I know the beads are bench more than likely but advice on the turquoise?
It’s hard to say what the material is based on the photos. Two things that stick out to me are 1) the material is very (too?) uniform in color and 2) the black matrix has an unusual (imho unnatural looking) pattern.
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I am no expert but you may wish to investigate the possibility the stone used might be dyed howlite, the black lines show a similarity
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I don’t think these are bench beads, because I think I see a vertical seam here.
The beads might not be sterling, but plated. You should have this whole necklace tested for sterling.
The turquoise looks like block to me.
Is it strung on chain?
The back construction is strange, and the solder is dark. This looks like Mexican work.
It is good looking, though.
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Thanks! I ended up passing on it. Just got a feeling and after she couldn’t find it I knew it was probably a blessing.
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I’m new to collecting so I wasn’t sure. I was in FL and saw it. I ended up not buying it well before the post was approved.
It was $300 but I would rather put that towards a nice one from a reputable jeweler when I visit my brother in CO.
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Great, imo you dodged a bullet with this one. And good luck with the search (in CO) i’m sure there will be some lovely items waiting to be found.
p.s. perhaps also keep an eye out for nice flea markets & thrift stores etc.
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