Vintage Black Hills Gold Brooch

This Vintage Black Hills Gold Brooch came from my Great Uncles Jewelry Store in South Dakota. It was gifted to my grandmother, his sister. $125 OBO A Black Hills Gold brooch, characterized by its distinctive tri-color gold (yellow, rose, and green) design featuring grape clusters and leaves. Black Hills Gold jewelry originates from the Black Hills of South Dakota and is legally mandated to be manufactured there to bear the name. The signature grape and leaf design is attributed to a French goldsmith, Henri LeBeau, who, after getting lost and dehydrated in the region during the 1870s gold rush, dreamt of a vineyard, inspiring the iconic motif. These pieces typically use alloys of gold to create the distinct colors: yellow gold, green gold (yellow gold alloyed with silver), and rose or pink gold (yellow gold alloyed with copper). The creation of Black Hills Gold jewelry is a multi-step, handcrafted process, involving stages like designing, carving, casting, polishing, and engraving, which can include up to 40 different manufacturing steps. The value of Black Hills Gold is tied to the traditional price of gold, with the unique designs and skilled craftsmanship being a primary selling point. Prices for brooches of this style can vary depending on the specific design, karat weight, and condition, with some vintage pieces listed for hundreds of dollars.