Mixed-Media Tribal Style Silver Coin and Bead Charm Bracelet
Jewelry (Bracelet) · Unknown Folk or Artisan Jeweler. This is likely a 'souvenir' or 'folk-art' piece rather than a branded luxury item. It carries characteristics of mixed-origin assemblage common in North African, Southeast Asian, or Southwestern tourist markets.
Pattern: Assemblage / Charm Style. Not part of a mass-produced collection; likely a one-of-a-kind or small-batch workshop creation utilizing disparate decorative components.
Type
Jewelry (Bracelet)
Maker
Unknown Folk or Artisan Jeweler. This is likely a 'souvenir' or 'folk-art' piece rather than a branded luxury item. It carries characteristics of mixed-origin assemblage common in North African, Southeast Asian, or Southwestern tourist markets.
Material
Low-grade Silver or Silver-tone Alloy ('Tribal Silver'). Likely contains 60-80% silver or is composed of cast white metal (nickel/alpaca). Includes mixed materials: cord, dyed coral imitation (plastic or resin), glass beads, and textile thread wraps.
Dimensions
Estimated 7 to 8 inches in length. Weight is approximately 40-60 grams including non-metal components. The coin charms are approximately 15mm in diameter.
Description
An eclectic and tactile charm bracelet featuring a variety of silver-tone stamped tokens and beads. The piece combines the industrial feel of metal with organic elements like dyed red resin, translucent glass, and multi-colored thread wraps. It is a piece of 'wearable art' that emphasizes texture and cultural fusion over high-carat value.
Key Features
The most distinguishing features are the hand-wrapped textile spacers and the stamped metal discs that imitate historical currency. The combination of rigid metal and soft thread creates a unique sensory experience.
Material & Composition
Low-grade Silver or Silver-tone Alloy ('Tribal Silver'). Likely contains 60-80% silver or is composed of cast white metal (nickel/alpaca). Includes mixed materials: cord, dyed coral imitation (plastic or resin), glass beads, and textile thread wraps.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and Antiqued. The surface is intentionally darkened to provide a 'primitive' or aged look. Features include stamped coin-style discs with relief iconography, ribbed silver-tone beads, and colorful thread-wrapped segments in green and orange.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Artisan pieces of this type rarely carry official government assay hallmarks. They may occasionally have a '925' stamp if contemporary, but this appears to be 'coin silver' or a base metal alloy with no formal markings.
Construction Details
Hand-assembled using cold-connection techniques. Includes thread-wrapping over a core, knotted cordage for the structure, and cast metal beads. The charms are likely die-stamped from thin metal sheet and pierced with jump rings.
Functional Features
Cord-based closure system. The bracelet relies on the flexibility of the woven/wrapped cord for fit, utilizing silver-tone sliders or beads as decorative and functional stabilizers.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a wearable jewelry item without a handle or grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-wrapping and manual assembly is clear. The casting of the beads is of standard trade quality. The item shows good attention to color balance and variety of textures, indicating a skilled artisan hand rather than a machine.
Authentication Indicators
The variation in bead shapes and the hand-done nature of the thread wrapping indicate a non-industrial, artisan origin. The absence of hallmarks and the 'soft' detail on the charms suggest a cast jewelry alloy rather than high-purity sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Southeast Asia (Thailand/Bali) or Central Asia. These regions specialize in mixed-media jewelry using cast silver-color beads and bright textile accents for the export market.
Era & Period
Modern Ethnic/Bohemian (late 20th - early 21st Century). Inspired by 'Tribal' or 'Ethno-chic' design movements that gained popularity in the 1970s and remain current in global artisan markets.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present. The use of vibrant synthetic-colored resins (pink bead) and specific thread-wrapping techniques suggest contemporary production within the last 30 years.
Cultural Significance
This item represents the 'Global Nomad' aesthetic, where traditional jewelry techniques from various cultures are blended into a singular, fashionable accessory for a global market, reflecting an appreciation for hand-craft over mass-production.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The oxidation is a design choice rather than a defect. Some fraying is visible on the green and pink thread ends (possibly intentional tassels). The metal shows light surface wear consistent with occasional use. Overall Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $65.00 USD. Value is based on decorative appeal and craftsmanship rather than metal weight, typical of artisan-market 'Boho' jewelry.
Care & Maintenance
Do not dip in liquid silver cleaner as it will destroy the thread wraps and resin beads. Clean metal parts with a dry jewelry cloth. Keep away from water to prevent the cord from stretching or rotting.
Similar Pieces
Southwestern Navajo 'Storyteller' bracelets (usually higher purity silver); Chan Luu wrap bracelets (similar cord-and-bead construction); Himalayan tribal jewelry (usually featuring turquoise and coral rather than plastic).
Interesting Facts
Items like this are often referred to as 'Kuchi' style or 'Hill Tribe' jewelry in the West. They are designed to tell a story or act as a protective amulet in their original cultural contexts, though this specific piece is intended for fashion.