The sculptural appeal of this vintage Dior brooch
In the post-war decades, the House of Christian Dior collaborated with glass workshops to design elaborate costume jewellery sets intended to define the silhouette of its creations. This domed brooch exemplifies this aesthetic vision. It centres on a large, translucent green cabochon crafted from smooth glass paste. This centrepiece is surrounded by a band of deep blue oval stones and a multitude of small green beads with ribbed surfaces. The piece is punctuated by faceted white crystals that catch the ambient light. The gold-plated metal provides a solid architectural foundation for this pre-owned piece of jewellery, designed to add a subtle finishing touch.
Architecture and jewellery craftsmanship
The structure is 2 centimetres thick, creating a bold, three-dimensional form. Each coloured element and each rhinestone is held in place individually by a dense network of claw settings. This complex construction requires the precise adjustment of dozens of metal fastenings across multiple levels to form a generous corolla. This technical choice ensures the synthetic stones are securely held in place whilst lightening the overall visual weight of the setting. The intertwining of the prongs creates a play of shadows at the centre of the piece and enhances the visual depth of the blue and green cabochons.
Why choose this second-hand piece of jewellery
Acquiring a signed vintage piece allows you to own a slice of the history of accessories. The meticulous craftsmanship involved in working with textured glass paste and the complexity of this type of multiple setting represent a form of craftsmanship that has become rare in contemporary production. This type of vintage piece provides a textural contrast against a thick garment. The buyer benefits from a striking presence and a confirmed historical signature.
Contents and condition
The piece measures 5.5 centimetres in length by 5 centimetres in width. The metal has a uniform natural patina, attesting to its age. The pin fastening system ensures a secure hold on fabrics. The brooch has been inspected by our workshops to confirm the stability of each prong and the integrity of the glasswork. The piece is delivered protected in its The Swiss Collector box.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece with a 12-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Condition: The jewellery shows normal signs of wear and a natural patina on the metal. Due to the fragility of vintage materials, mechanical refurbishment is not recommended in order to preserve the integrity of the structure and the glass paste.
