Crystal Owl Box Appraisal

Enameled and Crystal-Embellished Dipped Pewter Owl Trinket Box

This decorative piece features a pair of owls, a larger adult and a smaller fledgling, perched together on a textured branch base. The item is a functional trinket box or jeweled pillbox, typically constructed from a cast pewter alloy that has been plated in a gold-tone or bronze finish. The larger owl features a hinged body that opens to reveal a small interior compartment for jewelry. The exterior is meticulously detailed with hand-applied vitreous enamel in shades of amber, copper, and cream, mimicking the variegated patterns of feathers. The brow feathers or 'horns' of both owls, as well as parts of the branch, are densely encrusted with vibrant amber-colored Austrian crystals or rhinestones, providing a brilliant sparkle reflective of the high-end collectible style popularized by designers like Jay Strongwater. The branch shows intricate texturing to represent bark, with hints of green enamel at the base. Physically, the piece appears to be in excellent condition with no visible loss of stones or significant enamel chipping. The craftsmanship suggests a contemporary late 20th to early 21st-century production, characterized by heavy weight and precise metal casting. Such items are valued for their ornamental detail, the quality of the stone settings, and the durability of the kiln-fired enamel finish.