18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Bead Pendant
Pendant (Charm/Bead) · Yellow Gold (classic warm tone), likely alloyed with silver and copper to maintain high purity while providing structural integrity for the wire-work.
Purity: Likely 18K (750 fineness) or 22K (916 fineness). At these purities, the gold content is 75% or 91.6% respectively, yielding the rich yellow color visible on the bail and caps.
Type
Pendant (Charm/Bead)
Purity
Likely 18K (750 fineness) or 22K (916 fineness). At these purities, the gold content is 75% or 91.6% respectively, yielding the rich yellow color visible on the bail and caps.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (classic warm tone), likely alloyed with silver and copper to maintain high purity while providing structural integrity for the wire-work.
Weight
0.5 to 1.5 grams. The item is very small; the gold content is likely less than 0.3g, with the majority of the weight coming from the stone bead.
Description
A delicate and vibrant yellow gold pendant featuring a central turquoise bead. The bead is secured by two decorative gold scalloped caps at each pole, connected by an internal pin that extends to form the hanging bail. Its petite size makes it ideal for a minimal necklace or as a charm on a bracelet, offering a bright pop of color against the high-karat gold.
Key Features
Scalloped-edge 'flower' caps; vibrant blue turquoise contrast; high-karat yellow gold warmth; vertical pin construction for security.
Color & Finish
Rich, saturated yellow gold with a high-polish finish on the bail and a scalloped, satin-to-bright finish on the end caps. The turquoise is a vibrant robin’s egg blue.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are clearly visible in the image. They would typically be found as a tiny stamp on the jump ring/bail or the underside of the gold caps. Expected marks: 750 or 18K.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 10mm-12mm in total length (including bail). The bead itself is roughly 6mm-8mm long. The bail is sized for a fine chain (approx. 1-2mm width).
Gemstones & Inlays
A single oval-shaped Turquoise bead. It appears to have some dark matrix markings or surface treatments (black horizontal lines), which could be natural matrix or surface character details.
Clasp & Closure
Fixed bail/jump ring closure. This is a non-opening loop designed to be threaded onto a necklace chain or attached to a charm bracelet via a separate jump ring.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; this is a single pendant. The attachment loop is a simple wire-formed oval bail with a visible solder point at its base.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-assembled components using a central headpin/wire-wrap technique. The gold petal caps are likely die-struck or stamped, and then soldered to the wire that forms the loop.
Authentication Indicators
The deep yellow color is consistent with 18K+ gold. The thinness of the bail is typical for genuine gold charms of this scale. Lack of 'green' tarnish or plating peel suggests solid gold construction.
Origin & Maker
Likely produced in Turkey, Italy, or Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand or Philippines), areas known for high-purity gold 'everyday' charms using turquoise.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern, though the style is a 'Timeless Classic' often found in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern jewelry styles from the late 20th century to today.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990s - 2020s. The construction is standard for modern commercial boutique jewelry.
Cultural Significance
Often worn as a charm for good luck or protection (similar to the 'Evil Eye' concept) in various cultures spanning from the Mediterranean to the Americas.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The gold shows light surface wear (micro-scratches). The turquoise bead appears intact with no visible cracks, though the dark surface markings should be inspected for stability. Grade: Excellent/Very Good.
Value Estimate
$40 - $100 USD. The value is based more on the boutique retail price/craftsmanship rather than 'melt value,' as the gold weight is very low.
Care & Maintenance
Turquoise is porous; avoid contact with perfumes, hairsprays, or oils. Clean only with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners as they may discolor or crack the stone.
Similar Items
Lapis Lazuli bead charms, smaller 'Evil Eye' enamel pendants, or 14K gold turquoise stud earrings. These vary significantly in gold purity and stone hardness.
Interesting Facts
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in history, used by Egyptian pharaohs and Aztec kings. It is often paired with high-karat gold because the yellow-blue contrast is considered a classic protective color combination in many cultures.