Nugget Beads Appraisal

Turquoise Nugget Bead Necklace with Silver Clasp

This is a statement necklace composed of large, natural, undyed Chinese carved turquoise nuggets, interspersed with small, presumably sterling silver, spacer beads. The turquoise beads are irregular in shape and size, ranging from approximately 1.5 cm to 3 cm in their longest dimension, showcasing their raw, unpolished form. The color of the turquoise is a vibrant, medium-to-dark robin's egg blue with visible matrix (veining) in shades of darker blue, brown, or black, which authenticates their natural origin. Some nodules may show natural pitting or minor surface irregularities consistent with untreated stone. The overall construction appears to be strung on a durable material, likely silk or a strong synthetic cord, though this is not clearly visible. The necklace features an 'antique silver' clasp, as per the additional context, which suggests a vintage or aged appearance, possibly with a patina. While the specific type of clasp (e.g., lobster, toggle) is not discernible from the image, its presence confirms the necklace is designed for wear. The craftsmanship appears robust, ensuring the integrity of the strand. This necklace exudes a bohemian or Southwestern aesthetic, typical of pieces originating from the mid-20th century onwards, though the 'antique silver clasp' hints at a potentially older origin or a period reproduction/style. The substantial size of the turquoise nuggets indicates a higher quality and value of the raw material.