Vintage Native American Style Lapis Lazuli Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

This is a vintage cuff-style bracelet featuring a large, prominent oval cabochon of deep blue stone, likely Lapis Lazuli or Sodalite, measuring approximately 30mm to 40mm in height. The stone exhibits a rich, saturated blue hue with subtle natural mottling and white calcite inclusions characteristic of authentic semi-precious gemstones. The setting is constructed from silver, possibly sterling grade, utilizing a traditional Southwestern or Navajo-inspired aesthetic. The central stone is encitcled by a decorative silver bead or 'raindrop' border. The shank of the bracelet is a triple-split wire design that tapers toward the terminals, joined by vertical stamped or textured silver bars at the shoulders. The metal displays a natural aged patina with visible tarnish and darkening in the recessed areas of the beadwork, which enhances the vintage character of the piece. There are minor surface scratches and evidence of gentle wear on the silver terminals, consistent with a mid-20th-century era of production. The craftsmanship is indicative of hand-assembled jewelry, showing slight irregularities in the bead placement that add to its unique, artisan appeal. No visible maker's marks are discernible from the primary angle, though they may be located on the interior of the cuff.

Based on my visual examination of the images provided, this is a vintage cuff bracelet featuring a large, deep blue oval cabochon, likely lapis lazuli, set in a traditional Southwestern or Native American-style silver mount. The stone shows characteristic natural mottling and calcite inclusions. The triple-split wire shank and 'raindrop' bead border are hallmarks of this artisan style. The piece exhibits a natural aged patina with tarnish in recessed areas, consistent with mid-20th-century production, alongside minor surface wear indicative of gentle use. Market demand for vintage Native American and Southwestern-style silver jewelry remains steady, particularly for pieces featuring large, natural stones. However, the value is heavily dependent on identifying a specific maker and confirming the silver content. Comparable unsigned pieces with lapis lazuli or sodalite typically retail in the $150 to $250 range in the current secondary market. Please note that this appraisal is based solely on photographic evidence. I cannot definitively verify the authenticity of the stone (whether it is lapis lazuli, sodalite, or a dyed substitute), the exact silver content (e.g., sterling .925), or the presence of any partially obscured maker's marks on the interior. A physical inspection, complete with a jeweler's loupe examination for hallmarks and potential material testing, would be required to provide a definitive authentication and potentially adjust the appraisal value if a prominent maker is identified.