Vintage Our Lady of Aparecida Mother of Pearl Scalloped Pendant Necklace
Unbranded (Likely Brazilian Origin) · Jewelry & Watches > Necklaces
Era / Decade
1970s-1980s based on the curb link chain style and the specific filigree/scalloped metalwork common in religious souvenirs of that era.
Material
Likely Silver-tone base metal or Sterling Silver (requires testing for hallmark), inset with genuine Mother of Pearl (Nacre) base and a die-cast metal icon.
Condition
Good to Very Good. The mother of pearl shows nice iridescence with no visible cracks. The metal shows minor oxidation/tarnish consistent with age, particularly on the jump ring and bail.
Demand Level
Moderate. Religious items have a steady niche market, particularly for specific Marian devotions like Aparecida.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $15.00 | Mid: $28.00 | High: $45.00 (higher end if marked .925 sterling)
Estimated Retail Value
$45.00 - $65.00 (comparable new religious artisanal jewelry)
Comparable Sales
Similar vintage base-metal religious pendants with MOP inlay typically sell for $20-$30 on eBay. Genuine sterling silver versions can reach $50-$75 depending on the weight and intricacy.
Description
This beautiful vintage religious necklace features a teardrop-shaped pendant with a scalloped edge. At the center is a silver-tone depiction of Our Lady of Aparecida (Nossa Senhora Aparecida), the patroness of Brazil, set against a shimmering natural Mother of Pearl background. The pendant hangs from a classic silver-tone curb link chain.
Key Features
Mother of Pearl background; Patron Saint of Brazil iconography; Scalloped 'petal' border design; Vintage aesthetic appealing to Catholic collectors or those into 'Religious Chic' fashion trends.
Authenticity Indicators
The subject matter (Our Lady of Aparecida) is a specific cultural icon. Confidence in being a vintage item is High; confidence in metal purity is Medium (needs a magnet test and '925' stamp check).
Flaws to Note
Slight tarnishing on the metal surfaces; the jump ring looks slightly bent and may need tightening to ensure the pendant is secure.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (for the vintage handmade appeal), eBay (global reach for religious collectors), or Poshmark (lifestyle/fashion accessory).
Selling Tips
Check the clasp and the back of the pendant for a '.925' or 'Silver' stamp. If found, lead with 'Sterling Silver' in the title. Use keywords like 'Catholic Gift', 'Marian Devotion', 'Mother of Pearl', and 'Brazil'. Clean gently with a soft cloth but do not submerge the mother of pearl in harsh chemicals.