
Mid-Century Native American Turquoise and Sterling Silver Bolo Tie
This is a vintage mid-century bolo tie featuring a high-domed, freeform natural turquoise cabochon set in a handcrafted sterling silver slide. The stone exhibits a vibrant cerulean to deep-sea-green hue with significant dark matrix inclusions, characteristic of southwestern mines such as Royston or Morenci. The turquoise is secure within a sawtooth bezel, which is surrounded by a twisted wire rope detail and a decorative outer frame featuring hand-stamped leaf or feather motifs. The silverwork shows a rich, dark oxidation in the recessed areas, highlighting the texture and aged patina typical of authentic vintage Navajo or Zuni craftsmanship. The slide measures approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in height and is attached to a traditional braided black leather cord. The leather shows signs of suppleness and minor surface wear consistent with age. While no hallmark is immediately visible on the front, the construction techniques—such as the hand-filed edges and manually twisted wire—point to a mid-20th-century artisan origin (circa 1950s-1970s). The overall condition is good, with some minor surface scratches on the silver and natural pitting within the stone, which does not appear to be stabilized. Such pieces are highly valued for their individual character and the quality of the vintage turquoise utilized.
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Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Basic Information
Category
Vintage Jewelry / Southwestern Native American Art
Appraised On
March 10, 2026
Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Additional Details Provided By Owner
User Provided Information
turquoise silver mid- century bolo
Item Description
This is a vintage mid-century bolo tie featuring a high-domed, freeform natural turquoise cabochon set in a handcrafted sterling silver slide. The stone exhibits a vibrant cerulean to deep-sea-green hue with significant dark matrix inclusions, characteristic of southwestern mines such as Royston or Morenci. The turquoise is secure within a sawtooth bezel, which is surrounded by a twisted wire rope detail and a decorative outer frame featuring hand-stamped leaf or feather motifs. The silverwork shows a rich, dark oxidation in the recessed areas, highlighting the texture and aged patina typical of authentic vintage Navajo or Zuni craftsmanship. The slide measures approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in height and is attached to a traditional braided black leather cord. The leather shows signs of suppleness and minor surface wear consistent with age. While no hallmark is immediately visible on the front, the construction techniques—such as the hand-filed edges and manually twisted wire—point to a mid-20th-century artisan origin (circa 1950s-1970s). The overall condition is good, with some minor surface scratches on the silver and natural pitting within the stone, which does not appear to be stabilized. Such pieces are highly valued for their individual character and the quality of the vintage turquoise utilized.
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