PAJ Vermeil Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Solitaire Pendant
Jewelry (Necklace/Pendant) · Prime Art & Jewel (PAJ). Founded in 1976, PAJ is a global jewelry manufacturer known for producing high-volume, accessible luxury and fashion jewelry for major retailers worldwide.
Pattern: Classic Solitaire; a mass-produced staple design often sold through department stores and television shopping networks.
Type
Jewelry (Necklace/Pendant)
Maker
Prime Art & Jewel (PAJ). Founded in 1976, PAJ is a global jewelry manufacturer known for producing high-volume, accessible luxury and fashion jewelry for major retailers worldwide.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) base metal with a Vermeil finish (gold plating). The stone is a princess-cut Cubic Zirconia (CZ), a synthetic diamond simulant.
Dimensions
Estimated pendant size: 6mm to 8mm square; Weight: approximately 1.5 - 3.0 grams including the stone.
Description
This is a contemporary solitaire pendant featuring a princess-cut cubic zirconia set in gold-finished sterling silver. It represents the 'affordable luxury' segment of jewelry, designed to mimic the appearance of a high-end diamond necklace through the use of vermeil and synthetic materials. The hallmark cluster on the side gallery is a diagnostic feature of PAJ's manufacturing style.
Key Features
Transparent 'PAJ' maker's mark and 'CZ' stone identifier. The use of Sterling Silver as a base for gold plating (Vermeil) is a hallmark of this brand's quality tier.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) base metal with a Vermeil finish (gold plating). The stone is a princess-cut Cubic Zirconia (CZ), a synthetic diamond simulant.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish rose or yellow gold vermeil. Features a classic four-prong basket setting with decorative openwork gallery to allow light through the pavilion of the synthetic stone.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'PAJ' (Maker's mark), 'CZ' (identifying the stone as Cubic Zirconia), '925' (Sterling Silver purity mark), and 'CHINA' (Country of origin).
Construction Details
Mass-produced via investment casting (lost-wax casting), machine-polished, and electroplated. Prong-set by hand or machine.
Functional Features
Basket setting with a fixed or sliding bail for a chain. The open back is designed for ease of cleaning the synthetic stone.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Pendant form). The bail is integrated or attached to allow the piece to slide on a traditional cable chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial grade. Clean casting lines are visible, though hallmarks are machine-struck/laser-engraved rather than hand-chased. Uniform plating indicates professional electro-finish.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are clear and consistent with known PAJ industrial standards. The presence of the 'CZ' stamp is a consumer protection measure often seen in silver-based fashion jewelry.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in China. PAJ operates large-scale factories in China and Thailand following standardized industrial jewelry-making traditions.
Era & Period
Contemporary Jewelry (late 20th - early 21st century); characterized by the use of laser-engraved hallmarks and synthetic stimulants.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000–Present. The style of font in the laser/machine-struck stamp is indicative of 21st-century mass production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of jewelry design, allowing consumers to achieve a classic 'diamond' aesthetic at a fraction of the cost through synthetic chemistry and efficient metallurgy.
Condition Notes
The item appears to be in Good to Very Good condition. There is minor visible wear on the gold plating (vulnerable on prong tips). The synthetic stone shows typical facet edge sharpness for CZ.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD. Value is based on decorative appeal and silver weight rather than rarity or gemstone value.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical dips or harsh silver cleaners which will strip the gold vermeil plating. Clean with warm, mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Store in a dry place to prevent silver tarnish from lifting the plating.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Solitaire Pendants (Solid Gold/Platinum/Diamond), Swarovski Crystal Pendants (typically non-precious base metal), and various 'fine fashion' brands like Pandora.
Interesting Facts
PAJ is one of the world's largest jewelry manufacturers and was an early adopter of advanced ethical sourcing and manufacturing standards in the Asian jewelry market.