Silver and mother-of-pearl pendant

This is a small, geometric pendant featuring a two-part split design, crafted from what appears to be polished silver-toned metal and a white iridescent material resembling mother-of-pearl. The pendant is composed of two semicircular halves arranged vertically with a noticeable gap between them, creating a stylized half-moon or abstract split-circle silhouette. The upper section is inlaid with a smooth, light-reflecting white shell-like material, while the lower section consists of a solid, rounded metal half with a reflective, polished surface. A built-in rounded bail sits at the top for chain attachment. The overall aesthetic is clean and modern, consistent with mid-century modern or contemporary artisan silver jewelry designs. There are no clearly visible maker's marks, hallmarks, or signatures discernible in the provided photograph, and the item remains completely unauthenticated regarding its exact metal purity, gemstone composition, or maker. The piece shows minor surface wear consistent with handling and light use. The identification rests purely on the visual characteristics of the shape, materials, and overall form without any verified provenance.

Based on what I can see in the photograph, this small, geometric pendant exhibits a clean, modern aesthetic with a two-part split design utilizing a polished silver-toned metal and a white iridescent material resembling mother-of-pearl. I cannot verify from a photo the exact metal purity, whether the material is genuine mother-of-pearl, or if there are any maker's marks, as the piece would need physical inspection to confirm these details. The attribution to a specific artisan style remains a working hypothesis based solely on visual characteristics. The estimated value range of $75 to $150 reflects the assumption that the piece is crafted from sterling silver and quality shell inlay by a mid-century or contemporary studio artisan. General market demand for modernist artisan silver jewelry remains steady, though unbranded or unhallmarked pieces generally trade in lower price tiers. If physical examination reveals that the metal is base metal rather than silver, or if the piece is a modern reproduction or made 'in the style of' rather than an original artisan work, the value would likely drop to the $25-$50 range. To confirm authenticity and composition, a physical examination would be necessary, including hallmark verification, metal testing such as acid or XRF testing, and evaluation by a qualified specialist.