Vermeil Sterling Silver Wire-Wrapped Stone Pendant with Italian Flat Curb Link Chain
Jewelry (Pendant and Chain) · Unknown Workshop / Italian Chain Manufacturer; hallmark suggests a mass-market European or Italian 'UNOAERRE' style origin for the chain, common in jewelry trade hubs.
Pattern: Contemporary Artisanal Wire-Wrap; the pendant is likely a one-of-a-kind (OOAK) artisanal piece rather than a cataloged pattern.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant and Chain)
Maker
Unknown Workshop / Italian Chain Manufacturer; hallmark suggests a mass-market European or Italian 'UNOAERRE' style origin for the chain, common in jewelry trade hubs.
Material
Vermeil (Yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver) featuring a tumbled semi-precious quartz or chalcedony stone; base metal of chain is sterling silver as indicated by the '925' stamp.
Dimensions
Estimated pendant size 15-20mm; chain length likely standard 18 inches; total weight estimated at 4-6 grams including the stone.
Description
This piece combines the precision of Italian silver manufacturing with the organic feel of hand-wrought artisanal jewelry. The vermeil finish provides the aesthetic of 14k gold at a silver price point, while the tumbled white stone offers a soft, milky luster that contrasts against the high-shine curb chain.
Key Features
Tension-set wire-wrap technique; '925' purity hallmark on the jump ring; flattened diamond-cut chain links; vermeil plating over silver base.
Material & Composition
Vermeil (Yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver) featuring a tumbled semi-precious quartz or chalcedony stone; base metal of chain is sterling silver as indicated by the '925' stamp.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish yellow gold finish (Vermeil); decoration consists of organic wire-wrapping around a natural stone; the chain is a diamond-cut flat curb or gourmette style to enhance light reflection.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The jump ring shows a small oval stamp likely containing '925' and possibly a small registered jeweler's mark (e.g., 'AR' for Arezzo, Italy); the chain's end tab (visible at top) shows '925' for sterling purity and 'ITALY'.
Construction Details
Hand-wrapped wire cage assembly for the pendant; machine-made and diamond-cut flat curb chain; components joined by open jump rings.
Functional Features
Secure bail loop for chain passage; lobster or spring ring clasp (not fully visible) for the necklace; tumbled stone edges for comfort during wear.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable for jewelry; features a standard suspension loop (bail) and jump ring attachment point for the chain.
Craftsmanship Details
The pendant shows hand-tensioned wire loops indicating manual assembly; the chain shows high-precision machine cutting of the facets for maximum sparkle.
Authentication Indicators
Clear '925' hallmark on the jump ring loop; typical construction of a silver bail with a soldered joint; authentic wear patterns consistent with plated silver (vermeil).
Origin & Manufacturing
Pendant likely handmade by an independent artisan (USA or Europe); Chain manufactured in Italy (the global leader in premium silver chain production).
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary (1990-Present); follows the popular 'Boho-Chic' or 'New Age' jewelry movement common in modern lifestyle boutiques.
Age Estimate
Late 20th century to Early 21st century (circa 1995-2015) based on the wire-wrapping style and gold plating wear patterns.
Cultural Significance
Represents the DIY and 'Earth-focused' jewelry trends of the late 20th century, moving away from formal high-jewelry toward raw, natural materials.
Condition Notes
Good / Fair condition; visible wear on the gold plating (color fading to silver on high-friction areas of the bail); some surface scratches on the metal; stone appears securely seated; tarnish is minimal due to plating.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $55.00 (Market value for artisan silver jewelry); value is primarily in the metal content and design rather than the stone rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical 'dips' which can strip gold plating; clean with a soft damp cloth only; store in a dry pouch to prevent the silver base from tarnishing through the gold layer.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Bean or Elsa Peretti organic designs (higher quality/luxury); Nickel-plated fashion jewelry (lower quality/base metal).
Interesting Facts
Vermeil is a regulated term; to be legally called vermeil in the US, the base must be sterling silver and the gold plating must be at least 10k and 2.5 microns thick.