Nugget Turquoise Appraisal

Vintage Turquoise Nugget Necklace with Silver Clasp

This is a vintage necklace featuring tumbled or 'nugget' style turquoise beads strung together, likely on a sturdy cord or wire. The necklace consists of approximately 30-35 individual turquoise pieces, each varying in size, shape, and color intensity. The stones are irregularly shaped, characteristic of raw or minimally polished turquoise nuggets, ranging from smooth to slightly craggy surfaces. The color of the turquoise is predominantly a beautiful robin's egg blue to a slightly greener teal, showing natural variations and possibly some matrixing or inclusions, although these are not clearly discernible in the provided image. The beads are individually knotted or separated by small spacer beads, suggesting quality craftsmanship that prevents beads from rubbing and provides flexibility. The clasp is a decorative, oval-shaped box clasp made of what appears to be oxidized sterling silver or a similar silver-toned metal, featuring an intricate, possibly floral or Art Deco-inspired, debossed design. The oxidized finish of the clasp provides a nice contrast to the vibrant turquoise and suggests a vintage aesthetic. The overall condition appears good for a vintage piece, with no obvious signs of major damage or missing beads. The natural variations in the turquoise are inherent to the material and not considered flaws. The age is estimated to be mid to late 20th century, consistent with the style of turquoise jewelry and the clasp design. The uniform yet natural appearance of the beads indicates a concerted effort in selecting matching stones for this piece. The necklace exhibits good craftsmanship, evident in the stringing and the choice of a decorative clasp, elevating it beyond a simple strand of beads.