It is abalone but with a glass cab over it. Old Native American abalone bracelets don't usually have a glass cab on top like that. It is a more modern piece with modern construction. The old Mexican and Native American handmade bracelets were just simple open cuffs with no hinge. The abalone can be fragile so the glass over it is not a bad idea. I just sold a vintage one that was stamped Mexican Alpaca with just the abalone shell and open cuff.
That top photo really looks like Abalone. It could be a doublet with some type of protective surface over it. The sawtooth setting makes me think it was hand set Native American but the hinge not so much. Very pretty piece.
I love that chatoyance! If it's rather light, I think ifyouloveit is right about it possibly being abalone. If it's heavier, it could be fiber optic glass, labradorite, or maybe cat's eye/hawk's eye, but the fact that it's got both a cabochon cut and those beautiful swirls make me want to go with abalone too!
oncoyotemountainart
·4 months agoIt is abalone but with a glass cab over it. Old Native American abalone bracelets don't usually have a glass cab on top like that. It is a more modern piece with modern construction. The old Mexican and Native American handmade bracelets were just simple open cuffs with no hinge. The abalone can be fragile so the glass over it is not a bad idea. I just sold a vintage one that was stamped Mexican Alpaca with just the abalone shell and open cuff.
treasureislandpearls
·4 months agoI vote abalone, really nice to see a larger piece!
mommymeme123
·4 months agoThat top photo really looks like Abalone. It could be a doublet with some type of protective surface over it. The sawtooth setting makes me think it was hand set Native American but the hinge not so much. Very pretty piece.
fabrics24
·4 months agoI love that chatoyance! If it's rather light, I think ifyouloveit is right about it possibly being abalone. If it's heavier, it could be fiber optic glass, labradorite, or maybe cat's eye/hawk's eye, but the fact that it's got both a cabochon cut and those beautiful swirls make me want to go with abalone too!
ifyouloveit
·4 months agoI believe that is abalone shell 🙂
1940fc
·4 months agoIt looks like Abalone to me also..but I`m guessing & agreeing with ifyouloveit. 😀