Contemporary Sterling Silver Teardrop Pendant with Amethyst and Mother of Pearl
Jewelry (Pendant) · Unidentified artisan silversmith; characteristic of independent workshop production from late 20th-century jewelry hubs like Taxco, Mexico, or Bali, Indonesia.
Pattern: Non-matching stone-set artisan series; contemporary minimalist drop design.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant)
Maker
Unidentified artisan silversmith; characteristic of independent workshop production from late 20th-century jewelry hubs like Taxco, Mexico, or Bali, Indonesia.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with polished purple amethyst (possibly synthetic or glass based on clarity) and a white iridescent Mother of Pearl cabochon.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 45-50mm (including bail); Weight: approximately 5-8 grams. Individual pendant size.
Description
An elegant, articulated sterling silver drop pendant featuring a round white mother of pearl cabochon set above a larger purple teardrop amethyst. The design emphasizes clean lines and the contrast between the organic iridescence of the shell and the deep saturation of the stone.
Key Features
Two-stone vertical alignment; articulated central joint; tapered 'rabbit ear' style bail; bezel settings providing a smooth, snag-free finish.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with polished purple amethyst (possibly synthetic or glass based on clarity) and a white iridescent Mother of Pearl cabochon.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on silver surfaces; bezel-set gemstones; simple geometric forms without engraving or chasing; minimalist aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks visible in the image; typically found on the reverse of the bail or the back of the bezel. Likely marked "925" or "Sterling".
Construction Details
Hand-assembled components including a cast or formed bail, a round bezel cup, and a teardrop-shaped base. Parts are joined with visible solder jump rings.
Functional Features
Tapered bail for chain suspension; articulated jump ring connection allowing the teardrop stone to swing and catch light.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered silver bail (loop), polished finish, soldered to the upper bezel; shows slight wear and edge softening from use.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial craftsmanship; machine-polished surfaces with hand-soldered junctions; bezel edges are neatly rolled over the stones.
Authentication Indicators
The color of the tarnish is consistent with .925 silver; construction shows common semi-industrial solder techniques rather than high-end hand-wrought work.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely a mass-produced or small-batch artisan piece from a jewelry manufacturing center such as Mexico, India, or Thailand.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modernist (late 20th century to present); utilizes standard assembly techniques common in commercial artisan jewelry since the 1980s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010; based on the style of the bail, the quality of the bezel setting, and the common pairing of amethyst and mother of pearl.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of gemstone jewelry through silver-based artisan production, moving high-fashion motifs into accessible gift markets.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition; light surface scratching and tarnish consistent with wear; some visible discoloration (oxidation) at the solder points near the jump rings.
Value Estimate
Market value: $25 - $55 USD; pricing is dependent on the actual silver weight and the quality/authenticity of the amethyst stone.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; polish only with a silver cloth to avoid damaging the soft mother of pearl; store in a dry, cool place to prevent accelerated tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Taxco silver pendants; Bali artisan drops; commercial 'birthstone' pendants found in department stores (the latter often have thinner silver settings).
Interesting Facts
The combination of Amethyst and Mother of Pearl was popularized in 'Tribal' and 'New Age' jewelry styles of the 1990s, often intended to represent spiritual balance.