M. V. Vellano panther brooch

This M. V. Vellano brooch is about 2" long x 1.25" wide. It appears to be "New Old Stock". I was buying something else from a seller and noticed this attractive brooch in their store and asked them if I could get a shipping discount if they tucked it in the box with my other item so they gave me free shipping on it. Hard to pass up since I have been in an animal themed mood, anyway, but not found anything for my favorite animal. This was an Italian jewelry maker that was active from the late 1970s until sometime in the 1980s, about ten years, total. Based on some initial research, I put together some information about M. V. Vellano and sister company Vogue Bijoux.

Some other pieces I bought after this post:

https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/290377-assorted-m-v-vellano-costume-jewelry-b

A substantial amount of new old stock M. V. Vellano costume jewelry appeared on various auctions in 2019-2020, possibly from an estate sale associated with a Martha's Jewelry Store in the Ritz Carlton of Palm Beach, Florida. At least I found reference to such a sale of new old stock M V Vellano jewelry in 2019.

From https://nasvete.com/mv-vellano-vintage-costume-jewelry/ :

"MV Vellano vintage costume jewelry

The history of an Italian high-end costume jewelry line “MV Vellano” lasted no more than a decade, from the late 1970s to the 1980s. A confident, optimistic woman of the 1980s did not need to confirm her status with expensive decorations, preferring costume jewelry. Besides, the 80s statement jewelry went well with large sunglasses, bright and contrasting silk scarves. It was during this period that the work of many European jewelry companies and, in particular, Italian companies, met the demands of the time.

Noteworthy, the products of MV Vellano are very similar to other Italian brand Vogue Bijoux, as they had one owner. The designers of these companies created high quality haute couture jewelry luxury for upscale shops and boutiques.

Traditionally, they used 18kt gold-plated metal alloys, pavé Swarovski crystals, glass cabochons, Lucite, and enamel. Undoubtedly, high-end design, best materials and high quality workmanship made these items collectible.

Both Italian companies Vogue Bijoux and MV Vellano are no longer in operation."

Vogue Bijoux jewelry:

I was able to find out even less about Vogue Bijoux jewelry. "Vogue Bijoux was an Italian company (1950’s - 1990’s) which made high-quality, Haute Couture, luxury costume jewelry for upscale shops and boutiques." Not sure if there was a parent company that owned both M. V. Vellano and Vogue Bijoux, or if Vogue Bijoux owned M. V. Vellano.

Guessing this was just average costume jewelry for the time, maybe made desirable to collectors due to its scarcity until a pile of new old stock was discovered and put on the market in 2019.