Can’t see the stones on that bracelet at all in that screenshot… is that some sort of filter? I guess i’m getting too old…
only reference I was able to locate on PW was over at the medicine man gallery.
similar style cuff from a different artist
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I would say the necklace most definitely looks Asian made, or at least not Native American.
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Truly appreciate your insight, Steve
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Agreed. That type of clasp looks awfully familiar with ones made in Thailand or China at the very least. They do use such clasps here in Japan jewelry stores even when using American turquoise. They did advertised the stones as American in origin. I’m still on the fence about that particular detail, The stones look like they were dyed and the weight seems off, like plastic.
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The only reference I was able to find regarding the zuni looking bracelet, sadly…
The stones in the necklace look like tumbled and drilled natural Sleeping Beauty. From the photos I see no evidence at all of treating or stabilization. The only caveat is if worn regularly the stones will likely absorb sweat, oils, etc, and may naturally take on a greener hue.
I wouldn’t worry about the clasp. This type of material is drilled, tumbled, and processed in professional cutting shops, and often transported and strung in bulk from 5 gallon buckets, or large bags of drilled material. It’s sold just like you see it strung on polyester thread, wire, or fishing line in supply houses, and often restrung as you see it by resellers with commercial findings. Nothing at all wrong looking or irregular with this piece.
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Thank you for the detailed response, mmrogers. I’m not at all familiar with sleeping beauty and because this was sold at a private auction I knew it was 50/50 legit or not. I must admit the thrill is real and is what makes everything worth the gamble. Frankly, out of 100 auctions, maybe 3 or 4 turned out to be imitation/fake. Its Japan after all and the possibility of finding real treasure like this little guy here is truly a blessing.
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I agree with @mmrogers on the turquoise. It looks like what I was purchasing from Thunderbird Supply in the mid 1980’s.
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This is a casting rather than a hand made bracelet. The stones look precisely machine cut for the settings rather than hand cut, do not appear to be natural (at best stabilized or treated material), and may or may not have actual turquoise content (would need a closeup look with a 10X loupe or a microscope to render an opinion on the true nature of the material).
In any case, while attractive, this is imitation NA jewelry rather than the real article.
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I’m truly grateful to you from the bottom of my heart, mmrogers
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This is a most unforgettable learning experience, close to the alpaca ‘silver’ abalone butterfly cuff I got not so long ago… deeply disheartening but that’s life. I guess the ‘PW’ hallmark signature really got me and I fell flat on my bottom. Yikes…
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Again, consider your goals. If you want authentic Native American jewelry of some quality, and you’re not able (yet) to sort out what’s good/not based on internet pics and sketchy descriptions, patronize known dealers in this material. Avoid the disappointment and wasted funds of relying on crapshoots. We discuss such dealers/sources like crazy on this forum, so easily searchable.
Also, Japan is an enthusiastic market for Native American jewelry (and basically all kinds of Americana) and consequently has active, respectable sellers with websites and/or Instagram presence.
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Truly appreciate your insight with all my heart, chicfarmer
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This piece is the second fake NA artwork I got this year and frankly, I think it’s time for me to call it a day. Agreed on Japan being a goldmine for genuine/authentic NA craftsmanship but a rotten apple will always slip among trusted sellers. With that being said, i’m devastated and will dispose of this item with the morning garbage on my way to work. Have a blessed day
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Throwing it in the trash seems rather extreme. Non-authentic doesn’t mean it’s garbage, it simply means it is not as represented. Still an attractive (and likely) a sterling bracelet with attractive settings. It isn’t costume jewelry, it is simply (likely) sterling jewelry made in a Native American style. It’s a nice fashion piece.
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Thank you for your kind words, dear Sir.. if anything this taught me so much and for that i’m truly grateful. The necklace pendant craftsmanship from Patsy W. had me pretty convinced the cuff bracelet could have been her work. Sadly, I was wrong ![]()
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