Salvador Dalí 'The Space Elephant' 18K Yellow Gold Pendant/Medallion
Pendant / Medallion · Yellow Gold (High karat alloy with a warm, deep brassy tone)
Purity: 18K (750/1000 fineness). This means the alloy contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals for structural strength.
Type
Pendant / Medallion
Purity
18K (750/1000 fineness). This means the alloy contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals for structural strength.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High karat alloy with a warm, deep brassy tone)
Weight
45 - 65 grams. Based on the large surface area and substantial thickness (approx. 2-3mm), it is a heavy investment-grade piece.
Description
A rare and substantial 18K gold medallion featuring the surrealist 'Space Elephant' (Elefante Espacial) figures by Salvador Dalí. The piece captures Dalí’s fascination with spindly-legged creatures and cosmic themes, rendered in high-relief gold. The irregular, amoeba-like border encapsulates a textured landscape with two figures, exemplifying the wearable art movement of the 20th century.
Key Features
Authentic 'Dali' cast signature, 'Space Elephant' iconography, irregular organic border, and double-horn bail design.
Color & Finish
Tarnished Yellow Gold with a dual-finish: high-polish raised borders and silhouettes against a heavily stippled/textured sandblasted background. Visible dark patina in recessed areas suggests age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'Dali' signature is visible in the lower-right casting; usually accompanied by a '750' purity stamp and an edition number (e.g., 1/1000) on the reverse or rim. A small crown or maker's mark is often present near the bail.
Dimensions Estimate
Approx. 60mm x 55mm (excluding bail). It is an oversized, statement-sized pendant.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones. The design relies entirely on sculptural gold relief and contrasting textures.
Clasp & Closure
Integrated sculptural bail. The top edge features two curved, horn-like protrusions that form the loop for a heavy chain to pass through.
Chain & Links
N/A (Pendant only). The bail is designed for a heavy 4mm - 6mm curb or rope chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax casting method followed by hand-finishing. The contrast between the mirror-polished raised figures and the deep granular background shows master-level precision typical of luxury European workshops.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the cast signature in the correct font, the quality of the sandblasted texture, and the distinctive 'melted' aesthetic characteristic of Dalí's 'Art in Jewels' collection.
Origin & Maker
Spain or France; designed by Salvador Dalí. Often manufactured by high-end ateliers under license in limited editions.
Era & Period
Modernist / Surrealist (Mid-Century to 1970s). Based on Dalí's jewelry collaborations (e.g., with Alemany & Ertman).
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s or 1970s. The 'Dali-Joia' era of commemorative gold art pieces.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of Surrealism and fine jewelry; these pieces were produced to make fine art accessible and wearable for high-end collectors during the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The piece shows significant surface oxidation (tarnish) which is common for higher-karat gold stored for long periods. Surface remains sharp with no major dents or thinning.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued as a collectible art piece. Melt value is significant (approx. $2,200 - $3,000 USD), but the 'Dali' name and rarity can push the auction/retail value to $6,000 - $12,000 USD depending on the edition number and provenance.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft brush and mild soapy water. Professional steam cleaning or a chemical gold dip may be required to remove the heavy tarnish, though some collectors prefer the aged patina.
Similar Items
Salvador Dalí 'Persistence of Memory' gold pendants, Georges Braque 'Metamorphoses' jewelry, or Max Ernst 22K gold medallions.
Interesting Facts
Salvador Dalí began designing jewelry in 1941, famously stating that his jewels were 'not to be kept in a cold safe,' but to 'delight the eye and lift the spirit.' This specific motif is derived from his 1946 painting 'The Temptation of St. Anthony.'