What makes a person smile more than brightly-colored flowers?

This marvelous 24K GOLD PLATE Signed ART 1940's brooch/pin just takes the cake for "cheerful" and "beautiful" combined into one.

Masterfully constructed, this belle measures 2 3/4" long and is 2 1/2" wide.

Marvelously dimensional, each of the EIGHT petals are gracefully domed, giving this piece greater depth and a terrific 3-D look.

Made of WHITE ENAMEL on 24K GOLD PLATE, each individual petal features beautiful filigree work and has, atop it, deliciously enchanting orange and yellow dimensional enamel DAISIES.

The center of the pin is multi-dimensional as well, boasting a lovely all enamel white daisy in the middle, and, around it, a yellow and gold floral dimensional setting.

Add to this the languidly curving white enamel stem and two-toned enamel green leaf and you have what, for Art Co., became rather an iconic item.

Formed by Arthur Pepper (hence, the name "ART"), Art, also called MODE ART, was in direct competition with Florenza and Goldette and out paced both of these design houses mid century due to their use of only the highest caliber stones and 24K gold plate in very Victorian Revival and Etruscan Revival designs.

However, Art made great and positive waves with their enamel work, particularly their figural enamel flowers. This utterly charming piece represents one of the flowers that brought additional kudos to this already much lauded company.

This exceedingly vibrant and delightful brooch is in excellent vintage condition: the colors are still bright and vivid. The pin is straight and strong with a clean point and sturdy clasp. All flowers of all sizes are original to the piece and remain stunning. The enamel is very well preserved, and the gold plate is very clean.

Signed on the back (see photo 5), this playful and fabulously designed mid century piece perfectly illustrates the kind of expertise ART exercised in designing and making their jewelry.

This vintage beauty couldn't be prettier!

***Photos taken with and without flash