Carnelian Pi Disc and Silver Engraved Heart Locket

This set includes two distinct jewelry pendants. The first is a circular carnelian stone carved into a 'Pi' or 'bi' disc shape, characterized by its vibrant orange-to-red translucency and smooth, polished finish. It is mounted with a yellow gold-tone decorative bail that features a fanned, textured cap reminiscent of Art Deco or traditional Chinese motifs. The stone shows natural color variations and internal inclusions typical of chalcedony. The second item is a vintage-style heart-shaped locket made of a silver-toned metal, likely sterling silver. The front face is densely decorated with fine hand-engraved or stamped floral and foliate scrolls. It features a hinged construction and a standard polished bail. The locket shows minor surface scratches and a light patina consistent with moderate use and age, likely dating it to the mid-to-late 20th century. Both pieces exhibit high-quality craftsmanship, with the locket showing particularly intricate metalwork and the carnelian piece exhibiting a high degree of luster and saturation.

I have virtually examined this two-piece pendant set consisting of a carnelian 'Pi' disc and an engraved silver heart locket. The carnelian disc exhibits excellent translucency and a high-luster polish; the yellow gold-tone bail appears to be plated rather than solid gold, though it possesses a refined fanned aesthetic. The heart locket shows characteristic wear of mid-20th-century sterling silver, with intricate foliate engraving that remains crisp despite minor surface oxidization. Based on current market trends for vintage 'bi' discs and artisan silver lockets, the value is driven primarily by the aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship rather than raw material weight. Comparables for such items on the secondary market consistently fall within the $75-125 range per piece. The locket's value is bolstered by its intricate hand-tooling, while the carnelian is valued for its color uniformity. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to verify metal purity through acid testing or detect synthetic enhancements in the carnelian via spectroscopy. An in-person inspection is required to confirm the '925' hallmark on the locket and to determine if the carnelian has undergone heat treatment to enhance its red saturation. Provenance regarding the age of the locket would further solidify its standing as a genuine vintage piece versus a modern reproduction.