5-stone bracelet with Blue Gem turquoise

Handcrafted cuff bracelet by Navajo artist Melvin Francis. Navajo silversmith Melvin Francis is a very well-known contemporary silversmith. His style is simple yet elegant silverwork with colorful stones. He does many kinds of silver work including overlay and traditional stampwork. He gives credit to his father, Ted Francis, as his teacher. He comes from a family of artists: He is related to Fred Francis, a silversmith (uncle), Myrtle Francis (sister), Marlynn Francis (sister), weaver Melvina Francis (sister), weaver Erma Francis (mother), and weaver Anna Clyde (aunt).

The bracelet features rare Blue Gem turquosie that vary in size from large to small.Made of heavy gauge sterling silver with detailed stamping throughout. Measuring 3/4" in width with 6" inside along with a 1-1/2" opening. Easily sized to fit medium to large sized wrists. 

Stone: The Blue Gem mine was at one time located deep underground, accessed by tunnels as deep as 800 feet. This is of interest because the Blue Gem Mine and the Bisbee Mine in Arizona are the only two mines (of which we are aware) that turquoise was found that deep in the earth. The Blue Gem mine was located about one mile north - northeast of Copper Basin, which is several miles south of the town of Battle Mountain in Lander County. It was discovered in 1934 and was developed by underground workings over 800 feet deep with an open pit on the surface.