Vintage Turquoise Glass Rhinestone Sunburst Brooch

This is a circular sunburst or starburst style costume jewelry brooch, likely dating from the mid-20th century (circa 1950s-1960s). The piece features a multi-tiered circular design constructed of dark-toned antiqued metal, possibly brass or a base metal alloy with a darkened finish. It is densely set with round, faceted glass rhinestones in a vibrant turquoise or aqua-blue hue, exhibiting an opaque 'milk glass' or frosted quality common in mid-century costume jewelry. The arrangement consists of a central larger stone surrounded by a ring of small stones, with an outer perimeter of larger stones connected by spoke-like metal prongs. The stones appear to be prong-set into the metal framework. In terms of condition, the piece looks well-preserved with its stones intact and no visible chips to the glass. There is some minor surface oxidation or patina consistent with age on the metal settings. The craftsmanship shows typical mass-production qualities of the era, though the intricate tiered structure and uniform stone color indicate a good level of vintage costume jewelry quality. No maker's marks are visible from the front view, but its style is reminiscent of manufacturers like Sarah Coventry or Trifari.

I have conducted a visual examination of the Vintage Turquoise Glass Rhinestone Sunburst Brooch. The piece exhibits characteristic mid-century construction (1950s–1960s) with a tiered, three-dimensional starburst design. The opaque turquoise glass stones emulate 'milk glass' trends found in popular costume lines of the era. The metal, documented as an antiqued base alloy, shows appropriate patina and oxidation consistent with a 60-year-old piece. The stones appear securely prong-set, which denotes higher quality than contemporary glued-in stones. Current market conditions for mid-century costume jewelry remain stable. While the unsigned nature of the piece suggests it was likely a mass-merchandised item rather than a premium designer piece (like signed Tiffany or high-tier Trifari), the sought-after turquoise colorway and intact condition maintain its collectibility. Comparables for unsigned tiered sunburst brooches typically sell in the $40 to $80 range at boutique vintage outlets. Major value factors include its excellent state of preservation and the visual appeal of the vibrant stone color. Note that this appraisal is based on photographic evidence only. A physical inspection is required to check for 'lead glass' content, verify the security of the pin-back mechanism, and search for hidden maker marks on the reverse. Authenticity as a vintage piece is presumed based on construction style, but definitive age verification would require metallurgical testing of the base metal. No provenance documentation was provided, which limits the ability to assign a premium for historical significance.