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Striking vintage Castlecliff statement brooch dating to approximately the late 1960s or early 1970s.
This substantial circular brooch features an ornate, dimensional design centered by a large emerald-green glass cabochon. Textured gold-tone ropework creates an elaborate symmetrical motif accented with glowing ruby-red glass cabochons and smaller green glass accents.
The domed background is finished in creamy ivory enamel with hand-painted pink leaf or flame-shaped details. Open teardrop-shaped cutouts and richly textured metalwork add depth and give the piece a wonderful Byzantine or Renaissance Revival appearance.
The brooch appears consistent with Castlecliff jewelry produced during the period when Lawrence “Larry” Vrba worked for the company, circa 1969–1972. Vrba is known for bold, colorful and historically inspired costume jewelry incorporating dramatic glass elements. Although the style and approximate date suggest a possible Vrba-era design, attribution to Vrba has not been confirmed.
The reverse has a heavily textured gold-tone finish and is signed CASTLECLIFF on an applied cartouche. It is finished with a traditional pin stem and rollover safety clasp.
MEASUREMENTS:
Approximately 2.5 inches in diameter.
CONDITION:
Good vintage condition with age-related wear. There is visible surface wear and discoloration to portions of the ivory enamel, some wear and darkening to the gold-tone finish, and surface scratching to the large central green glass cabochon. Please examine all photographs closely, as they are an important part of the condition description.
A wonderfully unusual and highly collectible Castlecliff brooch with impressive size, vivid color and unmistakable statement presence.
Designer attribution is not confirmed; the brooch is described as a possible Lawrence Vrba-era Castlecliff design based on its style, materials and construction.
