Vintage Root Beer & Aurora Borealis Navette Leaf Brooch – Mid-Century Dog-Tooth Prong Rhinestone Pin

This extraordinary mid-century brooch is a radiant display of root-beer brown and amber navette rhinestones, arranged in a sculptural leaf motif that sparkles with warmth and depth. The design features richly layered stones accented by textured gold-tone leaves and brilliant aurora borealis rounds that flash blue, gold, and violet—capturing the era’s fascination with glamour and light play.

Each navette is secured in dramatic dog-tooth prong settings, a premium mid-century technique associated with elevated costume jewelry houses of the 1950s and early 1960s. The stones are set in staggered layers to create dimension, fire, and a sweeping botanical silhouette that immediately reads as collector-grade and era-accurate.

Measuring an impressive 3¼ inches across and 2½ inches in height, this brooch commands presence without sacrificing wearability. The backside is finished in gleaming gold-tone metal and fitted with a secure rollover clasp and straight pin stem for strength and balanced placement.

• Era: Late 1950s–Early 1960s

• Style: Layered leaf / botanical navette brooch

• Stones: Root-beer navettes, amber navettes, AB round stones

• Setting: Gold-tone with dog-tooth prongs

• Size: Approx. 3¼” W x 2½” H

• Closure: Rollover clasp with pin stop

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with brilliant stones and bright plating

Design & Collectability 

Brooches of this construction—dog-tooth prongs, layered navettes, and AB accents—are becoming increasingly difficult to source in the market. Many have disappeared into private collections decades ago. This example represents the height of mid-century costume artistry in both engineering and aesthetics.

Style Notes

Pin it on:

• a camel or black wool coat

• a tweed blazer

• a scarf or dress

• or layered with other brooches for a curated, editorial statement

Its rich autumn-gold palette transitions effortlessly from fall through the holidays.