Martin Luther King Jr Commemorative Photo Pendant Appraisal

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Photo Pendant

This item is a circular commemorative pendant featuring a central glass or acrylic cabochon displaying a vintage-style portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The pendant is constructed from what appears to be gold-toned base metal, possibly brass or gold-plated alloy. It features a distinct two-part design: an outer ring with stamped radiating linear indices, resembling a sunburst or a stylized sundial, and an inner bezel-set photo element. The central image is slightly faded and recessed beneath a clear protective dome, showing a monochrome likeness of the civil rights leader. The bezel surrounding the image features a scalloped or 'fancy' edge detail for added texture. The piece is suspended from a simple jump ring and a small spring-style clasp mechanism at the top. Condition-wise, the piece shows significant signs of age and wear, including surface scratches on the dominant metal ring, some tarnish and discoloration (patina) consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century costume jewelry, and some wear to the internal photo print. There are no visible maker's marks or hallmarks on the front or the visible portion of the clasp. This style of memorabilia was popular in the late 1960s and 1970s following Dr. King's assassination in 1968, marking it as a historical piece of civil rights commemorative jewelry.