Ottoman Style Repoussé Silver Cuff with Turquoise and Coral Inlays
Jewelry (Cuff Bracelet) · Artisan/Tribal silversmith unknown. Likely produced in a regional workshop specializing in Middle Eastern, Turkish, or Tibetan motifs. Such pieces are often unbranded boutique or bazaar creations.
Pattern: Traditional Arabesque/Foliate Scroll with Cabochon Inlay
Type
Jewelry (Cuff Bracelet)
Maker
Artisan/Tribal silversmith unknown. Likely produced in a regional workshop specializing in Middle Eastern, Turkish, or Tibetan motifs. Such pieces are often unbranded boutique or bazaar creations.
Material
Likely Lower Grade Silver (800 or 900) or silver-plated base metal/white metal. Includes turquoise and coral (or coral-glass) cabochon inlays. Possible lead-component solder.
Dimensions
Estimated width of 5-7cm (2-2.75 inches). Heavyweight construction typical of tribal cuff jewelry, likely weighing between 60g and 100g.
Description
A striking, wide silver cuff bracelet featuring intricate repoussé metalwork. The design centered around a central red coral cabochon flanked by turquoise stones, set amidst a dense field of swirling vines and flowers. The edges are finished with a dark, contrasting chain-link border that adds a rugged, handmade aesthetic.
Key Features
Dense arabesque scrollwork, high-relief repoussé, mixed gemstone inlays (Turquoise/Coral color palette), and the unique chain-link decorative border.
Material & Composition
Likely Lower Grade Silver (800 or 900) or silver-plated base metal/white metal. Includes turquoise and coral (or coral-glass) cabochon inlays. Possible lead-component solder.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized background to highlight the raised relief. Features repoussé and chasing to create foliate scrolls, floral rosettes, and cross-hatch geometric borders. Applied chain-link edging.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. Often found on the interior surface if present, but tribal or artisanal pieces frequently lack official hallmarks or utilize small punch marks.
Construction Details
Repoussé worked from the reverse; hand-soldered applied elements including the stone bezels and the twisted/linked wire borders. Cold-set stone inlays.
Functional Features
Open cuff design for adjustable wrist fitting. The stones are utilitarian as well as decorative, acting as protective amulets in their original cultural context.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (worn on the wrist). The interior surface appears smooth but shows signs of oxidation and wear.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-tooling on the repoussé. The solder points for the chain links are somewhat coarse, indicating a rustic or village-level craftsmanship rather than high-jewelry bench work.
Authentication Indicators
The variation in the scrollwork indicates hand-tooling rather than machine-stamping. The oxidation is deep and consistent with lower-grade silver alloys.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Turkey or Central Asia (regions like Afghanistan or Tibet influenced). Manufactured in a small-scale workshop rather than mass-produced factory setting.
Era & Period
Modern Revival or 20th Century Folk Art. While the style is Neo-Ottoman/Turkoman, the construction indicates a mid-to-late 20th-century production date.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1990. The condition of the oxidation and the style of the stone settings suggest a vintage rather than antique origin.
Cultural Significance
A representation of 'Bazaar' or 'Ethnic' jewelry styles that gained massive popularity in the West during the late 20th century as part of the Boho-Chic movement.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Significant oxidation/tarnish present (likely intentional for the 'antique' look). One turquoise stone shows minor surface pitting. Chain edging shows some deformation and heavy patina.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD depending on the actual silver content (tested via XRF) and the authenticity of the gemstones.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid silver dips as they will remove the intentional oxidation that provides the design's depth. Protect stones from harsh chemicals.
Similar Pieces
Kuchi tribal cuffs, Turkish silver armbands, or Tibetan repoussé bracelets. Distinguishable by the specific floral scroll motif vs. geometric tribal patterns.
Interesting Facts
The combination of Turquoise and Coral is culturally significant in many Silk Road cultures, believed to balance the 'sky' and 'earth' elements while providing protection to the wearer.