native american sterling silver &terquoise pendant watch cuff bracelet "possible navajo"

By j.luke, 7 February, 2011
Description

this is a watch cuff bracelet, i believe this item is native american possibly navajo, it is sterling silver with 8 turquoise pendants in it. it has a bear figure on it maybe a grizzly with its head front legs and both paws sticking out. it has 2 leaves on it, 1 on each side of the bear. and circle beads on it. with a design along the outside of it. does anyone know if the turquoise pendants have any value??

Category
Jewelry and Gemstones
Medium
sterling silver & turquoise pendants
Distinguishing marks
signature is to small to see but is in the corner of the backside and looks like 2 letters maybe a gj but not sure
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
almost 2inches at widest point, 1inch width at smallest point, length 3inches
Date Period
n/a
Weight
135.0 grams - 4.760 oz
History
this was handed down to my wife from her grandmother that passed away
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
n/a hand me down
For Sale?
Yes
Photos

timdraco

14 years 4 months ago

If its navajo it would not be a grizzly do to the navajo nation residing primarily in arizona. I would say its a black bear. Due to it being a watch, im not sure if this is an antique of native american origin. Its a very pretty piece, but i would get it looked at by a museum that has a native american section to confirm its origin. Price wise depends on the age and silver content. One question though, does the watch portian still work? A good way to tell age on a piece like this is if the watch does not work. Due to most watchs having a shelf life of a year or two, having it working would be a big indecator. Well good luck though and i hope it turns out to be valuable.

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thank you for the input timdraco, no the watch does not work i have had this for roughly 6 to 7 years and the watch did not work then either. i have been trying to find a appraiser in this field near were i live and had no luck yet so i may try the antique barns close by. from what i can see and know it seems to be pretty old. but how old and valuable is the question! from researching other items somewhat similar to this i have found prices from $200 - $2000 but all different makers and never the same design.. i am stumped hopefully someone will recognize the piece. thanks again!

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Leisarene

14 years 4 months ago

Just curious about this piece. I will be interested to see if you find out anything about it. I love it!

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Bigbear79

9 years 5 months ago

Hi there it is a grizzly , and najavo . Made when the bear eagle horse craze happened 1980-1990 . If it was a black bear it would not be shown charging  as blackbears are good spirit bears . If you can send me better more lit photos I can help you find the maker of it and hopefully a price please feel free to email me 

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