Onyx Glass Brooch Appraisal

Vintage Victorian-Style Oval Bar Brooch with Black Spinel or Onyx Glass

This is a vintage bar-style brooch featuring an ornate, lozenge-shaped gold-tone metal frame. The focal point is a centrally mounted, oval-faceted black stone, likely an onyx glass simulant or black spinel, secured within a multi-pronged saw-tooth setting. The metalwork displays a rich, antiqued gold finish with a light patina in the recessed areas, highlighting various textures. The design incorporates intricate embossed filigree patterns, including fan-shaped motifs (palmettes) flanking the center stone and stippled textures on the outer edges. The construction appears to be die-struck or cast base metal with a yellow gold plating. In terms of condition, there is minor surface wear and some dust accumulation within the fine crevices of the metalwork, but the stone appears securely set without visible chips or abrasions on the facets. The style is heavily influenced by the Revival movements of the mid-20th century, specifically mourning jewelry aesthetics from the Victorian era. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality vintage costume jewelry, showing clear definition in the scrollwork and a sturdy weight. No visible maker's marks are apparent on the front face.