
Natural Turquoise Bead Necklace
This is a single-strand necklace composed of graduated, spherical turquoise beads, likely of Southwest or Tibetan origin. The beads exhibit a vibrant range of blue-green to deep sea-foam green hues, characterized by significant natural variation in color and matrix. The matrix patterns consist of dark brown to black iron oxide or host rock inclusions, typical of genuine turquoise specimens. Each bead is manually drilled and polished, showing slight irregularities in roundness and surface texture that indicate hand-finishing rather than mass machine production. The beads vary in size, approximately ranging from 8mm up to 12mm in diameter. The surface shows a waxy to sub-vitreous luster with some evidence of natural pitting and minor surface abrasions consistent with age and previous wear. Several beads show a slight yellowish-green patina, which often occurs due to skin oil absorption over several decades. The strand is currently finished with basic metal jump rings and a white cotton inventory tag, suggesting it may have been recently re-strung or is being prepared for sale. There are no visible maker's marks or metal hallmarks on the findings. Based on the color saturation and matrix style, it likely dates from the mid-to-late 20th century.
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Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Basic Information
Category
Jewelry - Gemstone Necklaces
Appraised On
May 8, 2026
Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Item Description
This is a single-strand necklace composed of graduated, spherical turquoise beads, likely of Southwest or Tibetan origin. The beads exhibit a vibrant range of blue-green to deep sea-foam green hues, characterized by significant natural variation in color and matrix. The matrix patterns consist of dark brown to black iron oxide or host rock inclusions, typical of genuine turquoise specimens. Each bead is manually drilled and polished, showing slight irregularities in roundness and surface texture that indicate hand-finishing rather than mass machine production. The beads vary in size, approximately ranging from 8mm up to 12mm in diameter. The surface shows a waxy to sub-vitreous luster with some evidence of natural pitting and minor surface abrasions consistent with age and previous wear. Several beads show a slight yellowish-green patina, which often occurs due to skin oil absorption over several decades. The strand is currently finished with basic metal jump rings and a white cotton inventory tag, suggesting it may have been recently re-strung or is being prepared for sale. There are no visible maker's marks or metal hallmarks on the findings. Based on the color saturation and matrix style, it likely dates from the mid-to-late 20th century.
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