Israeli Sterling Silver Pomegranate Figural Keychain
Decorative Object / Keychain · Unidentified Israeli Artisan Workshop; likely an independent silversmith from Old Jaffa or Jerusalem, characterized by traditional lost-wax casting methods.
Pattern: Traditional Judaica Pomegranate motif; non-specific collection, but a staple of Zionist and Jewish symbolic art.
Type
Decorative Object / Keychain
Maker
Unidentified Israeli Artisan Workshop; likely an independent silversmith from Old Jaffa or Jerusalem, characterized by traditional lost-wax casting methods.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) for the pomegranate body and stem; the attached split ring appearing to be stainless steel for functional strength.
Dimensions
Estimated pomegranate size: 2.5cm height; estimated silver weight: 15-20 grams. The scale is typical for a heavy-duty fob.
Description
A charming and tactile sterling silver keychain modeled in the shape of a pomegranate. The piece features a realistic leaf drooping from the stem and a distinctively textured calyx at the base. Pomegranates are a central symbol in Jewish tradition, representing fertility and the 613 mitzvots. The high-shine finish is contrasted by deep grey oxidation, giving the piece a sculptural, three-dimensional depth.
Key Features
Hand-cast aesthetic, significant weight for a small object, symbolic pomegranate motif, and the unique workshop logo visible on the orb.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) for the pomegranate body and stem; the attached split ring appearing to be stainless steel for functional strength.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish surface with naturalistic oxidation (patina) in recessed areas. Features a cast figural form of a pomegranate with an attached leaf and calyx. The style is Modern Ethnic/Contemporary Judaica.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible partial stamp on the side of the body appears to be a stylized flower or workshop logo; likely accompanied by a '925' mark on the ring or underside (not fully visible in shot).
Construction Details
Cast using the lost-wax (cire perdue) process, evident from the organic texture of the leaf and the smooth but slightly uneven surface of the orb. The stem and loop are integrated parts of the cast.
Functional Features
Heavy-duty jump ring connecting the silver piece to a functional split-key ring. Solid construction intended for daily handling.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - the item is gripped via the main pomegranate body or the steel split ring.
Craftsmanship Details
Good quality casting with minimal porosity. The finish is hand-buffed, though the split ring is a commercial industrial component.
Authentication Indicators
The weight-to-size ratio is consistent with solid sterling silver. The hallmark placement is typical for Israeli artisan pieces that prefer to stamp the body rather than a hidden edge.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin: Israel. Hand-finished casting, likely produced in a small production batch in a regional artisan workshop.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th to Early 21st Century; reflects the revival of handmade silver crafts in Israeli tourism and religious art markets.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present day. The wear patterns and metal color suggest a piece that has been in use for several years but is modern in origin.
Cultural Significance
Represents a blending of traditional religious symbolism with modern secular utility (a keychain). It is a common 'souvenir' of high quality purchased by visitors to Israel.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The silver shows typical 'pocket wear'—fine surface scratches from contact with keys—but the structural integrity of the bail and ring is excellent. Light tarnish is present.
Value Estimate
$60 - $120 USD depending on the specific weight and whether the workshop mark can be identified as a known luxury silversmith.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft silver cloth. Avoid chemical dips as they will remove the intentional oxidation that highlights the leaf detail. The steel ring can be wiped with a damp cloth.
Similar Pieces
Hazorfim Pomegranate miniatures (usually more ornate/repoussé), Avi Luvaton designs (modernist), or mass-produced pewter versions (which will feel significantly lighter and lack the deep hallmark).
Interesting Facts
In Jewish culture, the pomegranate is often depicted on silver items because it is one of the 'Seven Species' of the land of Israel; it is also a symbol of righteousness.