Silver and Lapis Lazuli Mixed-Media Beaded Bracelet
Jewelry (Link/Bead Bracelet) · Unbranded artisan contemporary piece; likely mass-produced for retail or fashion boutiques. It does not carry the hallmarks of a prestigious silver house.
Pattern: Ethnographic or 'Tribal' style beaded pattern; no specific named collection is identified.
Type
Jewelry (Link/Bead Bracelet)
Maker
Unbranded artisan contemporary piece; likely mass-produced for retail or fashion boutiques. It does not carry the hallmarks of a prestigious silver house.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality silver-tone alloy (nickel/base metal plated with silver) paired with Lapis Lazuli gemstones. The blue beads appear to be genuine lapis or reconstituted lapis lazuli.
Dimensions
Approximately 7 to 8 inches in length including the extender chain. Weight is estimated at 15-25 grams based on the density of the metal and stone beads.
Description
This is a versatile beaded bracelet featuring a rhythmic alternating pattern of deep blue lapis lazuli beads and ornate antiqued silver spacers. The silver-toned beads are tube-shaped with embossed scroll motifs, providing a textural contrast to the smooth polish of the gemstones. It represents a bohemian or global-chic aesthetic often found in contemporary accessory boutiques.
Key Features
The contrast between the vivid blue lapis lazuli and the darkened, textured silver; the use of an adjustable extender chain; low-relief floral casting on metal spacers.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality silver-tone alloy (nickel/base metal plated with silver) paired with Lapis Lazuli gemstones. The blue beads appear to be genuine lapis or reconstituted lapis lazuli.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized/Antiqued finish to highlight the recessed areas of the silver beads. The silver beads feature cast scrollwork and floral-inspired embossed patterns in a pseudo-Balinese or Tibetan style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the image. Common locations would be on the small metal tag near the lobster clasp or '925' stamped on the clasp itself.
Construction Details
Assembled using jewelry wire with cast decorative silver spacer beads and spherical gemstone beads. The clasp is a standard lobster-style mechanism with a machine-made extender chain.
Functional Features
Lobster claw clasp for secure closure, adjustable extender chain for varying wrist sizes, and flexible wire stringing for comfort.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - the item is a jewelry piece; the 'grip' is provided by the lobster clasp closure.
Craftsmanship Details
Assembly-line craftsmanship using pre-cast components. Hand-finishing is minimal, evidenced by the uniform appearance of the decorative beads.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of clear hallmarks suggests this is either artisan-made or fashion-grade jewelry. The consistent depth of the casting on the beads suggests a mechanical mold-making process rather than individual hand-chasing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in India, Thailand, or China, regions known for producing 'ethnic' jewelry for the global market, blending silver casting with semi-precious stone beads.
Era & Period
Contemporary Modern era (2000-present). The design mimics older ethnographic jewelry styles but the hardware (extender chain and clasp) is modern.
Age Estimate
Produced within the last 10–15 years, based on the style of the retail tags and the standard components used.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'Bohemian' style movement that democratized semi-precious jewelry, making ethnographic-inspired designs accessible to the general public through second-hand or mass-market retail.
Condition Notes
Overall Good condition. Moderate tarnish visible on the silver beads (sulfide deposits), consistent with display in a retail or second-hand environment. The gemstone beads appear intact without significant chipping.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD depending on silver purity verification. As a thrift-store find, it is valued as an attractive wearable accessory rather than a high-end investment piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a dry, soft polishing cloth. Avoid liquid silver dips which can damage the lapis lazuli and remove the intentional oxidation in the silver crevices. Store in a cool, dry place.
Similar Pieces
Silpada jewelry items, Brighton collectibles, or artisan-made bracelets from Southwest (Navajo style) or Southeast Asian origins.
Interesting Facts
Lapis lazuli has been used in jewelry since the 7th millennium BCE, but its pairing with 'Bali-style' silver spacers became a major global fashion trend in the late 1990s and 2000s.