Southwestern Turquoise Appraisal

Southwestern Sterling Silver Turquoise Cuff Bracelet

This is a vintage-style cuff bracelet, likely made of sterling silver, featuring a prominent oval-cut turquoise cabochon as its central focal point. The metal appears to be a bright, polished silver with some evidence of light surface wear, consistent with age and use, possibly exhibiting a subtle natural patina in recessed areas. The cuff itself is a solid, relatively wide band, terminating in a rounded edge at the wrist. The central setting for the turquoise stone is elaborate, with a bezel-set stone surrounded by decorative elements. These include a twisted wire rope detail encircling the bezel, and on either side of the oval, there are additional applied silver elements resembling stylized leaves or scrolls, accented with small silver spherical 'raindrops' or 'beads.' The turquoise stone itself is a striking blue-green hue with a visible matrix of brown or reddish-brown inclusions, indicative of natural turquoise. The matrix is unevenly distributed, forming an appealing natural pattern across the stone's surface. The cabochon cut is smooth and polished, catching the light. While no explicit maker's marks or signatures are visible in the provided image, the craftsmanship suggests a piece from the Southwestern United States, likely Native American (e.g., Navajo or Zuni) in origin, or a piece created in a similar aesthetic. The style with the twisted wire and raindrop embellishments is characteristic of traditional Southwestern jewelry. The piece appears to be in good overall condition for its age, with no apparent major damage or repairs, though a more thorough inspection would be needed to confirm the integrity of the stone setting and metal.