Face Brooch Appraisal

Vintage Gold Tone Pixie/Elf Brooch with Mother-of-Pearl Face

This is a vintage brooch featuring a whimsical pixie or elf head design. The brooch is primarily gold-tone metal, likely a base metal alloy with a gold plating. The face of the character is crafted from a smooth, iridescent piece of mother-of-pearl, contributing a subtle luster and depth. Dark blue rhinestones or cabochons are inset to represent the eyes, and black enamel or paint is used to depict the eyebrows and a stylized mustache, giving the face a distinctive, playful expression. The character wears a gold-tone hat with a brim, from which a brightly enameled red accent curls upwards, suggesting a jester or elf-like cap. Directly beneath the face, a decorative gold-tone bow is sculpted, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy. The overall construction appears solid, with no visible signs of missing components or major structural damage. The gold-tone finish shows some minor surface wear consistent with age and handling, including slight abrasions or dulling in localized areas, particularly on raised surfaces, but retains much of its original shine. There is no obvious tarnishing that detracts significantly from its appearance. The reverse side, though not fully visible, would typically feature a pin mechanism for attachment. This piece likely dates from the mid to late 20th century, possibly the 1950s-1970s, based on its style and materials, characteristic of costume jewelry from that era. The craftsmanship, while not high-end fine jewelry, demonstrates good attention to detail for an accessory of its type, indicating a quality piece of vintage costume jewelry.