Dragon Vein Agate Pendant Appraisal

Sterling Silver Pendant with Dyed Dragon Vein Agate and Rubies

This is a sterling silver (.925) pendant featuring a large, central oval-shaped 'dragon vein' dyed agate stone, flanked by two smaller, pear-shaped ruby stones at the top. The agate exhibits vibrant shades of fuchsia pink and lighter pink to white banding, with a polished, smooth surface that shows subtle internal 'veining' characteristic of 'dragon vein' agate. The rubies are deep reddish-purple, cabochon-cut, and bezel-set. The silver setting for the main agate stone is a simple bezel that securely holds the stone, while the silver work surrounding the agate features abstract, flowing, heart-like or stylized scroll designs on either side, which are open-worked. The bail is an integrated, simple loop design, appearing robust enough for a chain. The silver shows a light patina consistent with age and some wear, particularly around the raised areas and edges, suggesting it may have been worn previously. There are no visible maker's marks or hallmarks discernible from the image, but the .925 silver content is confirmed by the provided context. The craftsmanship appears to be good, with stones well-seated and the silver work showing neat, albeit not overly intricate, execution. The overall style suggests a contemporary or modern artisan piece, likely from the late 20th to early 21st century, designed to showcase the vivid color and unique patterns of the dyed agate. The combination of colorful stones and silver gives it a distinctive aesthetic.