Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
These earrings feature polished, faceted cabochons of Petoskey stone, a unique fossilized rugose coral found primarily on the shores of Lake Michigan. The distinctive hexagonal 'eye' patterns are the skeletal remains of ancient marine life from a time when the Midwest was a tropical sea.
Story
Over 350 million years ago, Michigan was a warm, shallow saltwater sea teeming with Hexagonaria percarinata coral. Glaciers later ground these reefs into pebbles, leaving behind these 'living' stones for us to find today.
Maker / Origin
While the specific jewelry maker is unidentified, these are typically crafted by lapidary artisans in the Great Lakes region. The craft involves hand-collecting the stones from beaches and using progressively finer grits to reveal the hidden fossil patterns beneath the rough gray exterior.
Condition & Value
The stones appear well-polished with no visible fractures or chips to the faceted edges. The earring card suggests a thrift find, but the stones themselves are resilient; a gentle cleaning of the metal would restore their luster. Excellent condition preserves the fossil detail.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.