Help with type of turquoise and hallmark

lotus3 · June 9, 2015, 12:41am

I originally posted these photos in the introduction forum but decided it should really be posted here. I hope this doesn’t cause problems, I am a new member and wasn’t sure where to post.
Anyway, this piece is supposedly from the late 1930s to early 1940s (according to my jeweler) It weighs in at 453 grams. I HAD to have it, it is stunning. Pictures don’t do it justice, especially with my poor photo skills.
I researched this hallmark on the internet, to no avail. Anyboby seen it before?
My only concern was with the turquoise, my jeweler insists it is natural, but with pits. He says this is what you want to see in a piece from this period. Is that true? From my limited research, it kind of reminds me of Stone Mountain turquoise. What do you think?
Thanks for any help you can provide.

Lotus

SevernSound · July 8, 2015, 4:08pm

First let me say what a stunning piece. The workmanship is outstanding.
I think your date is a bit off. Because of the soldering techniques and the number of appliques plus the use of the more modern sterling stamp. I think it was made circa 1960-80. That plus the beads look machine made.The rocker style artist hallmark is intriguing but I can find no reference to an ‘ED’ or the initials E D so the artist remains unknown.
As for the turquoise it sounds like it is natural, if it was stabilized those pits you speak of would be filled in with resin. There is nothing wrong with stabilizing turquoise, it makes it easier to work with and helps prevent discolouration and possible cracking.
As for where the turquoise comes from it’s really hard to say. The pictures are a little dark and there are lots of mines out there with that tight matrix. Could be any of what I call the Mountain mines. Lone, Red, Indian, Turquoise are just a few that come to mind with that type of matrix.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help, but that necklace is sure a keeper.