Morpho Butterfly Necklace Appraisal

Vintage Morpho Butterfly Wing Scenery Pendant Necklace

This is a vintage oval-shaped pendant necklace featuring a genuine iridescent Blue Morpho butterfly wing encased under a cabochon cover, likely glass or acrylic. The wing serves as a vibrant, shimmering blue background for a hand-painted or reverse-printed silhouette scene of a coniferous tree against a horizon. The pendant is secured in an ornate, gold-toned metal bezel with a scalloped or rope-style decorative border. It hangs from a delicate gold-toned snake chain. The iridescent quality of the wing suggests a South American origin for the biological material, a popular export for jewelry between the 1920s and 1950s (notably during the Art Deco and Mid-Century periods). The craftsmanship indicates a souvenir-grade or fashion jewelry piece, often associated with makers like Thomas L. Mott or similar firms specializing in butterfly wing art. The metal shows minor signs of age-related patina and light surface wear, but the wing remains vivid with no visible water damage or significant fading. The chain appears intact with a standard spring ring or lobster clasp (out of frame). Overall, it is a well-preserved example of naturalistic vintage jewelry.