Teardrop-style pendant with iridescent shell-like inlay on a silver-tone chain

This jewelry piece consists of a large teardrop-shaped pendant featuring an iridescent, cream-to-pink nacreous inlay, which is stylistically consistent with mother of pearl or abalone shell. The user identifies the materials as pearl, mother of pearl, and sterling silver; however, these claims remain unverified as no hallmarks (such as '925') are clearly legible on the bail, clasp, or pendant reverse in the provided image. The pendant is encased in a polished silver-tone metal bezel and suspended from a wide, tapered bail. It is attached to a fine-link chain, possibly a snake or curb style, which features a standard spring-ring clasp. The shell-like inlay displays a notable luster with a central raised area that may suggest an embedded blister pearl or intentional relief carving. Minor surface reflections are visible, but the overall condition appears good with no obvious fractures or tarnishing, though a physical inspection is required to confirm metal purity and stone authenticity. The design is characteristic of contemporary or late 20th-century artisan jewelry.

Based on my visual analysis of the provided image, I have evaluated this teardrop-style pendant and chain. The owner identifies the materials as sterling silver and mother of pearl. Based on what I can see, the pendant exhibits a nacreous luster and play-of-color consistent with organic shell inlay, possibly featuring a blister pearl or intentional relief. However, I cannot verify the metal purity or the organic nature of the stones from a photo alone; a physical inspection is required to locate hallmarks such as '925' and to perform a thermal or scratch test on the inlay to rule out resin-based simulants. The estimate of $65 - $120 assumes the components are indeed sterling silver and natural shell as hypothesized by the owner. This range reflects general market demand for contemporary artisan-style silver jewelry. If the metal is found to be a non-precious silver-tone alloy or the inlay is synthetic, the value would likely decrease to a decorative range of $15 - $30. Market interest for this aesthetic is steady but highly dependent on material quality. To arrive at a more precise valuation, I would need to perform an in-person examination to confirm the weight of the silver, the presence of maker's marks, and the structural integrity of the bezel setting.