I stopped in at a local trading post and found these 2 cuffs that I think I really want. Oddly, neither are stamped sterling but are being sold as Native American pieces…
The modern one must have some story.is this tufa?I am hoping y’all can shed some light (even though it has no turquoise) It is marked with N.Bla (not sure of last letter).
The turquoise one has no markings at all. It is quite heavy. Bummer that one of the stones is greener than the others. Maybe that’s ok? Any idea on the mine source?
In Hougart’s book the hallmark belongs to a Norman Bia who he says is a multiple award winner for his work. The bracelet is not tufa cast, looks like a combination oof textures that could be shavings that have been soldered onto plate along with overlay work. The bracelet looks to have some age and it makes sense it does not have a hallmark. It is common to see the original color of the stone to change with time. It has a good looking piece of turquoise. Not sure what the prices are, do see the $220 and that seems reasonable. I would value the turquoise piece higher than the silver.
Thank you for identifying the artist! I’m going to research him further to see if he is still alive.
And you are spot on regarding turquoise cuff being more…it is $325. You think this is an Ok price? Is it Navajo? Any guess on stone origin?
