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Overview A striking example of mid-century Mexican lapidary folk art, this vintage starburst brooch features vibrant, crushed blue turquoise chip inlay hand-set into a scalloped Alpaca metal frame. Designed with a central floral medallion encircled by radiating solar rays, the pin showcases the iconic color contrast between bright azure gemstone fragments and polished nickel silver wirework. Perfectly suited to adorn a jacket lapel, scarf, tunic, or hat brim, or to be displayed as an ethnographic decorative piece within a vintage jewelry collection. Includes complimentary, fully insured standard shipping. Deep Cultural & Historical Background During the mid-20th-century artisan boom in Mexico—centered around renowned silversmithing hubs like Taxco and Puebla—craftsmen popularized the technique of stone chip inlay (mosaico de turquesa). Artisans pulverized genuine turquoise into small fragments, setting them within hand-formed metal wire partitions using a durable clear resin matrix. The geometric starburst layout draws upon deep-rooted Mesoamerican solar iconography, where the sun symbol represents vitality, cosmic order, and renewal. The reverse of the backplate is stamped with authentic "MEXICO" and "ALPACA" hallmark impressions, signifying its traditional regional metalwork lineage in durable Alpaca alloy (a lustrous copper-nickel-zinc metal prized by Latin American silversmiths). Condition & Surface Character This piece remains structurally sound with its entire matrix of crushed turquoise chips intact, smooth, and firmly seated within the metal partitions. The Alpaca metal backplate and wire dividers exhibit mild surface micro-scratching and a natural, age-appropriate vintage patina with soft tarnish in the crevices. The rear pin stem and rolling safety clasp mechanism remain straight and fully functional. Dimensions, Shipping & Display Height: 1.8 inches Width: 1.7 inches Depth: 0.3 inches Weight Profile: Light to Moderate Shipping: Free Standard Shipping (Fully Insured & Securely Boxed) Mounting/Display: Display stand not included
