Abalone and metal peacock brooch

This decorative brooch features a figural peacock design crafted from metal and a natural abalone shell. The piece showcases a fan-shaped abalone shell component with vibrant iridescent colors ranging from deep blues and greens to shimmering purples and golds, naturally patterned with circular eye-like formations that create the appearance of a peacock's display tail. Overlaying the center of the shell is a detailed metal body, neck, head, and crest of the peacock, exhibiting a textured, scaled surface finish. The reverse side of the brooch is not visible in the photograph, preventing any inspection for maker's marks, stamps, or hallmarks, meaning the exact metal composition and manufacturing origin remain unverified. The overall aesthetic is consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century costume jewelry craftsmanship, often associated with artisan or tourist craft markets utilizing natural marine materials. The item displays a moderate level of detail in the metal casting, and the shell retains a high gloss and strong iridescence with no immediately apparent major structural damage visible from the front. The identification of this piece is based entirely on its visual characteristics as a figural peacock brooch using abalone shell, without the benefit of physical inspection or visible maker signatures.

Based on what I can see in the photograph, this decorative brooch features a figural peacock design utilizing a natural abalone shell component paired with a textured metal overlay. I can observe the vibrant iridescent colors and circular eye-like formations of the shell, along with the detailed metal casting of the peacock's body and head. However, I cannot verify the exact metal composition, manufacturing origin, or presence of maker's marks from a photo alone, as the reverse side is not visible. Based on its stylistic characteristics, the piece appears consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century costume jewelry craftsmanship often associated with artisan or tourist craft markets. I would need physical inspection to confirm the materials and inspect for any hallmarks. Assuming this identification is correct, similar vintage artisan costume pieces generally trade within the $75 to $150 range in current secondary markets, depending on condition and collector demand. If physical inspection were to reveal that the item is a modern reproduction, replica, or an unattributed copy rather than a vintage mid-century piece, the value would likely decrease to the $25 to $50 range. To establish a more precise evaluation and assess authenticity, an in-person examination by a qualified jewelry appraiser or specialist would be necessary to inspect potential hallmarks and test the metal and shell components.