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Silver Filigree Brooch with Blue Paste or Glass Centerpiece

Vintage circular silver filigree brooch with a cental faceted blue gemstone resting on a grey surface. - view 1
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Estimated value

$45 - $120

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Jewelry

Era

Mid-20th Century, circa 1945-1965

Origin

🌍 International

Authenticity

High(80%)
47

SILVER FILIGREE BROOCH WITH BLUE PASTE OR GLASS CENTERPIECE: IDENTIFICATION

A circular brooch featuring intricate silver filigree metalwork in a floral or mandala motif. The piece centers on a single, round-faceted blue stone measuring approximately 8-10mm in diameter. The metal construction consists of fine twisted wires soldered into a framework, characteristic of mid-20th century European or North African souvenir jewelry. The mounting appears to be bezel-set, though the outer filigree petals provide the primary decorative structure.

Compare with other jewelry in the archive: Edwardian Peridot & Diamond Garland Brooch/Pendant c.1905, Victorian / Edwardian Era Floral Lapel Pin with Chain and Pendant, Art Deco Style Marcasite Sterling Silver Necklace.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 16 jewelry items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Construction method is consistent with mid-century mass-market filigree
  • Oxidation pattern suggests genuine aged silver or silver-plated base metal
  • Center stone lacks the internal inclusions typical of natural sapphire or spinel
How does authenticity detection work?

GEMOLOGIST'S ASSESSMENT

Jewelry Historian & Gemologist-Informed Appraiser

Jewelry Specialist

Identification is stable based on the recognizable filigree style and mounting, though absence of hallmarks and stone testing limits full certainty.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Twisted wire filigree diameter is consistent with 20th-century jewelry gauges
  • 2Bezel setting on center stone is a standard mid-century industrial application
  • 3Tarnish color indicates high silver content, likely .800 or .925 purity
  • 4Faceting style of blue stone suggests machine-cut glass or synthetic spinel

UNCERTAINTIES

  • The blue stone's saturated color and clarity strongly suggest a glass or synthetic simulant rather than a natural gemstone
  • Lack of visible hallmarks on the reverse prevents definitive metal purity confirmation

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • Obtain a clear photo of the brooch's reverse side to identify hallmarks or maker's marks
  • Perform a simple magnet test; genuine silver will not be attracted to the magnet
  • Examine the stone's facet edges with a 10x loupe; rounded edges indicate glass

CONDITION & GRADE

Good - metal tarnish consistent with age, stones secure, no visible breaks in filigree.

Grading breakdown

Filigree wires appear intact with no crushed sections; oxidation is heavy in the recesses which may require professional cleaning to restore luster.

Condition

The metal shows signs of moderate oxidation typical of vintage silver; the center stone remains securely set but exhibits light surface wear when viewed under magnification.

GEMSTONE & METAL VALUE

$45 - $120

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Vintage jewelry enthusiasts and collectors of European souvenir silver from the mid-century period.

What increases value

  • Integrity of the filigree work (no broken wires)
  • Presence of a '925' or 'Sterling' hallmark
  • Uncommon stone colors or large sizes

What lowers value

  • Broken or crushed filigree sections
  • Loose center stone mounting
  • Heavy permanent pitting in the metal

What makes top-tier examples

  • Signed by a known workshop (e.g., Peruzzi of Florence)
  • Original safety chain attached
  • Fine gauge wirework with no visible solder blobs

Grade & condition

Completeness of the wire framework and the clarity/scratch-rating of the central stone.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar jewelry objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

JO

Jochem

Wonderseeker1 item

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