Southwestern-Style Rhodium-Plated or Pewter-Tone Pink Faux-Turquoise Pendants
Jewelry (Earring Pendants or Charms) · Unbranded mass-market manufacturer; likely an anonymous workshop producing commercial costume jewelry for the Southwestern accessories market.
Pattern: Southwestern-Boho Rectangle Motif; modern commercial production without a specific artist collection name.
Type
Jewelry (Earring Pendants or Charms)
Maker
Unbranded mass-market manufacturer; likely an anonymous workshop producing commercial costume jewelry for the Southwestern accessories market.
Material
Base metal alloy (likely pewter, zinc, or brass) with a 'silver-tone' antiqued finish. Insets are pink dyed magnesite or plastic faux-turquoise and iridescent glass/plastic rhinestones.
Dimensions
Estimated length 4-5 cm, width 2 cm; weight is likely 8-12 grams each. Size is consistent with statement earring drops or necklace focal pendants.
Description
A pair of rectangular costume jewelry pendants featuring a central pink slab with dark veining, styled to resemble pink turquoise. The central stone is surrounded by a border of iridescent rhinestones and an outer frame of textured, antiqued metalwork with decorative flourishes at the bottom.
Key Features
Vibrant pink faux-stone center, Aurora Borealis iridescent rhinestone halo, and Western-inspired scrollwork base.
Material & Composition
Base metal alloy (likely pewter, zinc, or brass) with a 'silver-tone' antiqued finish. Insets are pink dyed magnesite or plastic faux-turquoise and iridescent glass/plastic rhinestones.
Finish & Decoration
Antiqued or oxidized silver-tone finish; features a rope-twist inner border, a 'halo' of faceted Aurora Borealis (AB) rhinestones, and stamped floral/scroll motifs at the base reminiscent of Navajo sand-casting.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks or fineness stamps; the lack of a '925' or 'Sterling' mark strongly suggests non-precious base metal composition.
Construction Details
Machine-cast from a mold; the uniform repetition of the floral base and the identical 'matrix' lines in the faux-stones suggest mass factory production rather than hand-wrought silversmithing.
Functional Features
Closed jump ring at the top for attachment to ear wires or a chain; bezel-style settings for the central rectangular stones.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry Item)
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade; features cast textures that imitate hand-tooling. The settings are likely glued rather than tension-set.
Authentication Indicators
The 'pitted' texture on the back and the lack of hallmarks indicate a cast base-metal piece rather than sterling silver. The identical marbling on the stones suggests synthetic or dyed material.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in East Asia (China or Thailand) for Western retail markets specializing in Southwestern-style accessories.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern (21st Century); designed to mimic 'Boho-Chic' or Western-American aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 2010–2024; modern production based on the use of Aurora Borealis rhinestones and modern casting techniques.
Cultural Significance
Represents the commercialization of Native American jewelry aesthetics for the fast-fashion market, blending traditional motifs like rope-work with modern 'glitz' elements like rhinestones.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the finish shows intentional antiquing. One stone appears slightly rotated in the bezel. No missing stones visible.
Value Estimate
$10–$25 USD for the pair; evaluated as costume jewelry rather than investment-grade silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, dry cloth; avoid liquid silver cleaners or dips as they will strip the antiqued finish and damage the glued rhinestones and dyed stones.
Similar Pieces
Authentic Navajo Sterling Pink Magnesite earrings by artists like Chimney Butte (which would be hallmarked and hand-stamped).
Interesting Facts
Pink 'turquoise' is rarely a natural stone; it is almost always dyed magnesite or howlite. This color palette became highly popular in 'Western Glam' fashion circles in the 2010s.