Pave Clasp Appraisal

Turquoise Beaded Necklace with Pave Clasp

This item is a necklace composed of numerous spherical, polished turquoise beads strung together. The beads exhibit a vibrant, light blue to greenish-blue hue, characteristic of natural turquoise, with varying degrees of darker brown or grey matrix veining throughout. Some beads show more pronounced spiderweb-like matrix patterns, while others are relatively solid in color. The beads appear to be uniformly sized, approximately 8mm to 10mm in diameter, and are separated by small knots, indicating a hand-knotted construction, which is a common practice for natural stone and pearl necklaces to protect individual beads from rubbing and to prevent all beads from scattering if the strand breaks. The stringing material appears to be a light-colored thread or cord, possibly silk or a synthetic equivalent, matching the turquoise color in some instances and contrasting subtly in others. The necklace features a prominent, decorative clasp, which is a spherical or ball-shaped type, crafted from a silver-toned metal (likely sterling silver or white gold-plated base metal) and entirely covered in small, round, clear pavé-set gemstones, presumably cubic zirconia or small diamonds. The pavé setting technique gives the clasp a shimmering, textured surface. The clasp is a box-style push-in clasp with a safety latch, ensuring secure closure. The overall condition appears to be good, with no obvious signs of significant damage, chipping, or discoloration on the beads. The metal clasp shows a bright, reflective finish consistent with minimal wear. This type of beaded necklace, often featuring natural stones and elaborate clasps, suggests a style that can range from mid-20th century to contemporary, reflecting a timeless design. The quality of the turquoise, while appearing natural, would require closer inspection to determine if it is stabilized or untreated. The craftsmanship of the knotting and the pavé setting on the clasp suggest a mid-to-high quality piece of costume or fine jewelry.