Z Franklin & Verna Tahe (Navajo)
Bracelet Cuff - 2754 - 9/16" Wide
12K Gold Fill Rope
Silver Twistwires & Stamped Designs Perimeter
Size: 6-1/2" Medium

Tahe, Navajo- Arizona, USA   Native American Jewelry

Exceptional cuff bracelet.  Large raised center rope with 12k gold fill.  Two 1/8" silver side bars with stamped horizontal sunrise half ovals and (2) 1/16"W Sterling Silver Twisted Wire Accents.  

Gold-filled, or gold overlay, is made by a combination heat and pressure that bonds a thin layer of karat gold to a brass (or other base metal) core.  The designation 1/20th 12-karat gold and gold represents 1/20th (or 5%) of the total weight of the material is 12k gold. Karat gold covers the base metal surface, making it tarnish-resistant.

The value of gold-filled is greater than gold-plated because gold-filled has an actual layer of karat gold, not just a microscopic film.Gold fill is a coating on a base metal. 

These are NEW OLD STOCK, not previously owned.  Most have a slight patina from age.  As some people prefer the patina, I have left most of them unpolished, if you wish to return the shine, have it professionally buffed or use a polishing cloth.  Polishing of any metal is essentially removing a small amount of the surface, please keep that in mind as the gold is a coating NOT solid.

The artist's son estimates this was fabricated in the late 1990's to early 2000's. I purchased it from a trader who was closing their business in 2011.

Type: Cuff Bracelet

Metal: Sterling Silver, 1/20 12k Gold FIlled 

Total Bracelet Size: 6-1/2" (Medium)  (I have another that is smaller is size)

Inside Measurement (Metal Only): 5-1/4"

Bracelet Opening (Gap): 1-1/4"

Width (Total): 9/16"

Width (center rope, with gild fill, only): 3/16"W

Width Each (outside rails): 1/8"W (each)

Weight: 1.3oz/37g/.08lbs

Signed: Unsigned. These were part of a large lot of Franklin & Verna's work I bought at one time, I have no hesitation attributing it to them

Hallmarked: Sterling, 1/20 12K G.F.

Repeatable Design:  One-of-a-kind. This is new but made before silver and gold prices spiraled. The Tahe's are still making bracelets and earrings but the current versions are much lighter weight and made of copper or silver but no gold.

Available in other materials: Similar in all silver (not currently posted)