Holiday Brooch Appraisal

Vintage Rhinestone Christmas Tree Brooch

This item is a vintage Christmas tree-shaped brooch, likely dating from the mid to late 20th century. It features a tiered, openwork design, typical of costume jewelry from that era. The brooch is crafted from a gold-tone metal, which exhibits a slightly dulled finish suggesting age, possibly a form of intentional antiquing or natural patina. The tree's branches are rendered in an intricate, scrolled, and textured pattern, creating a leafy appearance and providing settings for numerous red and green faceted rhinestones. These rhinestones are interspersed throughout the design, mimicking Christmas ornaments. The top of the tree is adorned with a simple, five-pointed star. The overall construction appears to be cast metal, with the rhinestones individually prong-set or glued into place. Some of the rhinestones, particularly the red ones towards the bottom left, show slight dimming or surface wear, indicative of its age and use. There are also a few gray or clear rhinestones, perhaps replacements or original variations. The back of the brooch, though not fully visible, would typically feature a pin and clasp mechanism. The craftsmanship is consistent with mass-produced costume jewelry, designed to be decorative and festive. Despite its age, the brooch appears largely intact with no significant damage beyond typical signs of wear for a vintage piece.