Aurora Borealis Turtle Brooch - Amber Rhinestone Shell, Green Eyes, Red Smile

In the late 1950s a new crystal coating changed costume jewelry: Aurora Borealis, stones that flash rainbow as they turn — violet, teal, gold. The turtle was a favorite subject, and this is the type at its best: eight amber stones, one ringed by seven, each in its own raised gold cup, flashing like sun on water over a shell. Two green jewel eyes. And under the snout, a red crescent smile — somebody at the bench decided this turtle should be happy, and painted it so. The maker cast a small nameplate into the shell's back, then never put a name in it. It swam out anonymous, grinning, and it is grinning still.
Unmarked - No maker's mark - Gold-tone metal
Dimensions: About 1 1/2 in long, 1 in wide
Weight: 9.12 g
The photos carry the facts — measurements, weight, and maker's marks are all pictured, so please look them over closely. Questions are always welcome; I'd rather you ask than wonder.