Vintage Sunburst Cabochon Costume Jewelry Brooches

A pair of vintage-style costume jewelry brooches featuring a radial sunburst or starburst frame. Each piece is constructed from a silver-toned base metal, likely a cast pewter or silver-plated alloy, measuring approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The focal point of each brooch is a large, high-domed cabochon stone; one is a vibrant cobalt blue and the other a deep emerald green. The 'stones' appear to be made of polished glass or high-quality resin, bezel-set within the ornate frame. The metallic frames exhibit a decorative celestial motif with alternating long and short spiked rays, giving it a gothic or mid-century revival aesthetic. The condition appears fair to good; there is visible tarnishing and loss of luster in the recessed areas of the silver-tone finish, creating a natural dark patina. No maker's marks are visible on the face, suggesting they may be department store pieces or mass-produced fashion accessories from the 1960s to 1980s. The craftsmanship is typical of high-end costume jewelry of that era, showing sturdy casting and clean bezel work.

I have conducted a visual examination of the pair of sunburst cabochon brooches. These pieces, featuring deep cobalt and emerald glass/resin centers set in silver-toned metallic frames, reflect the stylistic cues of mid-century costume jewelry, likely dating from the late 1960s to the 1980s. The condition is assessed as 'Good/Fair.' While the central cabochons retain their polish, the surrounding metalwork demonstrates significant oxidized buildup and surface wear, typical of non-precious alloys or pewter. There is no evidence of luxury hallmarks (e.g., Trifari or Monet), indicating these were likely boutique or department store accessories. The market for unsigned vintage costume jewelry remains steady but saturated; comparable lots of unbranded sunburst brooches typically sell in the $15–$30 range per individual piece. Their value is driven primarily by the 'celestial' aesthetic currently popular in bohemian fashion trends rather than rarity or precious metal content. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to test for metal purity or examine the pin-back mechanisms for mechanical stability. A definitive valuation would require an in-person inspection to verify the material of the 'stones'—as genuine poured glass holds higher value than molded resin—and to confirm the integrity of the bezel settings. Provenance documentation or original packaging would also bolster the secondary market appeal.