Vintage Gold-Tone Openwork Floral Pendant or Brooch

This item is a vintage decorative jewelry piece, likely a large pendant or possibly a brooch, featuring a circular openwork frame. The construction consists of a bright gold-tone metal, potentially gold-plated or gold-filled base metal, with a polished finish. The design incorporates a central vertical bifurcated bar flanked by a twisted rope-style circular frame. Adorning the left side are two stylized heart-shaped leaves and three circular settings containing dark, possibly black onyx or jet cabochons. Each cabochon is held within a floral-motif ruffled bezel. The piece features pointed, lozenge-shaped terminals at the top and bottom, suggesting a formal or heraldic aesthetic. Condition-wise, the gold plating shows significant wear on the topmost cabochon Setting, where the underlying dark metal is exposed. There is light surface scratching and a slight dulling of the finish consistent with mid-20th-century age (estimated 1950s-1970s). No visible hallmarks are present on the front, but the craftsmanship indicates a mass-market costume jewelry production. The dark stones appear glued rather than prong-set, and the overall weight appears moderate for its size.

Based on my visual examination of the images provided, this piece presents as a mid-20th-century costume jewelry pendant or brooch, likely dating from the 1950s to the 1970s. The openwork design, featuring a twisted rope frame and stylized florets, is characteristic of the revival styles popular during this period. The 'stones' appear to be black glass or possibly thermoset plastic simulating onyx, set in ruffled bezels. The construction, particularly the glued setting style and the base metal exposure noted on the upper setting, points clearly to mass-market production rather than fine jewelry manufacture. The condition is the primary limiting factor for value. The significant loss of gold plating on the top bezel reveals the base metal underneath, which severe detracts from the aesthetic appeal. While the design has a certain vintage charm, it lacks the makers' marks (e.g., Trifari, Coro) that would drive higher collector interest. Without a hallmark, it falls into the category of 'unsigned costume jewelry.' Market comparables for unsigned gold-tone costume pieces with visible wear are abundant and generally low in value. Similar items typically sell in bulk lots or individually at lower price points in antique malls or online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. To confirm material composition, a physical inspection would be required to test distinguishing features like the coldness of the stones (glass vs. plastic) and the specific base metal alloy. However, given the visual evidence of plating loss, this piece holds primarily decorative or sentimental value rather than investment potential.