FIRM ON PRICE

CUFF PROVENANCE: (Appraised at over $3000)

This classic Navajo cuff came through my store by the son of the original owner. He inherited his father’s pieces that the father had collected since the 1950’s.The son was telling me that nobody in the family wanted these, nor would wear them, so that’s when he considered bringing them to me. The father etched his ID # on the back of each piece I purchased (See hallmark photo at end),which was very common for that time period.. Many times an owner would put their social security # or certain numbers that would identify the owner in case if anything were to happen, they could identify it. The son also showed me a paper where this was appraised for over $3000.

THE CUFF:

Made in a classic Navajo design that was made where the sterling work sits shyly in the background, while the stones take the centerstage spotlight. These 5 cuts line the center, atop of a tri-wire shank below, which the outer north & south wires are made with ½ triangular durable heavy gauge wire, whereas in the very center, is a twisted heavy gauge wire. (See 2nd to last photo) Because of the sterling’s hefty gauge, makes this non adjustable.

THE SEAFOAM TURQUOISE:

The term “Seafoam Turquoise” does not refer to a mine, but rather refers to visual characteristics, which are color and shape. Seafoam turquoise actually could come from any number of mines. There is slight variation in color, which tells me that these stones are not treated, since stabilized turquoise will not change over time. These may have been a tad bluer when new & now after time, I would say they’re more of a teal green. The chunky natural stones are all in their “free form” nugget like shape and sit high in their secure bezels.

THE HALLMARK:

The only “F. Begay” I know of is “Francis Begay”, but they are usually signed “F.L.Begay”. From having been in this business for decades now, I do know that artists change their hallmark over time, so whether this is one of Francis’s earlier cuffs, I am not sure.

WRIST SIZE:

This is made for a large sized 6-7/8" wrist, but because it has a 1-1/4" gap opening, this is meant for a somewhat fleshy, more meaty wrist. Because of the design & sterling’s gauge , this cannot be adjusted, so it's of extreme importance that you know your wrist size and what gap opening works best for it to comfortably fit over the arm before purchasing. Just so you know, the gap has a lot to do with your arm size,(or wrist area) so the bigger the arm, the wider the gap should be. The skinnier your arm is, then you want to go with a smaller gap opening. If you have a cuff that fits you well, you can measure the gap opening on it & compare it to my measurements.

Cuff's are one of the only bracelets that HAVE to fit properly, so If you're unsure, click on this link: How To Fit A Cuff.  And while there,be sure to copy/paste the You Tube link, which shows you the “Proper” way to put a cuff on! I am an email away, so don't hesitate in getting in touch with me if you need!.

If you zoom in on the last 2 photos, you’ll see the matching ring that’s also made by the same artist & is listed under the “RING” category.. The ring is a size 9-1/2

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ARTIST: F. Begay {Francis??}

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Navajo

METAL: Sterling

METAL FINISHING: Natural Patination

WEIGHT: 4.15 OUNCES - 117.2 Grams

SHANK WIDTH: 1-5/8” and Tapers down to 3/4” at the terminals ((This was measured from the underside)

STONE: Natural Turquoise

TURQUOISE CUT: Seafoam Nuggets

TURQUOISE SIZE: (see photos)

INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS: 5-5/8"

GAP MEASUREMENT:1-1/4"

(For a large wrist-Total wrist size 6-7/8"-but will fit a 6-3/4” wrist to a 7” )

INTERIOR LEFT TO RIGHT MEASUREMENT: 2-50" (This is measured on the left to right inside while cuff is laying flat atop of a paper measuring tape - This measurement is different from the interior measurement )

ADJUSTABLE: No-Based on the shanks heavy gauge weight

HALLMARK: "F. Begay”

CONDITION: Shank is in same condition as when made & has been VERY well kept & in perfect Condition. No cracked, chipped or missing stones. Sit secured in bezels. The cuff has gracefully aged & has a warm patina..I do not believe in polishing vintage jewelry, so I will send it like it is.

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SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT:

Anything with this kind of price tag, will have a mandatory signature confirmation requirement. If you're not home in the day & need it shipped where it can be signed for,please change that in your "Ship To" section before I create the shipping label***I'm sorry if this may be an inconvenience, but I do not ship expensive pieces without one. This is for your safety & mine.

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PLEASE READ:

*****I do not consider myself a 'professional photographer" but I do try to give you photos that are 'realistic" in color, just so you're not shocked, nor disappointed when you get the piece. So please go through the photos to see any variation. Please understand that each monitor varies and also plays an important role in how vibrant or less vibrant as something appears. *****