Triple Tier Petoskey Stone and Polished Agate Sterling Silver Pendant
Jewelry - Pendant · Artesian studio/Independent Silversmith; likely American Southwest or Great Lakes regional artisan. Unbranded but features characteristic handcrafted silversmithing common in folk or studio jewelry.
Pattern: One-of-a-kind (OOAK) Artisan Design; Organic Geometric Tiered Series.
Type
Jewelry - Pendant
Maker
Artesian studio/Independent Silversmith; likely American Southwest or Great Lakes regional artisan. Unbranded but features characteristic handcrafted silversmithing common in folk or studio jewelry.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) mountings and bail; fossilized Rugose coral (Petoskey Stone), polished dendritic agate, and translucent chalcedony/agate square.
Dimensions
Estimated 7.5cm (3 inches) in total length; width of top oval approx 3.5cm (1.4 inches); estimated weight 15-22 grams depending on stone density.
Description
An attractive and substantial tiered artisan pendant featuring three distinct natural specimens. The top oval is a finely polished Petoskey Stone, displaying its characteristic hexagonal coral fossil patterns. Centered is an oval dendritic agate with earthy inclusions, and the piece terminates in a small square of translucent chalcedony. Each stone is securely held in a classic silver bezel, linked to provide a fluid, vertical silhouette that celebrates the beauty of natural geology.
Key Features
Triple-stone vertical articulation; distinctive Petoskey Stone fossil pattern; decorative filigree bail; hand-wrapped bezel edges.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) mountings and bail; fossilized Rugose coral (Petoskey Stone), polished dendritic agate, and translucent chalcedony/agate square.
Finish & Decoration
Bright polish on silver bezels; natural stone finish; filigree/openwork bail. The style is Contemporary Artisan with primitive/organic influences.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The hallmark is not visible in the image but would typically be located on the reverse of the top bezel or the side of the bail; likely stamped '925' or 'STERLING'.
Construction Details
Hand-constructed using flat-back bezel settings. The components are joined by silver jump rings/articulated hinges allowing for movement. The bail is likely a cast filigree component soldered to the top mounting.
Functional Features
Large-loop filigree bail designed to accommodate a thick silver chain or leather cord; articulated joints between stones for flexible wear against the body.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Pendant form; the bail serves as the attachment point and is integrated into the top silver frame.
Craftsmanship Details
Artisanal quality; bezels are hand-fitted to the unique shapes of the stones. The soldering of the connecting loops shows hand-work rather than machine precision, lending a unique character to the piece.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a Petoskey stone is a strong indicator of North American artisan origin. Construction reveals hand-soldered joints rather than mass-produced casting for the frames. Visible oxidation is consistent with genuine silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States, specifically the Michigan/Great Lakes region given the use of the Petoskey stone (Michigan State stone). Hand-assembled in an artisan workshop.
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th to early 21st Century); Contemporary Studio Jewelry movement emphasizing natural specimen stones.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present. The construction methods and stone selection are consistent with modern lapidary hobbyist and professional artisan trends.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'Earth Art' and 'Found Object' movements in jewelry, where the intrinsic value of ancient fossils and unique stones is prioritized over traditional precious gemstones like diamonds.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible tarnish (oxidation) on the bail and silver edges which is typical for sterling silver. Stones appear intact with no visible fractures; silver bezels show minor surface scratches consistent with wear.
Value Estimate
$65 - $125 USD. Value is driven by the size and quality of the Petoskey stone specimen and the weight of the sterling silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and mild soapy water; avoid silver 'dips' which can damage the porous fossil stone. Hand-polish silver with a specialized jewelry cloth to remove tarnish while avoiding the stones.
Similar Pieces
Southwestern Turquoise tiered pendants (similar construction but different stones); Scandinavian Modernist jewelry (similar minimalism but usually featuring higher-polish abstract silver forms).
Interesting Facts
The Petoskey stone at the top is a fossilized colony of Rugose coral that lived over 350 million years ago during the Devonian period. Highly prized by Michigan collectors, they are often found on beaches and require expert polishing to reveal the 'sun' pattern.