“Daniel Mike” Multi-Stone Bracelet | Sterling Silver | Vintage c.1980’s Burton’s Gems and Opals Outlet Stores

A Bit About The Piece:

Delicate ladies’ Navajo cuff bracelet set with natural stones.

Details, details…

The Stones: Coral, Turquoise, Gaspeite, Lapis Lazuli

• Coral:
• 1 cabochon cut
• stone measurements: 5.94mm x 7.94mm
• additional notes: stone has fractures along surface, but character seems to indicate natural surface blemishes versus damage
• Turquoise:
• 2 pear shape cabochon cuts
• stone measurements: 4.9mm x 7.6mm and 4.84mm x 7.84mm
• likely origin: Sleeping Beauty Mine, Arizona
• likely stabilized
• Gaspeite:
• 2 oval cabochon cuts
• stone measurements: 3.7mm x 5.87mm and 3.58mm x 5.55mm
• Lapis Lazuli:
• 2 oval cabochon cuts
• stone measurements: 3.22mm x 4.78mm and 3.13mm x 4.98mm
• color grade: A-AA

The Setting: Handmade Bezel Set Cuff Bracelet

• .925 sterling silver, solid
• top of bracelet width: 6.97mm
• stamped “Daniel Mike” for the Navajo Artist
• approximate default wrist size: 7″- fits small to medium sized wrists.  It is suggested not to adjust this piece.

About Turquoise:

What once was regarded a common byproduct of copper mining is now realized to be a rather scarce gem.  Typically found in or near copper mines around the world, turquoise from each locality differs in color, quality, character, and rarity.  Certain mines are known for producing highly valuable material in very limited quantity.  Inclusions of other copper-bearing minerals such as azurite, malachite, and chrysocolla are not uncommon.

  Turquoise ranks 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness.  Because this is often not suitable for everyday wear, most turquoise on the market is hardened (or “stabilized”) with electricity and/or polymer.  Stabilization is viewed as an accepted, regular practice in the lapidary industry and is not to be confused with “dying” material.  Dyed (or artificially colored) material is not viewed as favorably among dealers and collectors.  It is very important to be careful when cleaning your turquoise jewelry.  Turquoise is a porous stone that can absorb any harsh chemical used.  Avoid putting your turquoise jewelry in chemical jewelry cleaners, and be sure to focus only on cleaning the metal around your stone.

About Lapis Lazuli:

Lapis lazuli, often referred to simply as “lapis,” is a royal blue stone found mainly in Afghanistan and Russia.  Afghani material dates all the way back to the ancient Egyptians who used the stone in jewelry and as blue pigment in paint; it is also the material most commonly seen on the market today.  Pyrite speck inclusions are not unusual and can add value to certain pieces if attractive.

Lapis is 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it is a stone to take care of.  Due to the natural opacity of the stone, wear is not as easily noticed as other stones.  We suggest to avoid putting lapis jewelry in chemical jewelry cleaner and to instead clean it with soap, mild to warm water, and a soft bristled toothbrush.