Wire Bail Pendant Appraisal

Turquoise Cabochon Pendant with Wire-Wrapped Bail

This item is a polished, irregularly shaped cabochon of turquoise, likely intended as a component for jewelry such as a pendant or bracelet. Its predominant color is a vibrant robin's egg blue, characteristic of high-quality turquoise. The stone exhibits significant black matrix veining, which creates a striking spiderweb pattern across its surface, indicative of natural, untreated turquoise. The matrix appears to be composed of host rock material or possibly limonite. The stone has a smooth, polished surface with a slightly reflective luster, suggesting it has been cut and buffed. At one end, there is a neatly crafted wire-wrapped bail, fashioned from what appears to be silver-toned metal, possibly sterling silver or a base metal. The wire is coiled into a small, decorative rosette shape, which adds a touch of artistic craftsmanship, and extends into a loop for attachment to a chain or cord. The overall size appears to be modest, fitting comfortably within the palm of a hand, suggesting it is a wearable piece. While the lighting complicates a precise assessment of condition, the stone appears to be intact with no visible major chips or cracks beyond the natural matrix. The wire wrapping seems secure. This piece likely dates from the late 20th to early 21st century given its contemporary wire-wrapping style.