Alaskan Mystery button, Did I get hosed?

[killdead 660]

Hi all, It's me again. I was just going through some old stuff with my grandmother, and she found this-

http://img155.imageshack.us/i/p1020543u.jpg/
http://img193.imageshack.us/i/p1020544ea.jpg/
http://img805.imageshack.us/i/p1020545.jpg/
http://img541.imageshack.us/i/p1020546u.jpg/

She told me that this pin was bought in Alaska some time ago. It was around 1998 or 1999, And I realize that it is not really and antique. The only reason that I am posting it is because I almost fell out of my chair when she told me she payed 200 Dollars USD for it. She said that is has a sterling silver back, And I beleive this to be true. I also noticed that the top part on the front is Mother Of Pearl, But is it really worth 200 USD? I truly doubt that it is, But how much Is it worth now? Has anyone seen these before? Is anyone interested in purchasing this item? Thank you! --Kill

PS: I almost forgot the dimensions- Height= 1 1/2 inches   Width= 2 1/8 inches

[killdead 660]

Also- There is no indicated artist signature on the item. Wow wth?

[waywardangler]

I just got back from an Alaskan cruise and there are more jewelry stores in their port cities than there are anywhere I have ever been.  It was mind boggling.  Your brooch could have sold for $200 in 1998.  It looks handmade (judging from the pin clasp on back).  I do not see any silver mark such as 'sterling' or '925'.  I would take it to a local jeweler and have it appraised to find out the current approximate value.

[cogar]

Did you purchase any gold  Moose Nuggets while you were there?

[waywardangler]

All moose nuggets are gold...especially if your soil needs compost.   Trudging through the brush and waiting for the moose to deposit is the hard part. 

[cogar]

On one of my hunting trips to BC, a Novelty Shop in Whitehorse was selling a little clear plastic bag/pack containing 8 or 10 brightly gold painted “Moose Nuggets”. They were cute but I didn’t purchase any.

To wit:

Moose Nugget Earrings – Price: $3.00
http://alaskagift.com/floweringmoosenuggets-1-3.aspx

[KC]

YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!