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.
SCARCITY
Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.
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
Similar Italian-made silver filigree brooches typically sell for $35-$75 on platforms like eBay and Etsy, while documented Portuguese examples can reach $150.
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.
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