Filigree Silver Pill Box or Keepsake Locket with Cubic Zirconia Accent
Jewelry / Small Personal Accessory (Pill Box or Locket) · Unidentified generic workshop, likely contemporary commercial manufacturing. Common in tourist markets and silver-themed souvenir boutiques. Not a recognized high-end silversmith brand.
Pattern: Folk-Art Inspired Open Filigree with Scrollwork. Not part of a titled pattern collection.
Type
Jewelry / Small Personal Accessory (Pill Box or Locket)
Maker
Unidentified generic workshop, likely contemporary commercial manufacturing. Common in tourist markets and silver-themed souvenir boutiques. Not a recognized high-end silversmith brand.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or low-grade Silver Plate. Composition appears to have high copper content based on the brownish-red tarnish visible. The center stone is a faceted clear synthetic (glass or Cubic Zirconia).
Dimensions
Approximately 35mm x 25mm (1.4 inches x 1.0 inch). Estimated weight is between 8 to 12 grams.
Description
This charming decorative oval box features an intricate openwork lid designed to mimic the delicate art of silver filigree. The lid is centered by a brilliant-cut clear stone that adds a touch of sparkle to the oxidized silver background. Its oval shape and hinged mechanism make it a versatile accessory, suitable for use as a pill container, a locket pendant, or a treasured keepsake box. The design language leans toward romantic bohemian style, making it a popular choice for personal use or as a sentimental gift.
Key Features
Continuous scrollwork lattice, central bezel setting, functional hinge, bottom-mounted bail/loop, and deliberate oxidation to highlight recessed details.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or low-grade Silver Plate. Composition appears to have high copper content based on the brownish-red tarnish visible. The center stone is a faceted clear synthetic (glass or Cubic Zirconia).
Finish & Decoration
Antiqued/Oxidized finish with a polished oval frame. The decoration features die-stamped or cast scrollwork mimicry of true filigree, accented with small granulation beads and a central bezel-set clear stone.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the image. Typically, pieces like this are stamped on the interior rim or the base with '925' or 'STERLING'. Absence of assay office marks suggests non-European, non-traditional origin.
Construction Details
Cast or die-struck construction rather than hand-wrought filigree. The 'wire' work is part of a single mold or stamp. Features a simple tube hinge and a friction-fit or snap closure.
Functional Features
Hinged lid for storage of small items like pills, charms, or photos. Loop at the bottom suggests it could be worn as a pendant or have a charm attached.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A. Small thumb piece integrated into the lid rim for opening.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-aided casting with manual assembly of the hinge. The precision of the scrolls is high, but they lack the organic variation of hand-wrought silver work. Bezel setting for the stone is likely machine-pressed.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of traditional assay marks suggests commercial grade. The 'filigree' is cast, evidenced by the uniform thickness and lack of individual wire solder points. The tarnish color suggests a high percentage of base metal alloys.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely mass-produced in a silver export hub such as Thailand, India, or Mexico, designed for the international retail gift market.
Era & Period
Contemporary (late 20th century to present). Styled with Victorian-revival and bohemian aesthetic influences.
Age Estimate
Modern production, likely 1990-2024. The lack of characteristic wear on the hinge and modern facet-cut of the stone indicate recent manufacture.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the enduring popularity of 'Victorian revival' and romantic aesthetics in contemporary silver jewelry and personal accessories.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. Notable heavy tarnish/oxidation on the surface, particularly between the scrolls. The stone appears secure. Minor surface scratches on the polished rim. Condition Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
Retail: $35 - $65; Resale/Secondary Market: $10 - $25. Value is primarily in the decorative appeal rather than investment-grade silver content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft brush and warm soapy water to remove debris from the scrollwork. Use a silver polishing cloth on the outer rim only; avoid liquid dips which can strip the intentional 'antiqued' oxidation in the crevices.
Similar Pieces
True antique Victorian locket (hand-engraved), vintage Georg Jensen pill boxes (modernist/sculptural), or Taxco silver boxes (thicker walls, different scroll styles).
Interesting Facts
While true filigree consists of individual wires twisted and soldered together, modern casting techniques allow for this 'filigree look' to be mass-produced at a fraction of the cost, making decorative silver more accessible to the general public.