Mesoamerican-style round brooch with crushed turquoise inlay

This circular piece appears to be a brooch or pendant, featuring a prominent silver-toned metal figure in profile against a background of crushed blue stone, consistent with turquoise. The central figure depicts a stylized human in an elaborate headdress, which is stylistically consistent with Mesoamerican (Aztec or Mayan) iconography. The piece is bordered by a decorative silver-toned wire filigree or scrollwork edge. The owner identifies this as a '925 sterling brooch pendant,' though no hallmarks or '925' stamps are visible in the provided image to confirm the metal purity; the appearance is consistent with Mexican silver-work often produced in mid-20th-century jewelry hubs like Taxco. The crushed stone inlay is set within a bezel that shows some visible adhesive or resin around the edges, suggesting a mosaic construction technique. There are visible signs of tarnish and patina on the metal surfaces, particularly in the recessed areas of the filigree and the figure's etched details. Based on the style and craftsmanship, the item is likely a mid-20th-century souvenir or fashion piece, though actual age and material composition remain unverified without physical testing for hallmarks and stone authenticity.

Based on my visual analysis of the provided image, this piece is consistent with Mid-Century Mexican tourist jewelry, often associated with the silver-working traditions of Taxco. The owner identifies this as a '925 sterling brooch pendant,' though I cannot verify silver purity or stone composition through a photograph alone, as no hallmarks are visible. The central figure reflects Mesoamerican iconography, set against a background of crushed blue stone resembling turquoise mosaic work. The decorative wire-work border shows a level of craftsmanship typical of mass-produced souvenir items from the 1940s–1970s. My estimate of $45–$85 assumes the metal is indeed sterling silver and the inlay is natural stone. This range reflects general market demand for vintage Mexican silver collectibles. If the piece is found to be silver-plated or made of alpaca (nickel silver) with synthetic resin, the value would likely drop to the $15–$30 range. From what I can see, there is visible tarnish and potential residue on the mosaic, which may slightly impact the secondary market appeal. To confirm the value, a physical inspection is required to test for a 925 stamp, verify metal content via acid testing, and examine the inlay for natural mineral characteristics. This appraisal serves as a hypothesis based on typical market behavior for similar unauthenticated stylistic pieces.