Vintage Starburst Red Rhinestone Brooch

This item is a circular starburst or sunburst-style brooch featuring a multi-tiered design of deep red facets. The focal point is a large, circular red faceted stone at the center, surrounded by a halo of smaller red chaton-cut rhinestones. Extending from this central cluster are sixteen spokes, each terminating in a slightly larger round red stone, creating a radiating perimeter. The metal settings appear to be a silver-toned base metal, possibly rhodium-plated or high-quality costume alloy, with each stone held in place by fine prongs. The workmanship suggests a mid-20th-century origin, likely from the 1950s or 1960s, a period popular for this specific tiered 'cocktail' aesthetic. The overall condition appears excellent with all stones intact, vibrant color saturation, and no immediate signs of significant metal oxidation or clouding in the rhinestones. The construction showcases a classic costume jewelry technique where the individual components are soldered to a central frame, indicating mid-range to high-end vintage floral-motif craftsmanship typical of brands like Weiss or Eisner, though no signature is visible from the front view.

I have examined the digital representation of this vintage starburst brooch. Based on the tiered construction and stone settings, the piece exhibits the characteristic 'cocktail' style of the mid-20th century, specifically the 1950s-1960s. The deep red faceted stones appear to be glass rhinestones with excellent color saturation and no visible 'darkening' or foil degradation. The silver-toned prongs show minimal wear, suggesting the piece was well-maintained. While the craftsmanship is reminiscent of makers like Weiss or Eisenberg, the absence of a visible hallmark suggests it is a high-quality unsigned piece, which slightly limits its upper-tier market value. The current market for vintage costume jewelry remains steady, with sunburst motifs and vibrant red palettes being particularly popular for seasonal and evening wear. Comparables for unsigned tiered brooches in this condition typically range from $40 to $80. Key value drivers here include the multi-level depth and the integrity of the radial symmetry. However, this appraisal is limited by the digital format. I cannot verify the weight, the specific metal alloy, or the security of the pin mechanism remotely. To confirm a higher-end attribution or identify potential silver content, an in-person inspection of the reverse side for hidden hallmarks and a physical test for metal density or lead content in the glass would be necessary.