Vintage Citrine and Aurora Borealis Rhinestone Brooch

This is a mid-20th-century costume jewelry brooch featuring a tiered geometric or floral-inspired design. The piece is constructed from gold-tone base metal with a variety of prong-set glass rhinestones. It features four large oval-cut stones in a deep amber or root beer hue situated at the corners, interspersed with marquise-cut stones of a lighter citrine shade. The center is dominated by a round Aurora Borealis (AB) rhinestone, which displays an iridescent shimmer, flanked by smaller AB accent stones. The construction utilizes high-dominance dog-tooth or 'fleur-de-lis' style prongs, typical of 1950s or 1960s craftsmanship. The overall arrangement is symmetrical and layered, creating a three-dimensional effect. While no maker's mark is visible from the top view, the style is consistent with mid-century manufacturers like Sarah Coventry or Weiss. The condition of the stones appears good with no immediate visible chips, though the metal settings show a slight aged patina and minor surface wear consistent with a vintage piece of this age.

Based on my visual examination of this mid-20th-century costume jewelry brooch, I have assessed its value based on the tiered geometric construction and stone quality typical of the 1950s. The piece exhibits high-set 'fleur-de-lis' prongs and a sophisticated color palette of amber-citrine glass and Aurora Borealis (AB) rhinestones. The stones appear vibrant with no 'foiling' loss or 'dead' spots visible, though the gold-tone metal shows expected oxidation consistent with age. Current market demand for unsigned mid-century costume jewelry remains steady among collectors who value the 'Hollywood Regency' aesthetic, though values are significantly higher for signed pieces by makers like Weiss or Eisenberg. This item serves as an excellent example of high-quality mass-produced luxury from the era. Without a signature, its value is driven primarily by the complexity of the setting and the condition of the iridescent coating on the AB stones. Note that this appraisal is based solely on digital images. A definitive valuation would require an in-person inspection to verify the security of the pin mechanism, check for lead-glass content via refractometer, and search for faint hallmarkings on the reverse side of the setting. Provenance regarding the original manufacturer or retail packaging would further refine this estimate.