Vintage 1960s White Carved Shell Pendant Floral Geometric Cutwork Scalloped Pin

Carved shell pendants with this level of openwork detail are harder to find than the plain disc variety.

A mid-century pendant, likely 1960s, carved from a single piece of natural shell into a round scalloped form. The front face is worked into a starburst-floral pattern at the centre with scrolled cutwork around the border — the kind of carving that takes its time. The reverse shows the natural inner surface of the shell, cream and grey-brown in layers.

The piece has aged gracefully — some yellowing in the carved recesses and faint surface marks on the back, consistent with its years. No chain is included; the pendant hangs from a simple wire bail.

It sits lightly at the collarbone on any chain from 40–50 cm. The ivory-white tone works with natural fabrics — linen, cotton, undyed wool — and reads just as well at a market as at a dinner table.

Details

• Type: Pendant (no chain)
• Era: 1960s
• Material: Carved natural shell (owner to confirm — see notes)
• Size: Approx. 3.5 × 3 cm
• Marked: No
• Bail: Wire loop, base metal
• Style: Floral, geometric, cutwork

Condition

Excellent · No chips or cracks; some age yellowing in carved recesses and faint surface marks on reverse, consistent with age.