Gold-Plated Base Metal Tree of Life Mood Pendant
Pendant · Yellow Gold plating over a non-precious base metal alloy.
Purity: Gold-Plated (GP) / Unmarked. This is likely a thin electrolytic coating of 14K-18K gold over a base metal like brass or zinc alloy. It does not contain significant solid gold weight.
Type
Pendant
Purity
Gold-Plated (GP) / Unmarked. This is likely a thin electrolytic coating of 14K-18K gold over a base metal like brass or zinc alloy. It does not contain significant solid gold weight.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a non-precious base metal alloy.
Weight
3.0 - 5.0 grams (Estimated total weight including the resin/stone inlay); the gold content is negligible.
Description
This is a circular 'Tree of Life' mood pendant featuring a domed thermochromic resin inlay. The design showcases a golden-toned tree silhouette that reacts to body temperature, shifting between shades of blue and green. It is housed in a simple gold-plated bezel, serving as a symbolic and interactive piece of fashion jewelry rather than a fine investment item.
Key Features
Thermochromic (color-changing) resin, Tree of Life symbol, round bezel setting, and high-shine gold-tone finish.
Color & Finish
Pale yellow gold color with a high-polished bezel and jump ring. The finish appears slightly dull in some areas, suggesting wear on the plating.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks or stamps. Mass-produced fashion jewelry often lacks purity markings because there is no precious metal content.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 20mm - 25mm in diameter (standard medium pendant size).
Gemstones & Inlays
Mood stone / Thermochromic resin inlay featuring a green and blue color-change effect over a metallic gold-toned Tree of Life motif.
Clasp & Closure
Simple attached circular jump ring for threading onto a chain. No secondary clasp visible.
Chain & Links
Not applicable (pendant only). The bail is a fixed-orientation circular loop.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-cast bezel with a glued-in resin inlay. Simple assembly-line quality with basic soldering at the jump ring.
Authentication Indicators
RED FLAGS for solid gold: Lack of hallmarks, 'pasty' yellow color, slight oxidation at the join point, and a design typically associated with low-cost mass production. Likely magnetic.
Origin & Maker
Likely mass-manufactured in East Asia (China or Thailand). Unbranded fashion accessory.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2000s-present); though the 'mood stone' was popular in the 1970s, this specific casting is modern costume jewelry.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured within the last 5-10 years.
Cultural Significance
Mood jewelry was a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s and remains a staple of 'bohemian' or 'mystical' fashion. The Tree of Life has deep roots in Celtic, Nordic, and Abrahamic traditions.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. The domed surface is clear without deep scratches; however, there is slight darkening on the jump ring which may indicate the gold plating is beginning to thin or tarnish.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD. The value is strictly in its aesthetic and symbolic appeal as fashion jewelry; it has no scrap gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Do not submerge in water; moisture can damage the mood resin. Clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid perfumes and lotions which will strip the thin gold plating.
Similar Items
Solid 14K gold Tree of Life discs (die-struck), sterling silver mood pendants, and 18K gold vermeil medallions.
Interesting Facts
The Tree of Life is a universal symbol found in many mythologies, representing growth, protection, and the interconnectedness of all life. Mood jewelry uses liquid crystals that twist when temperature changes, altering the wavelengths of light they reflect.