Vintage Starfish Appraisal

Vintage Rhinestone Starfish Brooch

This is an intricately designed costume jewelry brooch shaped as a five-pointed stylized starfish or floral star. The piece is constructed from a silver-toned base metal with a textured, rope-like border (milgrain or twisted wire effect) defining each petal or arm. The interior of the brooch is densely pavé-set with faceted rhinestones in varying shades of light and medium sapphire blue. The stones are a mix of circular chaton cuts and marquise (navette) cuts, providing a dynamic texture. Centrally, a single amber or topaz-colored marquise rhinestone serves as a focal point, creating a warm contrast against the cool blue tones. Based on the prong-set construction and the style of the faceted glass stones, this piece appears to be a mid-to-late 20th-century vintage costume piece, likely from the 1960s or 1970s. The overall condition appears excellent with all stones present and no visible signs of metal oxidation or 'greening.' The craftsmanship shows high-quality setting work, as each stone is individually cradled within the metal framework. While no maker's mark is visible from the front, the complexity of the stone layout suggests a reputable costume jewelry manufacturer of that era.