Silver Filigree Brooch with Blue Paste or Glass Centerpiece

Estimated value
$45 - $120Rarity
Average(4/10)Category
JewelryEra
Mid-20th Century, circa 1945-1965Origin
🌍 InternationalAuthenticity
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
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
GEMOLOGIST'S ASSESSMENT
Jewelry Historian & Gemologist-Informed Appraiser
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
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
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
For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.
SIMILAR CURIOSITIES
Late Victorian Peridot and Diamond Necklace and Brooch Suite c.1890
Edwardian Style Peridot and Diamond Festoon Necklace
Sasanian Style Carnelian Swivel Intaglio Ring
Edwardian Peridot & Diamond Garland Brooch/Pendant c.1905
Art Deco Style Marcasite Sterling Silver Necklace
Italian 750 Gold Omega-Style Chain Necklace
ABOUT JEWELRY
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