Gold-Tone Dogwood Flower Brooch
Decorative art, costume jewelry (brooch) • Mass-produced costume jewelry; possibly companies such as Trifari, Monet, Sarah Coventry, or Avon.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Botanical Realism in decorative arts
Medium & Technique
Gold-tone base metal, likely pewter or brass, utilizing industrial casting and a textured " Florentine" or brushed finish on the petals.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s–1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 2 inches in diameter; three-dimensional sculptural format.
Subject Description
A single blooming dogwood blossom on a short stem with two leaves. The composition emphasizes botanical textures and naturalistic form, typical of the floral trends in 20th-century American costume jewelry.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the gold plating appears largely intact with minor surface wear consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$15 – $45 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 – $40 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely purchased from a department store or catalogue (Sears, JCPenney) and held in a private collection.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the post-war democratized fashion movement in America, where high-quality costume jewelry allowed the middle class to achieve a designer look at accessible prices.
Notable Features
The distinctive linear hatching on the petals provides a matte-contrast against the polished edges, a design choice meant to mimic the look of solid gold fine jewelry.
Condition Issues
Slight oxidation or dulling of the finish in the recessed areas; potential minor scratching on the reverse clasp (not visible in image).
Conservation Recommendations
Store in a dry, soft-lined jewelry box; clean only with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to avoid stripping the plating.