Been told a couple different options on what kind of turquoise this is. Would appreciate any help you could offer. Thanks so much!
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@NM_Enchanted Hi & Welcome. That’s a nice turquoise cuff. Is it stamped .925 or Sterling? Are there any hallmarks on the reverse? Without provenance, it’s really just a guess on the type of turquoise or mine. My guess is that the cab may be Hubei (Chinese) turquoise. Just curious - what other opinions have you received about this turquoise?
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It is not stamped at all. I live in New Mexico and it isn’t uncommon for the older pieces around here to not be stamped, but I know that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. It did polish up nicely. I got it at an antique place here known for it’s Native jewelry. I’ve heard both Kingman and #8, but I haven’t taken it anywhere for further inspection. I just thought it was pretty and was curious. I wish I was one of those people who could look at turquoise and know the mine, but I’m still learning.
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Hi! I live in NM also. Can you share the name of this place?
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Cowboys and Indians Antiques on Central in Albuquerque.
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Thanks! I haven’t been there for a long time. I’ll have to stop by one day soon.
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They had a lot of really beautiful stuff last I was in.
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Oh I really enjoyed C&I Antiques! I bought a cuff there years ago.
Nice cuff. I would also guess Chinese turquoise. But without actual provenance there is no way to know for sure what mine it comes from, so who knows. On here we like to make educated guesses, but even most experts will not give you a for sure answer, because stones from the same mine can look completely different.
When I bought my cuff there, the gentleman who was working would not even try to guess where my turquoise was from, just said “natural.”
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Same. He was in interesting fellow. 
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Yes he was. But I respect a seller who won’t claim he knows turquoise is from a particular mine when he doesn’t have provenance. If they give me an educated idea on where, I’m fine with that.
I know C&I has some old stuff, but I don’t know if much would technically qualify as antique (100 years old), but they have a lot of vintage jewelry. I have no idea how old your cuff is, but I have read that Chinese turquoise started being used in the US in large amounts in the 80’s.
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Agreed. And it’s beautiful, which is why it came home with me. Appreciate the insight!
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