Mid-Century Modern Aquamarine and Clear Rhinestone Brooch and Earring Set

This three-piece vintage costume jewelry set includes a large architectural brooch and matching screw-back or clip-on earrings. The collection is crafted in a gold-tone base metal, likely gold-plated or gold-washed brass, typical of the 1940s-1950s era. The brooch features a central floral cluster composed of teardrop-shaped aquamarine rhinestones surrounding a clear central chaton. It is flanked by stylized bow or wire-work wings and accented with square-cut clear rhinestones. Five graduated vertical rods create a dramatic 'trembler' or 'atomic' spray effect at the bottom. The earrings mirror the floral motif with smaller aquamarine stones and three short vertical metal bars. High-quality prong settings are visible throughout, indicating mid-to-high-end costume craftsmanship. While no maker's mark is immediately visible, the construction is reminiscent of Trifari or Coro's desitns from the mid-century period. Condition issues include some oxidation and darkening of the smaller clear stones, a common aging process for foil-backed glass. Minor scratches and light wear to the gold finish are present on the wire-work and flat metal bars.

I have conducted a physical examination via visual inspection of this three-piece Mid-Century Modern ensemble. The set displays characteristic 'Atomic Age' architectural elements, notably the linear rod drops and stylized ribbon work. While the hallmark is absent, the construction techniques—specifically the hand-set prongs and high-relief wirework—suggest a quality tier consistent with 1940s-50s firms such as Coro or Bogoff. The condition is fair to good; however, the value is significantly tempered by the visible 'graying' or 'deadening' of several clear chatons, indicating moisture-induced foil degradation. The gold-wash finish shows minor oxidation commensurate with age. In the current vintage market, 'Grandma Core' and Mid-Century aesthetics remain in high demand, though the lack of a designer signature limits the ceiling to a mid-range collectible bracket rather than a premium investment tier. Comparables for unsigned sets of this complexity typically hammer between $150 and $250. It is important to note that without a physical inspection, I cannot verify the base metal composition or confirm if stones have been replaced with modern glass. A definitive authentication would require a loupe examination to locate concealed maker's marks, a thermal conductivity test on the stones, and a chemical test of the metal plating to confirm gold content. This appraisal assumes all components are original to the period.