Southwestern-Style Sunburst Pendant Necklace with Simulated Turquoise
Jewelry (Pendant and Chain) · Unknown mass-market manufacturer; typical of contemporary costume jewelry brands found in department stores or retail boutiques.
Pattern: Southwestern/Bohemian Sunburst motif; unbranded generic production.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant and Chain)
Maker
Unknown mass-market manufacturer; typical of contemporary costume jewelry brands found in department stores or retail boutiques.
Material
Likely Silver-Tone Base Metal (nickel-free alloy or silver-plated zinc) with simulated Turquoise (plastic or stabilized magnesite). The snake chain is likely stainless steel or silver-plated brass. Non-precious metal.
Dimensions
Pendant: Approximately 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) in diameter. Chain: Approximately 24-28 inches in length. Estimated weight: 40-60 grams.
Description
This is a bold, statement-sized pendant featuring a sunburst or sunflower design. In the center sits a large, mottled blue cabochon mimicking natural turquoise, surrounded by a halo of silver-tone beads and outward-radiating faux-turquoise needlepoint accents. The piece is suspended from a sleek, flexible snake chain, offering a bohemian aesthetic at an accessible price point.
Key Features
Large sunburst geometry; faux-oxidized recesses; machine-perfect symmetry; industrial snake chain; retail barcode tag indicating mass-market distribution.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-Tone Base Metal (nickel-free alloy or silver-plated zinc) with simulated Turquoise (plastic or stabilized magnesite). The snake chain is likely stainless steel or silver-plated brass. Non-precious metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish silver-tone finish with antiqued/oxidized recesses to mimic vintage silver patination. Features a central oval cabochon surrounded by beaded silver-tone work and radiating 'needlepoint' style petals with faux turquoise inlays.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the image; likely stamped 'China' or 'Made in Thailand' on the clasp or reverse of the pendant if present at all. Absence of '.925' or 'Sterling' marks suggests a non-precious composition.
Construction Details
Machine-cast (die-cast) pendant frame with glued-in resin or composite stones. The snake chain is machine-manufactured with a jump ring attachment to the pendant bail.
Functional Features
Fixed bail for suspension; snake chain with lobster claw or spring ring clasp (not fully visible). No moving parts.
Handle & Grip Details
Standard round spring ring or lobster clasp on an industrial snake chain; smooth tactile finish.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial grade; stones are likely chemically bonded (glued) rather than bezel-set. Consistent machine finishing with no evidence of hand-tooling or hand-wrought assembly.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a modern UPC barcode tag is a definitive indicator of contemporary mass production. The uniform 'matrix' in the turquoise and the high-shine, chrome-like finish of the silver-tone points to costume jewelry rather than artisan sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in East Asia (China or Vietnam) for the global mass market; utilizes industrial casting rather than traditional silversmithing.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2010s-2020s); Modern 'Fast Fashion' interpretation of Southwestern Navajo or Zuni needlepoint aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Modern, likely produced within the last 5-10 years based on the barcode tag and chain style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the commercialization of Indigenous American design motifs in global fashion. This style of 'Southwestern' jewelry became a staple of the festival-fashion and bohemian-chic trends of the early 21st century.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition; appears to be contemporary retail stock. Minimal surface scratches; no missing stones or visible oxidation of the base metal. (Grade: Excellent).
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD (Retail/Thrift market value). Value is based on aesthetic appeal rather than metal or gemstone content.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid silver dips or chemical cleaners as they will strip the faux-oxidation and damage the stones. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth only. Keep away from perfumes and water to prevent the base metal from 'pitting' or changing color.
Similar Pieces
Genuine Zuni Needlepoint Sterling Pendants (which would feature '925' stamps and hand-set stones); Lucky Brand or Brighten silver-plated fashion jewelry.
Interesting Facts
The design is a 'tribute' to the Zuni Pueblo needlepoint style, which traditionally uses genuine hand-cut turquoise and sterling silver. Modern versions like this are often referred to as 'Western-style' or 'Boho' jewelry.