Vermeil Sterling Silver Floral Garnet and Cubic Zirconia Pendant Necklace
Jewelry (Necklace with Pendant) · Unbranded Contemporary Manufacturer; likely a mass-production jewelry firm specializing in bridge jewelry (jewelry between fine and costume). No distinctive designer logo is visible on the bail or clasp.
Pattern: Traditional Floral cluster; featuring a scalloped petal border around an oval-cut center stone interspersed with accent rounds.
Type
Jewelry (Necklace with Pendant)
Maker
Unbranded Contemporary Manufacturer; likely a mass-production jewelry firm specializing in bridge jewelry (jewelry between fine and costume). No distinctive designer logo is visible on the bail or clasp.
Material
Vermeil (Gold-plated Sterling Silver). The base is .925 silver with a thin layer of electroplated gold. The stones include a synthetic or low-grade natural oval-cut Garnet center and four clear Cubic Zirconia (CZ) or crystals as accent stones.
Dimensions
Pendant: approx. 15mm; Chain length: approx. 18 inches (standard princess length). Estimated weight: 3 to 5 grams including stones.
Description
An elegant and classic vermeil pendant necklace featuring a rich, deep burgundy oval-cut stone, likely a garnet, nestled within a golden blossom frame. The outer 'petals' are accented by four sparkling clear stones, creating a quatrefoil-like shimmer. Suspended from a dainty cable chain, this piece offers the warmth of gold with the durable core of sterling silver, ideal for daily wear or as a modest birthstone gift.
Key Features
Contrasting center stone color; quatrefoil accent placement; woven-look golden scalloped border; and the 925 sterling silver purity mark.
Material & Composition
Vermeil (Gold-plated Sterling Silver). The base is .925 silver with a thin layer of electroplated gold. The stones include a synthetic or low-grade natural oval-cut Garnet center and four clear Cubic Zirconia (CZ) or crystals as accent stones.
Finish & Decoration
High-polished gold finish with a rope-like or twisted wire motif on the petals. The design reflects a Modern Traditionalist style, mimicking Victorian-era cluster floral settings.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A 925 stamp is visible on the small flat jump ring near the clasp (right side). This indicates the item contains 92.5 percent pure silver. Small indentations on the back of the pendant likely contain a secondary silver fineness mark.
Construction Details
Cast components assembled with machined chain. The pendant was created using lost-wax casting, evidenced by the uniform scalloped edges, and the stones are likely prong or bezel-set by machine or light manual labor.
Functional Features
Spring-ring clasp mechanism for closure; a tapered 'rabbit ear' bail that allows the pendant to slide freely along the cable chain.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This the jewelry item features a standard spring-ring clasp. The clasp appears functional but shows signs of slight wear to the gold plating.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial quality. The stones appear level and the casting is clean, though it lacks the intricate needle-work or hand-chasing found in high-end artisan silver jewelry.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the '925' hallmark on the jump ring is the primary indicator of silver purity. The uniform weight of the chain and the lack of hand-tooling marks on the pendant suggest modern commercial manufacturing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Thailand, China, or Italy, which are the primary centers for gold-plated sterling silver 'vermeil' mass production for global retail jewelry chains.
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary (late 20th century to present). It utilizes a revivalist aesthetic, drawing from Art Nouveau floral motifs and Victorian cluster settings, but utilizes modern electroplating and mass-market settings.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990 - 2010. The style of the spring ring and the specific tone of the gold plating are characteristic of late-20th-century commercial jewelry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'bridge jewelry' movement, which made precious metal jewelry accessible to the middle class by using silver cores and lab-grown or affordable semi-precious stones.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible 'brassing' or wear to the gold plating on the clasp and link edges, where the lighter silver color is starting to show through. This is common in vermeil pieces of this age.
Value Estimate
Retail: $40 - $80 USD. Resale/Estate: $15 - $30 USD. The value is primarily in the decorative appeal rather than the scrap metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid liquid silver dips which will strip the gold plating. Clean only with a soft, damp cloth and very mild soap. Store in a tarnish-resistant pouch to prevent the silver base from oxidizing and lifting the plating.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Olive Leaf (higher end); generic QVC/Home Shopping Network jewelry (direct competitors); vintage gold-filled cluster necklaces (often have brass rather than silver cores).
Interesting Facts
Vermeil must be at least 2.5 microns thick to be legally sold as such in some jurisdictions, otherwise it is simply referred to as 'gold-plated silver.' Garnet is the birthstone for January, making this a popular gift motif.