Phoenix Brooch Appraisal

Phoenix or Dragon Motif Brooch/Pendant

This appears to be an oval-shaped brooch or pendant, likely a piece of costume jewelry, featuring a central design of what seems to be a mythical creature, possibly a phoenix or dragon, rendered in a raised, almost cameo-like style. The creature's body is depicted in a metallic gold tone, exhibiting a textured, scaly or feathery surface, with a prominent head and what looks like a flowing mane or plume towards the back. Surrounding the central creature is an intricate border of swirling, organic motifs, possibly floral or decorative, which exhibit a vibrant, iridescent pink and purple coloration, suggesting the use of enamel, stained glass, or a similar decorative technique that produces a lustrous, color-shifting effect. This colorful border contrasts sharply with the gold-toned creature and the outer frame. The outer edge of the piece is a raised, textured frame, also in a gold-tone metal, with a design that could be interpreted as bamboo segments or a similar geometric yet organic pattern. The overall construction appears to be cast metal with applied decorative elements. Visible condition issues include some wear and discoloration on the gold-toned surfaces, consistent with age and handling. The vibrant pink/purple areas show some loss of integrity or scratching in places, revealing what might be a lighter substrate underneath. The craftsmanship suggests a manufactured piece, likely from the early to mid-20th century, possibly reflecting Art Nouveau or Art Deco influences due to its organic forms and stylized imagery, though the exact age is hard to pinpoint without clearer detail on the back or maker's marks. It's a striking piece due to its contrasting colors and mythical subject matter.