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- Jun 26, 2007
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Perfection!
I definitely wanted the larger one, bit I couldn't leave the "swirly" one behind!
So I took them both.
Perfection!
They're both stunning! I can see why you had to rescue them.I showed these in another thread, but they belong here, too.
I picked up these two sterling bracelets in a small antique mall. I couldn't resist!
They are Navajo made in the tufa cast process.
A design is carved into volcanic tufa stone, then molten silver is poured in. The flat piece is then removed and shaped into a cuff. Then it is polished and stones are added. Lots of work and expertise is involved in this process.
I think this first one is from the 1970s, and it has great dark patina.
And this one is decidedly different, and newer. But it stole my heart, so I had to rescue it, too.
They're both stunning! I can see why you had to rescue them.
There's a modern tufa cast bracelet I've been admiring for a while but not quiiiiite enough to pull the trigger since it's expensive, I typically wear more delicate jewelry, and I think it's likely too big in circumference for me. The turquoise is from the Candelaria mine.
I showed these in another thread, but they belong here, too.
I picked up these two sterling bracelets in a small antique mall. I couldn't resist!
They are Navajo made in the tufa cast process.
A design is carved into volcanic tufa stone, then molten silver is poured in. The flat piece is then removed and shaped into a cuff. Then it is polished and stones are added. Lots of work and expertise is involved in this process.
I think this first one is from the 1970s, and it has great dark patina.
And this one is decidedly different, and newer. But it stole my heart, so I had to rescue it, too.
What stunning finds! That first one looks like old kingman and I wonder if the tufa cast one is blue moon? It can oftentimes have that deeper blue "staining," which I love. But Mexican turq can too (like white water). In any event... beauties, the both of them!!
Thanks Autumn!
I was thinking Kingman on the first one.
Does the bracelet look 1970s to you, or older?
I was trying to figure out the turquoise origin on the smaller bracelet. That light blue stone is really dreamy.
You may be right about Blue Moon!
I showed these in another thread, but they belong here, too.
I picked up these two sterling bracelets in a small antique mall. I couldn't resist!
They are Navajo made in the tufa cast process.
A design is carved into volcanic tufa stone, then molten silver is poured in. The flat piece is then removed and shaped into a cuff. Then it is polished and stones are added. Lots of work and expertise is involved in this process.
I think this first one is from the 1970s, and it has great dark patina.
And this one is decidedly different, and newer. But it stole my heart, so I had to rescue it, too.
Oh I think that first one could definitely be 1970's, although I'll admit dating these pieces is not my strong suit. I just know I love them.I believe the hallmark is that of Helen Long, Navajo.
Helen Long
Helen Long is the Matriarch of a wonderful family of Navajo Silversmiths. She was married to Jimmie Long, a well known Navajo jeweler in his own right. They are both deceased, but left a permanent mark on Native American Jewelry. Helen is best known for her work in creating Sterling Silver...www.shopgarlands.com
The second piece is my favorite... I'd slap that puppy right on my wrist this very moment. So I have this blue moon piece, and it sort of reminded me of your stone. Just conjecture, of course, but it's giving that vibe (light sky blue with the deeper blue staining or mottling). It's different than, say, kingman waterweb which has that very distinct blue spiderweb matrix.
^Your necklace is divine! Who's the maker? Beautiful workmanship and stone!Oh I think that first one could definitely be 1970's, although I'll admit dating these pieces is not my strong suit. I just know I love them.I believe the hallmark is that of Helen Long, Navajo.
Helen Long
Helen Long is the Matriarch of a wonderful family of Navajo Silversmiths. She was married to Jimmie Long, a well known Navajo jeweler in his own right. They are both deceased, but left a permanent mark on Native American Jewelry. Helen is best known for her work in creating Sterling Silver...www.shopgarlands.com
The second piece is my favorite... I'd slap that puppy right on my wrist this very moment. So I have this blue moon piece, and it sort of reminded me of your stone. Just conjecture, of course, but it's giving that vibe (light sky blue with the deeper blue staining or mottling). It's different than, say, kingman waterweb which has that very distinct blue spiderweb matrix.
whispering very very quietly
you know everyone would hate if they knew what i do with patina ........
i know its very bad but i find the polishing cloth very therapeutic
thats probably not a good excuse
i better scarper off now
^Your necklace is divine! Who's the maker? Beautiful workmanship and stone!
Thank you for the Helen Long info!
I couldn't find anything definitive on HL.
The twisty bracelet is marked with just a P.
The seller told me it was by Tiffani Par.
I cannot find a thing about her anywhere.
And she was making jewelry in the 70's. Not familiar with Par, but I sure love her aesthetic!
lol I understand the impulse! I despise tarnish, but I lurrrve me some proper patina.
Lady silversmiths rock!!
"Righteous patina!"
I heard that on the Antiques Roadshow last night......
@stracci2000 please keep up the good rescue work on these old pieces. They all deserve to find good homes and these lucky two are going to a wonderful home where they will be spoiled!
ETA: I love the "blue moon" turquoise with the darker staining - looks like a map of waterways or something.
These are just so striking on you! I love turq in roughed up, blackened, chunky silver. But then I also love it all dressed up with diamonds in a dainty design. I'd like to have a fancy diamond and turq ring one day.
@Autumn in New England. I have a pair like that, it was a present from a friend who lives in Palm Springs, she gave them to me when I got into college, a gazillion years ago. They hurt my ears so badly, I have a nickel allergy. I need to figure out a way to coat them in order to wear them.
Pretty!
You could change out the ear wires. They should have hypoallergenic ear wires at your local craft store.
Just purchased my long-desired squash blossom necklace. It’s unmarked and there was no info on the maker/stones, so I’m hoping it’s the real deal (I would be sad if it isn’t, but I do love the color and the design).
Calling on @Autumn in New England @stracci2000 - any guesses as to the potential origin/material? This is my first substantial turquoise piece and I am a complete newb!
Just purchased my long-desired squash blossom necklace. It’s unmarked and there was no info on the maker/stones, so I’m hoping it’s the real deal (I would be sad if it isn’t, but I do love the color and the design).
Calling on @Autumn in New England @stracci2000 - any guesses as to the potential origin/material? This is my first substantial turquoise piece and I am a complete newb!
Just purchased my long-desired squash blossom necklace. It’s unmarked and there was no info on the maker/stones, so I’m hoping it’s the real deal (I would be sad if it isn’t, but I do love the color and the design).
Calling on @Autumn in New England @stracci2000 - any guesses as to the potential origin/material? This is my first substantial turquoise piece and I am a complete newb!