Connemara Marble Brooch Appraisal

Vintage Connemara Marble Harp Brooch

This is a vintage Irish souvenir brooch featuring a traditional Clarsach (harp) design, flanked by two three-leaf shamrocks. The piece is constructed from a silver-toned metal, likely rhodium-plated base metal or sterling silver, though no hallmarks are visible in the photograph. Each shamrock petal is bezel-set with a small, circular cabochon of Connemara marble, displaying its characteristic olive-green and mossy hues. The harp's pillar and neck appear to be accented with small, bead-set marcasite stones or faceted glass to mimic a shimmering effect. The strings are represented by thin, parallel metallic lines. Measuring approximately 3-4 centimeters in height, the craftsmanship suggests a mid-20th-century origin, likely between 1950 and 1970, which was a peak period for Irish Celtic revival tourist jewelry. Condition-wise, the brooch shows some light surface oxidation and a slight patina consistent with age. All stones appear intact, though the metalwork shows minor scuffing. The articulation of the harp strings and the delicate setting of the shamrocks indicate a decent level of commercial craftsmanship typical of makers like Solvar or Miracle.