Vintage Enameled Rose Brooch

This item is a vintage-style costume jewelry brooch featuring a three-dimensional long-stemmed rose. The brooch is constructed from a gold-tone base metal, likely brass or a similar alloy, which has been finished with a high-polished plating. The rosebud is treated with a vibrant, deep crimson or ruby red cold enamel (epoxy), applied with a subtle gradient that darkens toward the base of the petals to simulate natural shadows. Two green enameled leaves extend from the curved stem; the leaves feature a lighter green hue with visible textured veining beneath the enamel coating to add botanical realism. The stem itself includes small molded protrusions to represent thorns. Based on the aesthetic and manufacturing style, this piece likely dates to the mid-20th century, specifically the 1960s or 1970s, a period when floral enamel pins were highly popular. The condition appears fair to good: while the enamel remains mostly intact, there is notable gold-tone plating loss and pitting visible on the lower section of the stem where the base metal is beginning to show through. The structure remains sound with no visible bends in the thin stems. No maker's marks are visible on the front, though such pieces were frequently produced by companies like Exquisite, Coro, or Sarah Coventry; the 'KC' context provided may refer to the Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL) brand or a private collection mark.

I have examined the digital representations and technical specifications of this mid-20th-century enameled rose brooch. The piece displays the characteristic design language of the 1960s-70s floral trend, famously championed by houses like Exquisite and Sarah Coventry. The cold enamel application on the crimson rosebud and textured green leaves remains remarkably vibrant. However, my inspection reveals significant plating loss and pitting on the lower stem. In the vintage costume jewelry market, condition is paramount; the exposure of the base metal (likely a lead-tin alloy or brass) notably constrains the valuation compared to a 'mint' specimen. The 'KC' designation suggests a possible connection to the Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL) archives or a curated collection, which provides a slight premium in provenance. While the aesthetic is highly desirable for botanical collectors, similar mass-produced floral pins are relatively common. A final determination of value is subject to in-person inspection to verify the integrity of the pin-back mechanism and to check for hidden maker's marks under 10x magnification. Without physical handling, I cannot definitively confirm if the enamel is original or a later restoration. To elevate this appraisal to a formal 'Fair Market Value' used for insurance or estate purposes, a primary examination of the plating thickness and provenance documentation regarding the 'KC' mark would be required.