Silver Marcasite Appraisal

Sterling Silver Marcasite 'Mom' Heart Pendant Necklace

This item is a necklace featuring a heart-shaped pendant crafted from what appears to be sterling silver, given its characteristic luster and typical use with marcasite. The pendant prominently displays the word 'MOM' within its openwork design, with the 'O' in 'MOM' forming a smaller, embedded heart shape. The edges of the heart pendant and the outline of the letters are embellished with numerous small, faceted, dark, metallic-looking stones, consistent with marcasite. These stones are individually set, creating a sparkling, textured surface that contrasts with the polished silver. The pendant is attached to a fine-link chain, likely also sterling silver, which appears to be a curb or rolo chain type, suitable for supporting the weight of the pendant. The overall color is a bright silver with dark gray accents from the marcasite, giving it a vintage or antique-inspired aesthetic. The craftsmanship suggests a commercially produced piece, but the detailed setting of the marcasite indicates a certain level of quality. The condition is described as 'Great condition,' which aligns with the visual evidence showing no obvious signs of significant wear, tarnishing, missing stones, or damage. The piece demonstrates a common design theme for maternal gifts, indicative of a contemporary or recent vintage manufacturing style, likely from the late 20th to early 21st century. No specific maker's marks or stamps are visible in the provided image.