AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a small, hand-held pendant featuring a polished purple charoite stone carved into a hexagonal point or 'obelisk' shape. The stone measures approximately 2.5 to 3 centimeters in length and exhibits a vibrant, mottled purple color palette ranging from deep lavender to violet, interspersed with characteristic black, dendritic inclusions of aegirine or black tourmaline. The stone shows a distinct silky, chatoyant luster, which is a hallmark of authentic charoite originating from the Chary River area in Siberia. It is set into a silver-toned decorative metal cap, likely silver-plated or base metal given the lack of visible hallmarks, featuring openwork floral or scroll motifs. The condition appears fair to good with some minor surface scuffing on the flat facets of the point. The mounting is a standard commercial bail design commonly found in New Age or holistic crystal jewelry from the late 20th to early 21st century. The craftsmanship is mass-produced rather than high-end custom jewelry, but the natural variations within the charoite make the piece unique.

Based on my visual examination of the provided imagery, I have assessed this Purple Charoite Hexagonal Point Pendant. The stone exhibits the characteristic chatoyant, fibrous luster and swirling violet-to-lavender hues unique to genuine charoite, mined exclusively in the Sakha Republic, Siberia. The presence of black dendritic inclusions, likely aegirine, supports its identification as natural material rather than a synthetic simulant. The hexagonal obelisk cut effectively displays the stone's color play, though I note minor surface scuffs consistent with moderate wear. The setting is a critical factor in valuation. The detailed, floral-motif bail appears to be silver-toned base metal or perhaps silver-plated alloy, as I see no indications of sterling silver hallmarks (.925) in the visual data. This type of mounting is typical of mass-produced 'metaphysical' or crystal jewelry rather than fine jewelry. Consequently, the value resides almost entirely in the stone itself rather than precious metal content. While charoite is becoming rarer due to the depletion of the singular extensive deposit in Russia, small, lower-grade tumbled or pointed specimens like this remain relatively abundant in the secondary market. Comparable sales for similar non-precious set pendants generally fall within the $25 to $45 range. To provide a higher valuation, physical testing would be required to confirm sterling silver content (acid test) and to ensure the stone has not been dyed or stabilized with polymers, although the visual texture suggests natural formation.