Sweetheart Brooch

This piece is a vintage sweetheart brooch or pin, featuring a carved heart-shaped base made of mother-of-pearl (nacre) displaying a natural iridescent sheen with subtle variations in white and silver tones. Mounted centrally onto the mother-of-pearl base is a silver-toned metal element depicting a winged propeller, which strongly suggests a military aviation motif frequently associated with the World War I or World War II era. The metal component shows a dark, oxidized patina, highlighting the detailed feather texturing on the spread wings and the smooth contours of the propeller blades. There is no maker's mark or signature directly readable in the visible image area, and the attribution rests entirely on the stylistic design characteristic of patriotic military sweetheart jewelry from the mid-20th century. The item exhibits expected age-related wear, including minor surface scuffs on the nacre and tarnish within the recesses of the metal applique. The overall craftsmanship points to mid-century novelty jewelry production, though the piece remains unauthenticated regarding its exact metal composition or manufacturing origin.

Based on what I can see in the photograph, this vintage sweetheart brooch features a carved mother-of-pearl heart base mounted with a silver-toned metal winged propeller applique, suggesting a military aviation motif likely from the mid-20th century. I can't verify from a photo the exact metal composition, the presence of any maker's marks on the reverse, or the precise manufacturing origin. The item exhibits expected age-related wear, including minor surface scuffs on the nacre and tarnish within the recesses of the metal applique. The basis for the value estimate assumes the piece is a period-appropriate military sweetheart item. Patriotic jewelry from this era generally appeals to collectors of militaria and novelty vintage pieces, with typical market demand fluctuating based on historical interest. To confirm authenticity, an in-person examination, hallmark verification, and physical inspection of the materials would be needed. If the item turns out to be a modern reproduction, replica, or made 'in the style of' rather than a period piece, the value would be significantly lower, typically falling in the $20-40 range. Because I am evaluating this item solely from an image, physical inspection is required to finalize its appraisal.