Vintage Southwest Sterling Silver Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Cuff Bracelet Signed M.

Description

This exquisite sterling silver cuff bracelet is a quintessential example of Southwest Native American jewelry artistry, a genre deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi peoples. Historically, these silver-smithing traditions evolved in the mid-to-late 19th century, blending traditional ancestral designs with techniques learned from Spanish colonial influence. This specific piece captures that timeless aesthetic with its row of vibrant blue Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochons, prized for their clear, robin's-egg blue hue and minimal matrix. The stones are meticulously set in hand-cut sawtooth bezels, a hallmark of traditional craftsmanship that provides both security and a decorative, jagged edge.

The design features a substantial sterling silver construction with a dark, oxidized recessed channel that makes the bright turquoise and polished silver spheres pop with contrast. This cuff is a versatile size, measuring approximately 5 3/4 inches around with an additional 1 1/8 inch opening, totaling a 6 7/8 inch inner circumference. The face of the bracelet stands 5/8 of an inch wide, providing a bold presence on the wrist without being cumbersome. Weighing in at a solid 25.5 grams, the piece feels substantial and high-quality. The interior is clearly hallmarked with "Sterling" and the maker's mark "M." signifying its authentic material composition and artisan origins.

Vintage Condition & Care: All items listed are previously owned and used unless otherwise stated. Please expect signs of wear such as scuffs, blemishes, or imperfections. While most pieces are gently cleaned with a jeweler's cloth or warm soapy water, Native American pieces are left unpolished to preserve the natural patina often desired by collectors.