This large traditional Native American hand made turquoise and silver bracelet was recently obtained from one of our favorite pawn shops in Gallup, New Mexico. The Navajo silver bracelet is covered with two rows of turquoise stones (32 stones total). The stones are all in excellent condition, with no cracked or loose stones, set in serrated bezels. The turquoise is most likely Kingman or Sleeping Beauty turquoise. The bracelet is a traditional Navajo turquoise & silver bracelet with silver raindrop beads surrounding each stone, an oxidized background, twisted silver ropes and hand-cut edges, polished smooth so as not the hurt your arm.
The bracelet measures 1-3/8 inch wide at the front, narrowing to 1-1/4 inch wide at the terminals. The inside end-to-end measurement is 6 inch plus there is a 1-3/8 inch gap. It weighs 113 grams. Suitable for a larger wrist. The exact age of the bracelet is unknown. Stamped with an R and sterling. Excellent condition!
For the Southwestern Native American Indian, pawn refers to the practice of converting jewelry into cash by using it as collateral for loans from authorized pawn shops. Pawn is also used by some Native Americans in the same way that a safety deposit box would be used. The jewelry is pawned for safe keeping in between religious ceremonies or other special occasions. However, if the loan or pawn fees are not paid up by the agreed date, the pawn shop or trader is then authorized to sell the jewelry. When jewelry is not redeemed by its owner by the expiration date, it is referred to as Dead Pawn. The term Dead Pawn does not indicate the age of the jewelry - dead pawn jewelry can be new, old or in-between.