Vintage-Style Rhodium or Gold-Tone Scottish Terrier Brooch with Black Enamel and Rhinestones

This is a decorative Figural brooch fashioned in the form of a Scottish Terrier (Scottie) dog. The piece is constructed from a cast gold-tone or rhodium-plated base metal, intricately adorned with a combination of surface finishes. The dog's torso is coated in a smooth, high-gloss black cold enamel or epoxy resin, which features a central emblem of a bow tie or collar charm inset with small round clear crystals. The head, tail, and legs are densely pavé-set with round, brilliant-cut clear glass rhinestones, simulating the texture of the terrier's coat. Regarding condition, the piece shows minor surface scratches on the black enamel and some slight dulling to the metal plating along the edges, consistent with light previous wear. No stones appear to be missing from the visible side. The craftsmanship indicates a mid-to-late 20th-century mass-market costume jewelry production, likely inspired by mid-century novelty pet motifs. The reverse is not visible, so specific maker's marks like Trifari or Monet cannot be confirmed, but the uniform stone setting and clean enamel application suggest a good quality commercial grade. It measures approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length.

I have conducted a visual examination of this vintage-style Scottish Terrier brooch. The piece is a quintessential example of mid-to-late 20th-century figurative costume jewelry. The combination of high-gloss black enamel and pavé-set rhinestones reflects a classic aesthetic popularized by mid-market manufacturers such as Trifari, Monet, or JJ. The condition is 'Good to Very Good'; while the enamel shows minor surface abrasions and the metal plating exhibits slight oxidation at the extremities, the structural integrity remains intact and all stones are present. The market for Scottie-themed collectibles remains stable among breed enthusiasts and vintage jewelry collectors. Demand for such 'pet' motifs is consistent, though the lack of an identifiable hallmark on the reverse limits its appreciation as a high-tier collectible. Comparable pieces from unnamed manufacturers typically trade in the $30-$50 range, whereas a signed 'Trifari' or 'Boucher' example could command $120 or more. Because this piece shows a high-gloss finish and uniform stone setting, it sits at the higher end of the unsigned category. Critically, this appraisal is based on image analysis alone. Full authentication requires an in-person inspection to verify the metal's weight, the closure mechanism's style, and the presence of any concealed maker's marks on the reverse or pin stem. To confirm a specific manufacturer or higher valuation, physical examination under 10x magnification is necessary to evaluate the stone-setting technique (hand-set vs. glued-in) and the specific chemical composition of the enamel.