Vintage Judy Lee Purple Rhinestone and Aurora Borealis Jewelry Set

This is a cohesive vintage costume jewelry set consisting of one large brooch and a pair of matching clip-on earrings, attributed to the manufacturer Judy Lee. Based on the style and findings, the set dates to the mid-20th century, approximately the 1950s to 1960s. The design features a floral or leaf-inspired motif constructed from various shades of purple faceted glass rhinestones. The central element of each piece is a prominent Aurora Borealis (AB) coated chaton rhinestone, which displays a shifting iridescent shimmer of yellow, blue, and pink. Surrounding this are teardrop-shaped and marquise-cut stones in deep amethyst and smoky purple hues. A distinguishing characteristic of this set is the inclusion of textured, metallic-finished leaf elements that have a matte, iridescent sheen, possibly signifying a 'Hematite' or japanned influence popular during the era. The stones are secured with multi-prong settings on a gold-tone or dark-toned metal base. The craftsmanship shows typical high-quality mid-century costume jewelry construction with wired and soldered components. The condition appears very good overall with all stones present; there is minor visible surface dust and light aging to the metal finish consistent with age, but no significant chipping or dead stones are immediately apparent.

I have conducted a professional visual examination of this vintage Judy Lee jewelry set. The set features a classic mid-century combination of marquise and teardrop-shaped amethyst-colored glass rhinestones accented by Aurora Borealis (AB) chatons. The use of textured, metallic-finished 'lava-style' stones adds a layer of depth and interest highly characteristic of Judy Lee’s 'cocktail period' designs from the 1950s and 60s. The condition is very good; the foil backing on the stones appears intact based on the refraction visible, and the prong settings remain tight. The metal shows minor oxidation consistent with age, though the integrity of the gold-tone finish remains high. This specific color palette—purple and AB—is a staple of the era and remains highly collectible among mid-level costume jewelry enthusiasts. In the current secondary market, Judy Lee sets are valued for their durability and 'sparkle factor,' though they typically trade at a lower price point than designers like Weiss or Eisenberg. Market comparables for signed Judy Lee sets in this condition range from $45 to $110, depending on the retail venue. The presence of matching earrings significantly boosts the value compared to a standalone brooch. A limitation of this digital appraisal is the inability to verify the security of the wire-work or identify potential 'dead' stones obscured by lighting. A physical inspection would be required to verify hallmarks and ensure no stones have been re-glued or replaced with inferior glass. Full authentication would benefit from macro-photography of the 'Judy Lee' signature stamps and a lead-test on the glass for period accuracy.