This wide cuff showcases three rich blue stones of natural, untreated Pilot Mountain saw rock (see note at end of listing). Each of these stones is free-form in shape and the very nature of the turquoise deposit determined the near-flat surface of these stones. The host rock matrix ranges from deep brown to black in color. The stones are tightly set in 3/16" width bezels which raise the stones well above the plane of the cuff. Burnt-orange ovals of spiny oyster accentuate and complement the rich blue of the turquoise. Large raindrops are interspersed among the sets of turquoise and spiny oyster and they lend both symmetry and sparkle to the design. The cuff itself is fashioned from 14 gauge Sterling and has scalloped edges. Scallop stampwork highlights the sculpted edge of the cuff and deep, classic stamped motifs mark the cuff to the terminals. An oxidizing agent was applied to the silverwork, then lightly buffed away to leave a deep accentuating shadow in the impeccable stampwork. This piece is a wonderful combination of color and texture.

Hallmarked with a "D" on its side over an arrow and stamped "Sterling" on back.

Pilot Mountain stones: center 1 3/4" x 13/16"; left & right 1/2" x 7/16"

Orange Spiny Oyster ovals: (8) 3/8" x 5/16"

Width at center stone & widest width of cuff: 1 7/8"

Terminal to terminal: 5 5/8"           Gap: 1 1/8"

Total inside circumference (including gap): 6 3/4"

Note on Pilot Mountain "Saw Rock": This type of Pilot Mountain turquoise is known as "saw rock" because of the nature of the turquoise deposit. The turquoise was initially deposited in very thin layers between the strata of host rock. Squeezed between these layers for millions of years, this stone is the hardest Pilot Mountain turquoise there is; it's very tight-grained and takes a nice polish. As the Pilot Mountains of Nevada were thrust upward in their creation, the strata of rocks between which this turquiose was deposited were made to stand straight up and diagonally. This is "top of the mountain" rock which is exposed in thin veins layered between the host rock. To liberate this turquoise, the surrounding layers of host rock are sawed away, hence "saw rock." Then a grinder is used to strip away the remaining host rock until the thin layer of vivid blue is exposed. Less and less of this rock is now found because the mountain has been mined for a long time. In essence, this is "stash rock" mined years ago and squirreled away in a vault for well over a decade.