Hand-Carved Mother of Pearl Sacred Heart Pendant Necklace

This piece consists of a hand-carved Mother of Pearl (nacre) pendant depicting a Flaming Sacred Heart, suspended on a gold-toned snake chain. The pendant highlights fine artisan craftsmanship, featuring intricate open-work at the top representing flames and detailed surface engravings on the heart's body, including a textured cross-hatch pattern and a stylized decorative scroll. The natural shell material exhibits a high-luster, iridescent pearlescence with creamy white and silver undertones. The pendant is approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length. It is attached via a gold-finished bail to a thin, flexible snake-style chain. Regarding condition, the shell remains sharp and intact without visible chips, though the metal components show significant signs of oxidation and patina, particularly near the lobster claw clasp which bears a small oval maker's or metal purity mark (indiscernible in the image). This style is characteristic of mid-20th-century religious folk art or souvenir jewelry, likely originating from a region known for shell carving like Italy or Mexico. The overall quality is indicated by the precision of the delicate shell piercings and the consistent polish across the organic material.