiating, floral, or starburst-like cluster design. The overall color palette of the head is silver-toned, suggesting a base metal like sterling silver, silver-plated brass, or rhodium-plated pot metal, which is common for costume jewelry of certain eras. The rhinestones are uniformly clear, indicative of glass or crystal rather than natural diamonds. The pin itself is a thin, straight metal shaft extending downwards from the decorative head, designed to be inserted into fabric. While the exact length isn't measurable from the image, it appears proportionate for a stick pin. There are no obvious signs of significant damage such as missing stones or bent metal, though a minor degree of wear or slight tarnishing on the metal setting might be present, consistent with its likely vintage nature. The craftsmanship appears good, with the stones well-aligned and securely set. Given the style of the rhinestone cluster and the use of clear rhinestones, this piece likely dates from the early to mid-20th century. Stick pins were particularly popular in the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods.