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This stunning Accessocraft N.Y.C. brooch is a quintessential example of the bold, architectural costume jewelry that defined the mid-to-late 20th century. Based in New York City from the 1930s through the late 1990s, Accessocraft was renowned for its heavy gold plating and "Old World" aesthetic.
🏛️ The Brutalist & Baroque Influence
During the 1960s and 70s, jewelry design shifted away from dainty florals toward substantial, textured pieces. This brooch features a mesh-textured, tiered gold-tone frame that mimics the look of woven metal or "cannetille" work. The circular, concentrically stepped design creates a sense of depth, typical of the Brutalist movement which celebrated raw, industrial textures.
🍷 The "Grand Entrance" Aesthetic
The centerpiece is a large, oval-cut faceted glass stone in a deep, moody olive or "basalt" green. In the 1970s, jewelers often used these rich, earthy tones to complement the era's fashion palette of mustard yellows, rust oranges, and deep browns. The stone is secured by four prominent prongs, a style often referred to as a "crown setting," which elevates the stone and allows it to catch the light from multiple angles.
🗽 New York Craftsmanship
Accessocraft was a staple in high-end Manhattan boutiques and department stores. Their pieces were designed to look like "real" heirloom jewelry but were crafted for the modern, working woman who wanted a "statement" piece for her lapel or silk scarf.
Finish: The "antique gold" plating used here was a signature of the brand, intended to give the piece a timeless, weathered patina rather than a high-polish shine.
Versatility: A brooch of this scale was often worn on heavy wool coats, turbans, or even pinned to a velvet choker.
Size: Womens N/A
Condition: Pre-Owned Like New