Vintage 1940s-1950s Reja Gold Wash Brooch - Hand Holding Crown - Rhinestone & Baguette

Exquisite Mid-Century Figural Brooch with Auction Provenance

This stunning vintage brooch from the 1940s-1950s showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and dramatic design sensibility of mid-century costume jewelry. Featuring a figural hand holding an elaborate rhinestone and baguette "fountain" or crown motif, this piece exemplifies the bold, sculptural style that made Reja one of the most collectible names in vintage jewelry.

Reja: American Costume Jewelry Excellence

While this piece is unsigned, it exhibits all the hallmarks of Reja design and construction. Reja (pronounced "RAY-ha") was founded in New York in the 1940s and quickly became known for creating some of the most innovative and beautifully crafted costume jewelry of the era. Reja pieces are characterized by:

• Figural Designs: Bold, sculptural motifs including hands, flowers, and animals
• Dense Stone Setting: Generous use of rhinestones in pavé and baguette cuts
• Quality Construction: Substantial weight and secure stone settings
• Gold Wash Finish: Rich, warm plating that has endured for decades
• Artistic Vision: Pieces that blur the line between jewelry and wearable art

Reja jewelry was sold through prestigious department stores and remains highly sought-after by collectors today. Many pieces were unsigned, making attribution based on construction quality and design characteristics essential.

Design & Craftsmanship

This brooch features a beautifully rendered hand holding an ornate crown or fountain motif, richly embellished with:

• Clear Rhinestones: Dense pavé setting creates brilliant sparkle throughout the piece
• Baguette Cuts: Rectangular-cut rhinestones add architectural interest and linear detail
• Ruby-Colored Accents: Faceted red glass stones form an elegant cuff at the wrist
• Gold Wash Plating: Warm, lustrous finish that remains intact with no flaking
• Three-Dimensional Form: Sculptural construction gives the piece substantial presence

The hand motif is expertly sculpted with realistic proportions and graceful positioning. The crown or fountain element rises dramatically from the palm, creating a vertical composition that draws the eye and makes a bold statement.

Documented Auction Provenance

A nearly identical brooch sold at Ripley Auctions in 2018 for $120, confirming both the desirability and market value of this design. This auction result provides important provenance and validates the collectability of this particular style.

Specifications

• Era: 1940s-1950s (Mid-Century)
• Style: Figural hand holding crown/fountain motif
• Attribution: Reja-style (unsigned)
• Size: Approximately 2 inches across
• Stones: Clear rhinestones (pavé and baguette cuts), ruby-colored faceted glass accents
• Metal: Gold wash over base metal
• Signature: Unsigned (typical for some Reja production)
• Weight: Substantial vintage construction
• Clasp: Working pin, hinge, and clasp mechanism

Condition

This brooch is in very good vintage condition for its age (75+ years old):

• Gold Wash Plating: Intact with no flaking or significant wear
• Pin Mechanism: Straight, secure, and operates smoothly
• Hinge & Clasp: Fully functional with no issues
• Rhinestones: All major stones present and secure
• Minor Note: There may be 1-2 small accent stones missing (please review photos carefully for condition verification)
• Surface: Light wear consistent with age; no structural damage
• Overall: Excellent display and wearable condition

Why This Brooch Stands Out

Mid-century figural brooches, particularly those featuring hands, are among the most collectible categories in vintage costume jewelry. This piece offers:

• Dramatic Visual Impact: Bold design that commands attention
• Reja Quality: Construction and design consistent with this prestigious maker
• Dense Stone Setting: Generous use of rhinestones creates maximum sparkle
• Auction Provenance: Comparable piece documented at $120 sale price
• Wearable Art: Sculptural quality elevates it beyond typical costume jewelry
• Investment Potential: Reja and Reja-style pieces continue to appreciate

Collectability & Investment Value

Vintage costume jewelry from the 1940s-1950s, particularly pieces attributed to quality makers like Reja, has seen strong appreciation in recent years. Collectors seek:

• Figural designs (hands, animals, flowers)
• Dense rhinestone pavé work
• Unsigned pieces from known makers
• Bold, sculptural mid-century aesthetics
• Pieces with documented auction results

This brooch checks all these boxes, making it an excellent acquisition for collectors or anyone seeking a statement vintage piece.

Perfect For

• Collectors of Reja or Reja-style jewelry
• Mid-century costume jewelry enthusiasts
• Those who appreciate figural and sculptural designs
• Vintage fashion lovers seeking statement pieces
• Anyone building a collection of 1940s-1950s jewelry
• Gift-giving for collectors or vintage jewelry aficionados

Transparency Note

As with many 75+ year old pieces, there may be 1-2 small accent rhinestones missing from less visible areas. We've photographed the brooch thoroughly to show its exact condition. This minor imperfection is reflected in the pricing and is typical for vintage pieces of this age. All major stones are present and secure.

A magnificent example of 1940s-1950s figural costume jewelry in the Reja style. With its dramatic hand-and-crown motif, dense rhinestone setting, ruby accents, and documented auction provenance, this brooch represents the bold, sculptural aesthetic that defines mid-century American costume jewelry at its finest.