Queen Nefertiti Openwork Profile Pendant Appraisal

Queen Nefertiti Openwork Profile Pendant

This item is a 14k or 18k yellow gold pendant featuring the iconic profile of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. The piece is constructed using a high-quality openwork or filigree-style technique, creating a delicate yet substantial silhouette. The crown (nehemet) is intricately detailed with scrolls and geometric fan-like motifs, while the neck is adorned with a stylized broad collar (usekh) containing a grid-like openwork pattern. The profile itself is rendered with a smooth, polished finish, showing a distinct almond-shaped eye, a straight nose, and contoured lips typical of Tel-el-Amarna period art revival jewelry. The pendant measures approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in height. It features a simple circular bail attached to a jump ring at the top of the crown for suspension on a chain. The gold displays a warm, rich luster consistent with higher karatage, though no specific hallmark is visible in the photograph. The condition appears to be excellent with a light natural patina and minimal surface scratches, suggesting mid-to-late 20th-century manufacture (circa 1970s-1990s). The craftsmanship shows careful attention to symmetry and line work, making it a fine example of Egyptian Revival jewelry popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern gold markets.