14K Yellow Gold Contemporary Pink Tourmaline Teardrop Slider Pendant
Pendant (Slider) · Yellow Gold. The item displays a classic warm yellow tone consistent with standard 14K jewelry alloys used in the 1990s through today.
Purity: 14K (58.5% pure gold). This is the industry standard for durability in jewelry, balanced with a high precious metal content and alloyed with copper, silver, and zinc.
Type
Pendant (Slider)
Purity
14K (58.5% pure gold). This is the industry standard for durability in jewelry, balanced with a high precious metal content and alloyed with copper, silver, and zinc.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. The item displays a classic warm yellow tone consistent with standard 14K jewelry alloys used in the 1990s through today.
Weight
1.2 to 2.0 grams. The piece appears small but reasonably thick. As it is a small slider pendant, the gold value is supplemental to the overall design and gemstone.
Description
An elegant and feminine yellow gold slider pendant featuring a stunning emerald-cut pink tourmaline. The tourmaline is securely hugged by a polished gold bezel, nested within an asymmetrical teardrop frame that serves as an integrated bail. The fluid design allows the piece to glide effortlessly along a chain, creating a modern, floating effect.
Key Features
Asymmetrical open-loop teardrop design, bezel-set emerald-cut gemstone, integrated bail construction (slider style).
Color & Finish
Rich yellow with a high-polish, mirror-like finish. The surface reflects light smoothly, indicating a well-maintained or freshly polished exterior.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped '14K' or '585' on the reverse side or along the inner bail loop. No visible maker's mark from the front view, but common for such pieces to have small laser or strike stamps on the back.
Dimensions Estimate
Width: 8-10mm; Height: 12-14mm. Accommodates a fine chain up to 1.5mm through the integrated teardrop bail.
Gemstones & Inlays
One emerald-cut Pink Tourmaline (approximately 0.50 - 0.75 carats). Set in a full bezel setting for security and a modern aesthetic. The stone shows a vibrant rose-pink hue and good clarity.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; this is a slider pendant meant to be threaded onto a necklace. The integrated open-loop design serves as the attachment point.
Chain & Links
Not applicable for the pendant itself, though intended for use with a fine cable or box chain. The interior of the bail is polished to prevent friction wear against a chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax cast construction with hand-set bezel. The finish is professional with no visible mold lines or porosity, indicating a quality mass-market manufacturing process.
Authentication Indicators
Color consistency is typical for 14K yellow gold; bezel work shows professional casting quality; the emerald cut of the stone is symmetrical, pointing toward a genuine gemstone rather than a low-quality paste.
Origin & Maker
Likely mass-produced by a North American or European commercial jeweler. These designs were popular in department store jewelry counters and mid-market local jewelers.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th Century. The fluid, asymmetrical teardrop shape and bezel setting are characteristic of the 1990s and early 2000s transition to minimalist jewelry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2015 based on the casting style and the popularity of emerald-cut colored stones in bezel-set sliders.
Cultural Significance
Pendants like this represent the shift toward 'everyday luxury' in the late 20th century, where jewelry became less about formal occasions and more about versatile, wearable personal expression.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Minor surface scratches visible under magnification on the gold surface. The gemstone appears to have sharp facets with no visible chips or abrasions. Bezel is tight and secure.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail replacement: $250 - $450; Resale/Melt-heavy value: $100 - $175. The value is driven primarily by the gemstone color and the 14K gold content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm, mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the tourmaline has liquid inclusions. Store separately to prevent the gold from scratching softer gems.
Similar Items
Morganite pendants (lighter peach color), pink sapphire sliders (harder stone, more brilliance), or amethyst versions in the same teardrop setting.
Interesting Facts
Pink tourmaline is often associated with the heart chakra and was particularly favored by the Dowager Empress Cixi of China. In the 1890s, California became a major source of beautiful pink tourmalines for the Chinese market.