Chunky Turquoise Necklace Appraisal

Heishi Turquoise Bead Necklace with Sterling Silver Spacers

This item is a short necklace, likely a choker or demi-choker style, crafted primarily from numerous small, disc-shaped turquoise beads, commonly referred to as heishi beads. The beads exhibit a variegated color palette, ranging from a vibrant robin's egg blue to deeper teal and greenish-blue tones, interspersed with natural matrix inclusions of brown or black, indicative of genuine turquoise. The heishi beads are not uniformly sized, with some appearing slightly thicker or wider than others, suggesting a handcrafted quality rather than machine-cut precision. Towards the back of the necklace, transitioning from the turquoise beads, are sections of smaller, spherical metallic beads, likely sterling silver or a similar dark-patinated metal, which provide a contrast in texture and color. These smaller metallic beads extend to a simple hook-and-eye or S-hook clasp closure, also appearing to be made of a dark-toned metal. The construction suggests individual beads strung onto a wire or strong thread. There are no overt signs of significant damage such as breaks or cracks in the beads, but some slight discoloration or dirt accumulation between the beads is visible, consistent with moderate wear and age. The overall aesthetic is rustic and earthy, characteristic of Native American jewelry or designs inspired by it. The craftsmanship appears to be good quality, with the beads well-strung and the clasp functional, although without specific maker's marks, precise manufacturing details or age are difficult to determine, but it likely dates from the mid to late 20th century, or possibly contemporary.