Posted 7 years ago
thunderbir…
(1 item)
I found this item in an antique store in California,
Seems to have a blend of Ivory or bone,tested positive for gold and silver,has turquoise also rubies and emeralds. does have a slight worn hallmark on back of Sterling,Someone unfortunately scratched out the other hallmark. I don't know anything else about the Pendant and would appreciate any input.
Thank you kindly all.
This looks very much like a hand made/artisan piece. Think it is safe to assume the 'emeralds' & 'rubies' are glass; genuine ones would not be used to adorn a piece cleverly constructed, but with other materials that are fairly inexpensive, e.g., silver, mother of pearl, bone. The speckled material was puzzling me, then it occurred to me that rather than being quite a complicated piece of inlay work, it may have been made by choosing, shaping & placing the natural elements, then fixing them all in place with some sort of artificial composite that could be poured in as a liquid. Wonder if the maker's mark has been scratched out or was meant to be as you see it? Interesting & inventive. :)
Thank you so much for your input of what this piece is..I took the piece to a local Jeweler and Stones are Authentic to both our surprise.Also the material mixed with what seems to be some sort of clear epoxy is gold flakes.The band woven band around the Silver base is 14k gold. Do you still think this is an artist making ? and has anyone ever seen a piece like this one or similar? I would love to know the artist.Thank you again..
I have no doubt it is not a commercial machine made piece. Too eccentric in every way. Even the way the bail is made is not something you would see on a mass produced piece. I also have no doubt the work is distinctive of someone, but don't know how you would go about finding out who. I'm a recovering crafts show junkie myself & know that many jewelers, unless they make very high end stuff, tend to sell only at shows in their local region, not coast to coast. If there is or was much of a crafts show scene where you live, you might find someone making jewelry now who recognizes this work & mark. Only thing I can think of. You must be chuffed about the stones! :)
Lol,Thank you soo Much for your Help total input and great sense of humor. Any idea as to a value on something like this?
If the gemstones are genuine, your jeweler is the better one to estimate value in the materials used. After that it comes down to getting it in front of enough eyes of potential buyers. It is too unconventional to be to everyone's taste. It is OOAK for sure. :)