Lapis Sterling Silver Designer Pendant with Textured Backing
Jewelry (Pendant/Necklace Component) · Lapis (likely a boutique gemstone and jewelry brand from the late 20th century). While not a household name like Tiffany, Lapis brands typically focus on semi-precious stone settings and consistent sterling silver quality.
Pattern: Brutalist-inspired Textured Backing; specific collection name unknown.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant/Necklace Component)
Maker
Lapis (likely a boutique gemstone and jewelry brand from the late 20th century). While not a household name like Tiffany, Lapis brands typically focus on semi-precious stone settings and consistent sterling silver quality.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base metal is high-grade silver, indicated by the visible stamps, with a likely stone or glass inlay on the reverse side (not visible in this angle).
Dimensions
Estimated 4.5 cm in length (1.75 inches) and 1.2 cm in width. Projected weight is approximately 5-8 grams depending on the thickness and the material on the opposite side.
Description
This elongated sterling silver pendant features a heavily textured reverse side, often referred to as a 'nugget' finish. This design choice provides a sophisticated contrast to the branding, which is prominently displayed in a smooth recessed cartouche. The item represents the bridge between mass-market jewelry and artisanal boutique designs often found in upscale craft galleries or department stores.
Key Features
Signature Lapis brand logo; high-relief stippled texture; clear .925 purity marking; elongated pill-shaped silhouette.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base metal is high-grade silver, indicated by the visible stamps, with a likely stone or glass inlay on the reverse side (not visible in this angle).
Finish & Decoration
The reverse features a decorative 'nugget' or 'stippled' hammered texture, creating a coarse sand-cast appearance. The letters of the logo are high-relief within a smooth central cartouche.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'LAPIS' in a serif font and 'STERLING .925' in a sans-serif block font. No assay office or date letters are visible, which is standard for American or Mexican production pieces.
Construction Details
Cast construction. The texture on the back is characteristic of a mold-cast process designed to hide scratches and provide a tactile, artisanal feel.
Functional Features
Includes a bail at the top (top of image) for threading a chain or cord. The flat, elongated 'tombstone' shape is a classic pendant form.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item; the bail serves as the primary connection point).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial casting with consistent depth. The hallmark is deeply struck, ensuring it remains legible even after decades of wear against skin or clothing.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Sterling .925' mark is consistent with authentic silver stamps of the era. The sharpness of the casting in the logo is an indicator of quality production rather than a cheap counterfeit cast.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Thailand, where many brands marking 'Sterling .925' in this specific block-font style operated during the late 20th century.
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary (Late 20th Century, likely 1980s or 1990s). The typography and stippled texture are hallmark design choices of late-century boutique jewelry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985–2000. The wear patterns on the '925' stamp and the specific serif font of the brand logo suggest this period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Modernist Jewelry' trend where the back of a piece was treated with as much artistic consideration as the front, reflecting a wearer's appreciation for hidden craftsmanship.
Condition Notes
Very Good. There is minor surface tarnish in the crevices of the texture and some slight scuffing on the polished logo area. No visible cracks or structural deformation.
Value Estimate
$30 - $65 USD. Value is based primarily on silver weight and brand recognition in secondary vintage markets.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polishing cloth. Avoid liquid 'dips' as they can remove intentional oxidation in the textured recesses that provide depth to the design.
Similar Pieces
Taxco Mexican Silver pendants often feature similar elongated shapes, but are rarely marked 'Lapis'. Alternatives include boutique brands like Jai or Silpada which use similar stippled backings.
Interesting Facts
Items marked 'Lapis' often paired these silver mounts with high-quality Lapis Lazuli stones, creating a thematic link between the brand name and the jewelry's aesthetic.