Vintage Silver-Tone Renaissance Revival Faux Turquoise Pendant-Brooch

This is a substantial vintage pendant-brooch crafted in a silver-toned metal, featuring a prominent Renaissance Revival or Neo-Gothic aesthetic. The piece is centered around a large oval cabochon of simulated turquoise with dark matrix veining, surrounded by a twisted rope border. Radiating from this center are six smaller, round faux turquoise cabochons. The metalwork is highly ornate, featuring architectural finials at the top and bottom, and stylized winged or scroll-like accents between the stones. Small metal beads or granulation details are interspersed throughout the design, adding texture. The metal has a significant dark antiqued patina, intentionally applied to highlight the depth of the casting and contribute to an aged appearance. Given the assembly and the uniform appearance of the stones, this is likely a high-quality costume jewelry piece from the mid-20th century (circa 1950s-1970s). The construction appears robust, though there is visible surface wear to the metal plating on high points and some light scuffs on the cabochon surfaces. The item includes a small bail at the top for a chain, though a pin mechanism is often present on the reverse of these dual-purpose designs.

I have virtually examined this silver-toned Renaissance Revival pendant-brooch. Based on the ornate metalwork, stylized finials, and the presence of mass-produced simulated turquoise cabochons with uniform 'matrix' veining, I identify this as a mid-20th-century costume jewelry piece, likely manufactured between 1960 and 1975. The design is characteristic of the 'Etruscan' or 'Neo-Gothic' revival trends popularized by manufacturers such as Florenza, Art, or Goldette, though the absence of a visible hallmark suggests it may be a high-quality unsigned boutique piece. The condition shows typical age-related wear. The antiqued patina is largely intact, though there is visible thinning of the plating on the high-relief architectural elements. The stones appear secure, though the central cabochon shows surface scuffing consistent with use. Market demand for unsigned revivalist costume jewelry remains steady but modest. Comparable pieces from known manufacturers like Florenza typically fetch $60-$120; unsigned examples generally realize $35-$65 in online auctions. The large scale and dual-purpose functionality (brooch and pendant) enhance its collectibility. Limitations: This appraisal is based on visual data alone. I cannot definitively verify the base metal composition without an acid test, nor can I confirm if the stones are thermo-set plastic or glass without a thermal conductivity test. A physical inspection of the reverse side is necessary to check for hidden makers' marks and to evaluate the integrity of the pin hinge and clasp mechanism. Full authentication would require provenance or original packaging to confirm the specific manufacturer.