Vintage Mid-Century Enamel Swirl Brooch
Vintage Costume Jewelry

Vintage Mid-Century Enamel Swirl Brooch

This square-shaped piece is a vintage brooch featuring a vitreous enamel finish over a metal base. The design exhibits an abstract, swirling wave or crest pattern in an earthy autumnal color palette, consisting of deep chocolate brown, amber-orange, and metallic cream-yellow tones. The surface is high-gloss and domed, suggesting a multi-layered kiln-fired enameling process known for its durability and depth. Its aesthetic is characteristic of the Mid-Century Modern or early 1970s studio art jewelry movement, where organic, hand-manipulated patterns were highly favored. The edges are smooth and slightly rounded, and the back likely contains a standard pin-back assembly. The condition appears fair to good; while the enamel face retains its luster, there are minor micro-scratches visible upon close inspection, typical for its estimated age of 40-60 years. There are no visible chips or cracks in the enamel surface, though the metal substrate edges show slight signs of oxidation. The depth of the 'drag' technique used to create the swirl suggests a hand-crafted quality rather than mass production, indicative of artisan or boutique costume jewelry manufacture from the period.

Estimated Value

$45.00 - $75.00

Basic Information

Category

Vintage Costume Jewelry

Appraised On

February 17, 2026

Estimated Value

$45.00 - $75.00

Item Description

This square-shaped piece is a vintage brooch featuring a vitreous enamel finish over a metal base. The design exhibits an abstract, swirling wave or crest pattern in an earthy autumnal color palette, consisting of deep chocolate brown, amber-orange, and metallic cream-yellow tones. The surface is high-gloss and domed, suggesting a multi-layered kiln-fired enameling process known for its durability and depth. Its aesthetic is characteristic of the Mid-Century Modern or early 1970s studio art jewelry movement, where organic, hand-manipulated patterns were highly favored. The edges are smooth and slightly rounded, and the back likely contains a standard pin-back assembly. The condition appears fair to good; while the enamel face retains its luster, there are minor micro-scratches visible upon close inspection, typical for its estimated age of 40-60 years. There are no visible chips or cracks in the enamel surface, though the metal substrate edges show slight signs of oxidation. The depth of the 'drag' technique used to create the swirl suggests a hand-crafted quality rather than mass production, indicative of artisan or boutique costume jewelry manufacture from the period.

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