Vintage Sterling Silver Pendant with Malachite Chrysocolla
This stunning vintage Sterling Silver pendant showcases a vibrant natural Malachite and Chrysocolla cabochon, elegantly framed by intricate detailing. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit, it captures the essence of timeless beauty. Wear it alone or layer it with other pieces for a chic, personalized look. Stamped '925' for Sterling Silver, this circa 1980s pendant weighs approximately 4.13 grams and measures approximately 33.7 x 16.1 mm including the not-quite-round split ring bale, which can accommodate up to a 4.2 mm chain. This beautiful pendant has been cleaned but not polished and displays a wonderful patina typical of its age.
Malachite, a striking green gemstone, is renowned for its vibrant, banded patterns and rich, emerald to deep forest green hues. Composed of copper carbonate hydroxide, its swirling designs and velvety luster make it a visually captivating stone. With a relatively soft hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, it requires careful handling. Malachite is often used in ornamental carvings, cabochons, and inlay work, and is prized for its unique beauty and historical significance. It is also often associated with protection and transformation.
Chrysocolla, a captivating copper silicate mineral, is prized for its vibrant hues ranging from deep turquoise to sky blue and emerald green. This stone, often found in association with other copper minerals like Malachite and Azurite, exhibits a soft, earthy texture and can form botryoidal, massive, or vein-filling structures. Revered for its calming and communicative properties, Chrysocolla is popular in lapidary work and is believed to foster tranquility and harmony. Its relatively low hardness makes it susceptible to scratching, requiring gentle handling.