Featured Fossilized Pendant? Mother-of-Pearl Backing

Hi Antiquers!
Is this a fossilized pendant?
The pendants' backside seems to be Mother-of-Pearl.
I would appreciate any information.
Have a Great Day.
Thanks.

 

It's shell. I can't remember which one. These are usually Indonesian.

 

I don't know anything for sure, hopefully someone who does will chip in. I can only say that: it is very striking; I have never seen anything like it, can't think of any circumstances under which natural stone (non-fossil) could develop to look like this. It does have a very fossil-y look, but the radial arrangement of the 'spokes' with nothing at the center gives me doubts. This is where an expert is really needed. It could be a very complicated piece of glass making.

Why do you think the back is MOP? When viewed from the edge, can you see 2 discrete layers?

 

!!! See while I was writing my wordy reply, Judy nipped in with some more concrete info. Shell would explain the nacreous look of the back without there being 2 separate layers. As someone who deals with a different kind of shell jewellery, would sure love to know what kind can produce this.

 

Striking, indeed! That's beautiful. I would not have thought naturally occurring, either.

 

http://indonesiajewelry.blogspot.com/search/label/Neklace

If the blogger is correct, would have to be some kind of resin inset with what I would guess are the interior spirals of some kind of shell.

 

Sure!

 

Thank You, Bronwen. According to the Indonesian jewelry designer, the pendant is made of various shells. Interesting design. Thanks for the information.

 

That sounds right. I've seen these widely sold and really like them. I think I have one somewhere. Oops. Too many jools.

 

Think the piece is made of 'various' shells only if you count the MOP backing. Looks like a single kind of shell for the 'spokes' & an artificial material for the rest. MOP backing added to a piece is usually there to hide something, such as obvious signs of molding, or to enhance something translucent above it.

 

Thank you, Bronwen. Excellent Description. Above all, I like the pendants' caramel brown color.

 

Cross sections of screw shells arranged like spokes in a wheel/sunrays.
Screw shells:

 

Beautiful!

 

They are also known as auger shells. They would be perfect for producing those long slender spirals. Thank you AJ for completing the picture.