Vintage Sterling and Mother of Pearl Pendant, Sourced in France

An oval of mother of pearl, set in sterling silver and given a frame that clearly felt plain wasn't an option.

The stone does what mother of pearl does best. It looks cream from one angle and pale pink, lavender, or silver-blue from the next, depending on the light. Around it, openwork silver scrolls curl like wrought iron on a Paris balcony, studded with tiny marcasites. More marcasites run up the bail, in case anyone missed the point.

The silver has a soft, darkened patina in the recesses, which gives the scrollwork its depth. We'd leave it exactly as it is.

It's an easy piece to wear on a fine chain every day, or on a velvet ribbon if you're feeling a bit 1890s about it.

Details

• Sourced in France
• Materials: Sterling silver (marked 925), mother of pearl, marcasite
• Marks: 925, plus an additional maker's mark
• Dimensions: 1.25" W × 1.25" H
• Pendant only; chain not included
• Condition: Vintage, with natural patina consistent with age