Oval Faceted Smoky Quartz Pendant

This item is a large, oval-shaped pendant featuring a faceted gemstone, likely smoky quartz, characterized by its translucent brownish-grey 'tea' color. The stone is cut in a classic oval brilliant style, with numerous triangular and kite-shaped facets that help to reflect light and showcase the internal clarity of the material. It is held in place by a simple four-prong setting made of yellow metal, which appears to be gold or gold-plated based on the color and shine. A small circular jump ring or bail is attached to the top prong for suspension from a chain. The gemstone estimates approximately 20 to 25 millimeters in length. While the stone shows good transparency, there are visible surface scratches and minor abrasions consistent with use and age. The metal prongs show slight signs of wear but remain functional in securing the stone. This style of pendant is typical of mid-to-late 20th-century costume or semi-precious jewelry, often favored for its dramatic size and earthy color palette. No manufacturer hallmarks or metal purity stamps are immediately visible in the provided image.

Based on my visual examination of the Oval Faceted Smoky Quartz Pendant, I have assessed the item as a decorative piece of mid-to-late 20th-century semi-precious jewelry. The primary gemstone is a large (approx. 20-25mm) smoky quartz exhibiting the characteristic 'tea' brown hue with fair transparency. The oval brilliant cut provides adequate light return, though surface abrasions and minor facet-edge wear are visible, suggesting frequent use. The mounting is a utilitarian four-prong yellow metal setting. In the absence of visible hallmarks (e.g., 14K or .925), the metal is currently valued as gold-toned base metal. The market for large smoky quartz jewelry of this period is stable but saturated; such items are typically valued for their aesthetic 'statement' appeal rather than rarity or precious metal content. Comparable sales for non-designer, large-scale quartz pendants in costume settings typically fall within the $60 to $110 range at secondary market auctions or vintage boutiques. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. Without physical inspection, I cannot confirm if the stone is natural or a synthetic simulant, nor can I verify the metal's purity via acid or XRF testing. To finalize this valuation, an in-person examination is required to check for hidden stamps on the bail, assess the exact carat weight, and utilize a refractometer to confirm the mineral species. Provenance regarding the manufacturer would also assist in determining if this belongs to a specific collectible costume jewelry line.