1970's Classic Navajo- Massively Large Statement- Kingman Turquoise Sterling Cuff - 3" Tall 5.18 Ounces!
1970's Classic Navajo- Massively Large Statement- Kingman Turquoise Sterling Cuff - 3" Tall 5.18 Ounces!
PROVENANCE:
This cuff came from a long time Santa Fe collector of vintage Native American jewelry & arts. They turned their collection over to a high end Santa Fe Native American gallery,that ended up closing their doors almost 7 years ago & since then,this has been in storage until I was asked to list it.
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This very visual classic style Navajo cuff is made where the total focus is on the HUGE cut of turquoise..The stone sits low in it's well done-hand made scalloped bezel & is wire wrapped.To accommodate the stone's size,the artist placed it atop of heavy gauge,4 split wire shank of 1/2 triangular wire..Fanned shield's sit on both sides of the stone.
Everything about this is on the 'generous' side,with the stone alone being 2-3/4" wide x just under 2" ! However,the weight comes from not only the gauge of sterling used,but the amount!
This was made before they started treating turquoise,so it comes natural & untreated.Quality turquoise is graded on the Moh's scale by it's hardness & the harder it is,the less porous,so in time when blue turquoise that many times will change to green,'Harder-Top Quality' turquoise will maintain it's blue color after years.This stone is the perfect example of what I'm talking about.
This has a large 6-1/8" interior,with a small 7/8",which helps if you got a large wrist,but not as a 'fleshy" of one.But if you need a larger gap than the 7/8", one could also take this to a reputable jeweler & have them open it,that is unless you know how to properly open it.
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CONDITION:
**There is one 7 mm range spot on the very side of the matrix,that has been 'filled' (see photo 5) & many times what people will do is fill it with a 'nickle' like substance.Matrix can get rocky & then starts to to get hairline cracks if there are any weak spots.. I have seen many a stone repaired this way & it stops anything else from happening.Close up photos however,tend to magnify every little detail that you do not necessarily see with the naked eye & if you look at the brown matrix in the photos,it looks as though the hairline cracks are large,but in actuality,they are not**
** THERE IS NO TAX APPLIED FOR ANY & ALL OUT OF STATE SHIPMENTS **
SPECIFICS:
ARTIST: Unknown
TRIBE:Navajo
WIDTH: 3"-Tapers to just under 1/2"" at Terminals
INTERIOR: 6-1/8"
GAP: 7/8"(For a Total Wrist Size of 7")
WEIGHT: 5.19 OUNCES--146.8 Grams
STONE SIZE: 70 mm x 49.2 mm (2-3/4" X Just under 2")
(IF YOU ARE UNSURE IF THIS WILL FIT,PLEASE READ INFO ON"HOW TO FIT A CUFF" BELOW)
HALLMARK: Typical of era,this comes unsigned by artist.Tested positive to be at least 925 sterling.
CONDITION:Please read above under"Condition",other wise it's in perfect vintage condition!The shank is not bent,nor out of shape,it has a warm developed patina..
COMES BOXED
To know that this cuff will fit you, please refer to How To Fit A Cuff in the "about" drop down