Postby admin » Tue Feb 24, 2009 8:00 pm
Hi,
It doesn't strike me as South American work, although the amethysts are of the grade most often seen on Mexican or even Chinese jewelry, I think the workmanship seems more North American or European arts & craftsy. The filigree, twist wire appliques and finely serrated bezel edges all seem more finely done than any I've come across on Central or South American work. The solder work is also much neater and that split tongue catch is a type I've only seen in European jewelry, but I have to say that is by no means definitive.
The points of fineness are always debatable, but it is clear that the sloppiest workmanship is on the box of the catch. This may indicate it is a replaced part, the original likely to have carried the marks. The present "Lodel" likely being a workman's mark probably indicating the owner to which it should be returned.
It may also be missing a filigree section, it closes at an amethyst to amethyst point and that really messes with the symmetry.
Regards, Tom
