Sterling Vermeil Rhinestone Brooch Flying Bird 1940s

Offered is a most dramatic sterling vermeil rhinestone brooch.  It features an ornate swallow type bird in flight. With the classic long tail and outstretched wings, the pin measures 2 1/2″ x 2″ across the widest points. The gold on this jewelry casting  is in excellent condition. However, for a piece that is nearly 80 years old some of the stones have darkened over time.  This is most evident around the little red eye and beak area.  A few others scattered about on the rest of the animal take on a slightly darker (than new) cast as well depending on the angle viewed and the light source.  The photos make this attribute much worse than it actually appears. A particular stone that is dark in one pose often appears fine in another. This is marked simply STERLING on the reverse side as shown.  It is a strong sturdy piece with a total weight of 13.2 grams.