Southwestern Style Sterling Silver Hinged Bangle Bracelet with Stone Inlay
Jewelry - Bangle Bracelet · Likely a Southwestern or Mexican workshop; possibly Navajo or Taxco origin based on the hinged tube-style construction and stone setting. No specific maker is visible without seeing the back of the bezel.
Pattern: Traditional Southwestern Hinged Bangle with decorative central bezel; non-specific boutique pattern.
Type
Jewelry - Bangle Bracelet
Maker
Likely a Southwestern or Mexican workshop; possibly Navajo or Taxco origin based on the hinged tube-style construction and stone setting. No specific maker is visible without seeing the back of the bezel.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or 950 Silver. Features a central cabochon stone (possibly Jasper, Carnelian, or Tiger Eye based on the warmth of the tone) set in a silver bezel with a gold-tone or brass accent wrap.
Dimensions
Standard Ladies' size 7-7.5 inch circumference; approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. Estimated weight: 15-25 grams.
Description
An elegant sterling silver bangle featuring a high-shine tubular band and a prominent central stone inlay. The piece utilizes a mechanical hinge, making it versatile for various wrist sizes. The warm-toned stone is secured by a sawtooth bezel, a signature of Southwestern silversmithing, accented by a decorative twisted perimeter. It represents a refined approach to ethnic-inspired jewelry, blending traditional motifs with modern silhouettes.
Key Features
Hinged tubular construction, sawtooth bezel stone setting, high-polished sterling silver, and a secure hidden clasp mechanism.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or 950 Silver. Features a central cabochon stone (possibly Jasper, Carnelian, or Tiger Eye based on the warmth of the tone) set in a silver bezel with a gold-tone or brass accent wrap.
Finish & Decoration
High-polished mirror finish on the tubular band. The central decorative element features a serrated bezel (sawtooth) and a twisted wire or rope-patterned accent. Transitional Modern style with Southwestern influences.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in the image, but expected on the interior of the band or the back of the central decorative plate; typically '925', 'Sterling', or a Mexican 'Eagle' mark if from Taxco.
Construction Details
Hand-assembled using hollow-formed tubular silver for the band. Features a mechanical box hinge on one side and a tension-latching clasp on the other. Stone is hand-set in a bezel mount.
Functional Features
Functional side hinge allows for easy wear without sliding over the hand; tongue-and-groove or tension-fit clasp for secure closure; central decorative bezel acts as a focal point.
Handle & Grip Details
Smooth tubular band designed for ergonomic wrist comfort; circular cross-section with a seamless finish except at the mechanical joints.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-formed tubing with hand-soldered hinge components and hand-set stone bezel. Good symmetry and functional mechanics.
Authentication Indicators
The color of the tarnish on the hinge pins and the specific sawtooth design of the bezel are consistent with sterling silver jewelry of this style. Professional testing for '925' purity is recommended.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Southwest) or Mexico. Traditional benchman-style manufacturing utilizing pre-formed sterling components and hand-finishing.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century to Contemporary (c. 1980 - present). Reflective of the enduring popularity of Southwestern sterling silver jewelry in the American market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010 based on the hinge style and the bright, machine-polished appearance of the tubular silver.
Cultural Significance
Represents the commercial crossover of Indigenous and Mexican silver-working techniques into mainstream fashion accessories.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The silver shows light surface scratches consistent with handling in a retail or thrift environment. No visible dents or splits in the hollow tubing. Hinges appear aligned.
Value Estimate
$45.00 - $85.00 depending on the specific maker and stone type; higher if the stone is a high-grade turquoise or rare jasper.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft polishing cloth or Wright's Silver Cream; avoid submersion in chemical dips which can damage or discolor the natural stone inlay and 'antique' recessed details.
Similar Pieces
Taxco silver hinged bangles (often heavier/wider), Navajo sand-cast bracelets (solid rather than tubular), and mass-market silver-plated 'fashion' jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Tubular bangles are often made hollow to reduce weight and cost while maintaining a bold, chunky aesthetic. This style became a staple of 'boutique' Southwestern wear in the 1990s.