Richard Long Sr. Navajo Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Cuff Bracelet

This is a significant sterling silver cuff bracelet handcrafted by the renowned Navajo silversmith Richard Long Sr. The piece features a double-row cluster of approximately eleven oval and teardrop-shaped turquoise cabochons, likely sourced from the Sleeping Beauty mine given their vibrant robin's egg blue hue. The stones are set in individual sawtooth bezels, a hallmark of traditional Diné craftsmanship, and are accented by small applied silver raindrops (beads) tucked between the stones to add texture and visual depth. The silver shows a deep natural oxidation or patina, particularly in the recessed areas, which provides a striking contrast against the bright blue of the stones. The bracelet is constructed on a heavy-gauge silver shank, indicating high quality and durability. While the interior hallmark is not visible in this angle, the style and stone arrangement are consistent with Long's mid-to-late 20th-century body of work. The condition appears excellent with no visible cracks to the stones, though there is general surface wear and tarnish on the metal commensurate with age and light use.

I have completed a visual examination of the Navajo sterling silver cuff attributed to Richard Long Sr. Based on the provided documentation, the piece exhibits the characteristic 'robin's egg' blue and uniform color profile associated with the Sleeping Beauty mine, which ceased production in 2012, significantly increasing the market value of existing specimens. The sawtooth bezels and oxidized silver rain-drop accents are consistent with Long's mid-to-late 20th-century aesthetic. Based on current market trends for high-end Native American hallmarks, pieces by recognized silversmiths like Richard Long Sr. command a premium compared to unsigned works. Similar cluster-style cuffs in excellent condition frequently realize prices between $1,200 and $2,000 at specialized auction houses. The condition of this bracelet appears exceptional, with no apparent fractures or 'matrix-pop' in the stones and a desirable natural patina. However, a definitive appraisal is limited by the digital nature of this inspection. A physical examination is required to verify the specific gravity of the silver, confirm the presence of a stamped hallmark (typically 'R. Long' or 'Richard Long'), and rule out stabilized or synthetic stone treatments which would lower the value by 40-50%. To finalize this valuation for insurance purposes, I would require a macroscopic review of the stone-to-bezel fit and any available provenance regarding the original place of purchase.