Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Silver Pendant

This item is a jewelry pendant, likely crafted from silver and featuring a prominent lapis lazuli stone. The main body of the pendant is an elongated, tear-drop or tooth-shaped piece of dark blue stone, consistent with lapis lazuli, which exhibits some natural variations in shade and possibly speckles (not clearly visible in the image but common for the stone). This stone is polished smooth, showing some reflections indicating a glossy finish. It appears to be approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length based on the visual scale. The top of the stone is encased in an ornate silver-toned cap. This cap features intricate filigree or embossed decorative patterns, possibly floral or scrolled motifs, around its circumference. The metal has an antiqued or oxidized finish, enhancing the details and giving it a somewhat vintage appearance. Directly above the main stone, set into the decorative metal cap, is a smaller, oval-shaped cabochon stone of a similar deep blue color, likely also lapis lazuli. This smaller stone is bezel-set, meaning it is encircled by a thin strip of metal holding it in place. At the very top of the pendant is a sturdy bail, the loop through which a chain or cord would pass. The bail appears to be solid and simple in design, contrasting with the ornamentation of the cap. There are no obvious signs of significant damage such as chips, cracks, or extensive scratching on the stone, nor any visible repairs. The metal shows some natural patina consistent with age and occasional wear. The craftsmanship appears to be reasonably good, with details discernible in the metalwork, suggesting it is not mass-produced low-quality jewelry. The style hints at an ethnic or bohemian aesthetic, possibly from the mid to late 20th century or more contemporary artisan work.

Upon examining the provided image and description of the lapis lazuli and silver pendant, I have conducted my appraisal. The pendant is crafted with a large, polished teardrop-shaped lapis lazuli stone, capped with ornate, possibly antiqued, silver metalwork. A smaller, oval lapis cabochon is bezel-set above the main stone. The overall condition appears to be very good, with no visible chips or cracks in the stones and a natural patina on the metal consistent with age and gentle wear. The craftsmanship, featuring intricate filigree or embossed details, suggests it is likely artisan-made rather than mass-produced, possibly in a bohemian or ethnic style. The primary factor influencing its value is the quality of the lapis lazuli, which cannot be fully assessed from an image alone. Higher-grade lapis, characterized by a deep, uniform royal blue color with fine pyrite inclusions and no calcite, is more valuable. The metal, described as silver-toned, also requires confirmation. The value of this piece is contingent on it being sterling silver (92.5% purity). Market comparables for similar artisan-crafted sterling silver and lapis lazuli pendants of this size and style typically fall within a modest range. The demand for such pieces is steady within niche markets for bohemian and artisan jewelry. However, this appraisal is limited by the inability to perform a physical inspection. For full authentication, I would need to test the metal for silver content (e.g., acid test), use a jeweler's loupe to inspect for maker's marks, and evaluate the lapis lazuli's quality and authenticity in person to rule out simulants like sodalite or dyed howlite. Provenance documentation would also significantly aid in confirming its origin and age.