Carved Quartz or Agate Pendant Necklace in a Pre-Columbian Style

This item is a statement beaded necklace featuring a large circular pendant with detailed carved engravings. The pendant appears to be made from a translucent white stone, consistent with quartz, agate, or alabaster, enclosed in a gold-toned metal rim. The engraved motif on the pendant displays radial geometric designs, solar rays, and a central face, reminiscent of Mesoamerican, Aztec, or Mayan calendar iconography. The accompanying beaded strand consists of alternating carved quartz or agate beads, including smaller round/off-round beads and longer, faceted cylindrical beads displaying natural milky white and light brown banding. The beads are connected using simple metal wire loops. No visible hallmarks, maker's marks, or signatures are present on the wirework or pendant trim. Hedged language is utilized in identifying this piece as no manufacturer or artist markings are visible, and physical testing would be required to verify the exact gemstone composition and metal purity. Stylistically, the piece appears consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century artisan or souvenir jewelry inspired by indigenous Latin American designs. Condition appears good with light wear and natural stone inclusions visible.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this statement necklace features a large carved translucent stone pendant—likely quartz, agate, or alabaster—set in a gold-toned metal rim, paired with a strand of faceted cylindrical and round banded stone beads. The central carving depicts a solar or calendar face reminiscent of Pre-Columbian, Aztec, or Mayan iconography. Stylistically, the piece aligns with mid-to-late 20th-century artisan or souvenir jewelry made in the style of indigenous Latin American artifacts. Because I am examining this piece solely through a photograph, I cannot verify the exact mineral composition, metal purity, or age. Determining whether the metal is base or precious, or whether the stone is natural or treated, would require an in-person physical examination, gemological testing, and acid/XRF metal testing. No visible maker's marks or hallmarks are present on the wirework or rim. My value estimate of $75 to $150 assumes this is a mid-century or vintage artisan decorative piece made from natural carved hardstone and base or low-grade metal alloy. In the current secondary market, there is steady interest in bold, vintage ethnographic-style studio jewelry. However, if physical testing reveals the metal is high-karat gold or the carving possesses significant historical antiquity, the value could be considerably higher. Conversely, if the materials are modern molded composites or plated base metals of recent manufacture, a retail or secondary value would likely sit lower, in the $30 to $50 range.