Southwestern-Style Red Coral or Howlite Oval Cluster Brooch

This is a large, oval-shaped cluster brooch designed in a classic Southwestern or Native American-inspired aesthetic. The piece features a central elongated oval cabochon surrounded by an arrangement of twelve smaller teardrop-shaped cabochons. The stones are a vibrant, opaque crimson red, exhibiting subtle dark matrix veining and surface pitting, which is characteristic of dyed howlite or magnesite intended to simulate red coral. Each stone is individually set within a silver-toned metal mounting, likely pewter or a nickel-silver alloy. The metalwork includes decorative rope-twist edging around the center stone and each perimeter stone, as well as small silver spheres (beading) placed at the junctions between the outer teardrops. The construction appears to be a cast metal base with stones glued into pre-formed bezel cups rather than hand-wrought silver. The condition is good with light surface wear and minor oxidation to the metal recesses, providing a darkened patina that enhances the visual depth of the design. The back is not visible, but the overall style suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century costume jewelry piece or a tourist-grade souvenir rather than a signed artisan work from a high-end workshop.