Michael Aram Pomegranate Sterling Silver or Vermeil Ornament
Decorative Object / Ornament · Michael Aram, an American-born artist and designer known for his metalwork and Judaica. His brand is synonymous with high-end, artisan-inspired decorative home goods.
Pattern: Pomegranate Collection, introduced in the 1990s; one of the brand's most iconic and evergreen lines.
Type
Decorative Object / Ornament
Maker
Michael Aram, an American-born artist and designer known for his metalwork and Judaica. His brand is synonymous with high-end, artisan-inspired decorative home goods.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality silver plate with a rose gold vermeil / copper-toned finish. The pinkish hue suggests a copper-rich alloy or intentional plating over a silver base.
Dimensions
Standard size is approximately 3 inches in height and 2.5 inches in width. Weight typically ranges between 150-250 grams depending on whether the core is solid or hollow-cast.
Description
A striking sculptural representation of a pomegranate, a symbol of fertility and abundance. This piece features a luscious, irregular body and a sharp, crown-like calyx, finished in a warm rose-gold tone that catches light beautifully.
Key Features
Signature Michael Aram logo stamp on the face; organic, non-symmetrical silhouette; highly reflective surface and pointed crown finial.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality silver plate with a rose gold vermeil / copper-toned finish. The pinkish hue suggests a copper-rich alloy or intentional plating over a silver base.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a warm, rosy metallic tone. Naturalistic, organic form representing a pomegranate with a crown-like calyx at the top.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular stamped logo visible on the lower side of the body, featuring the 'Michael Aram' signature or brand seal, often accompanied by '925' if solid sterling.
Construction Details
Cast metal construction, likely using the lost-wax casting method to achieve the irregular, organic bumps and natural textures of the fruit.
Functional Features
Primarily decorative; may include a small loop for hanging as an ornament or serve as a heavy paperweight/shelf sculpture.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; the 'crown' top serves as a decorative finial rather than a functional handle.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays excellent hand-finished quality, with a seamless body and a well-defined calyx that shows no visible mold lines, indicating a high-quality casting process.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive circular logo stamp which is the primary identifier for modern Aram pieces; heavy feel and high-quality casting crispness.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in New York, USA; typically handcrafted in India at the Michael Aram workshop, which employs traditional metalworking artisans.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Post-Modern (late 20th to 21st century). The design focuses on biomimicry and artisanal irregularity.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000-2024. The Pomegranate line remains an active part of the Michael Aram catalog.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'luxury craft' movement, blending traditional hand-made metalwork with modern retail luxury; often used as a wedding or housewarming gift in Jewish and Middle Eastern cultures.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the surface shows minor hairline scratches consistent with handling. The rose-tone finish appears intact with no major oxidation or pitting.
Value Estimate
$75 - $250 USD depending on whether the piece is silver-plated base metal or solid sterling silver (the latter garnering the higher end).
Care & Maintenance
Hand-clean with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive silver polishes which could strip the rose-gold/vermeil plating. Store in a soft pouch to prevent surface scratches.
Similar Pieces
Michael Aram Gold Pomegranate, Nambé metal fruit sculptures, or Tiffany & Co. fruit-form paperweights (which usually have more rigid, geometric lines).
Interesting Facts
The pomegranate is a recurring motif in Michael Aram's work, inspired by his Armenian heritage where the fruit represents life, rebirth, and prosperity.