Vintage Oval Inlay Starburst Brooch

This oval-shaped brooch features an elegant eight-point starburst or floral motif inlaid into a polished black background, likely onyx or glass. The starburst petals are crafted from iridescent white mother of pearl, displaying a subtle nacred luster that provides a high-contrast visual against the dark obsidian field. The entire composition is encased within a thin, silver-toned metal bezel, possibly sterling silver or silver-plate, which exhibits a smooth, rounded edge. The workmanship indicates a high degree of precision in the stone-cutting and inlay technique, characteristic of mid-20th-century costume or fine jewelry, possibly dating from the 1960s to 1980s. Physically, the item appears to be roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in length. There is a small indentation or missing seed pearl at the very center of the starburst, which may be a design choice or a minor loss of a central decorative element. Overall condition seems good with some light surface micro-scratches on the black surface and a gentle patina developing on the metal rim. No visible maker's marks are discernible from the front, but the clean geometric style suggests it may be of Mexican (Taxco) or European origin.

I have virtually examined this oval inlay starburst brooch, measuring approximately 1.75 inches. The piece features a high-contrast aesthetic, utilizing white mother-of-pearl tesserae set against what appears to be a polished black onyx or glass tablet. This style is closely associated with mid-20th-century Mexican silversmithing or European costume jewelry from the 1960s. The inlay precision is high, though I note a central void where a seed pearl or silver bead was likely originally set. The silver-toned bezel shows a soft patina consistent with age. This item currently sits in a saturated market for vintage 'Pietra Dura' style costume jewelry. Comparables for unsigned, silver-plate or lower-grade silver inlay pins typically realize prices in the $30 to $90 range at auction or via online vintage retailers. Demand remains steady for geometric, monochromatic mid-century designs, though the lack of a prominent maker's mark (such as a 'Taxco' stamp) limits the ceiling for collector interest. Please note that this appraisal is based strictly on visual inspection of the provided description and image. Physical examination is required to determine the metal's purity (e.g., sterling vs. nickel silver) and the nature of the black substrate. A definitive 'Sterling' mark or a signature from a known designer/workshop would double the current valuation. Scientific testing using acid or XRF (X-ray fluorescence) and a loupe inspection of the setting would be necessary for a full authentication of the materials and origin.