Art Deco Style Black Onyx and Marcasite Sterling Silver Pendant

This jewelry piece consists of a large, polished oval cabochon of black onyx, approximately 25-30mm in length. The onyx features a deep, opaque black hue with a high-gloss finish. It is mounted with a decorative sterling silver bail and cap ensemble. The bail transitions into an elegant, scrolling S-curve or spiral motif that rests atop the onyx surface. This silverwork is densely pavé-set with small, rose-cut pyrite stones, commonly known as marcasites, which provide a metallic, prismatic shimmer typical of the Art Deco revival style. A matching decorative silver cap is visible at the base of the stone, also appearing to be set with marcasite accents, indicating a through-drilled pin construction. The pendant is suspended from a contemporary silver-tone snake chain. In terms of condition, the onyx appears smooth with no visible surface fractures or chips. The silver displays a darkened patina in the recesses, which is intentional to highlight the marcasite settings. There are no immediately apparent missing stones, though such items from the mid-to-late 20th century often show minor wear on the facet edges of the marcasites. The craftsmanship suggests a commercial production of high quality, likely dating from the 1980s to the early 2000s, emulating earlier 1920s aesthetics.

I have virtually examined this Art Deco style pendant, which features a large, high-polish oval black onyx cabochon accented by marcasite-set sterling silver scrollwork. The piece displays the characteristic design language of late 20th-century Art Deco revival jewelry, likely produced between 1980 and 2005. The condition appears to be excellent; the onyx maintains a mirror-like finish without visible abrasions, and the silver oxidation is appropriately placed to enhance the metallic luster of the marcasites. Market demand for this specific aesthetic remains steady for vintage enthusiasts, though as a commercially produced piece, it lacks the rarity of original 1920s jewelry. Comparable sales for sterling silver and onyx pendants of this size and era typically fall within the $100 to $200 range at retail boutiques. The value is primarily driven by the craftsmanship of the silver bail and the decorative appeal rather than the intrinsic value of the gemstones. However, this appraisal is based solely on visual inspection of the provided image. I cannot definitively verify metal purity marks (e.g., '925') or confirm if the stones are lab-treated or natural without physical testing. A full authentication would require an in-person examination to check for stone stability, verify the weight of the metal, and conduct an acid or X-ray fluorescence test to confirm the silver content. Identification of any manufacturer's hallmarks would also be necessary to determine if the piece originated from a specific renowned silver workshop, which could marginally increase its collectible value.