Sonoran Mountain Turquoise and Red Opal Channel Inlay Cuff in Sterling Silver

Green turquoise and fire. That is the whole idea.

Sonoran Mountain turquoise runs the length of this cuff in soft sage and seafoam green, shot through with reddish brown matrix. Cutting across it are narrow bands of hand cut red opal that catch the light and throw orange fire when you move your wrist. Between every section sits a fine sterling silver line. Green, red, silver, over and over down the band. On the wrist it reads as a bold, bangle-style cuff that stands out immediately.

This is channel inlay, which means each piece of stone was cut to fit its own silver channel and set flush with the ones beside it. The seams are where this kind of work shows its quality, and on this one the lines stay straight the whole way around. That is hours of hand fitting, not machine work. It has the presence of a statement bracelet, but the smooth, flush inlay makes it comfortable enough to wear as an everyday signature piece.

Most people think turquoise is blue. Sonoran Mountain is the reason collectors know better, and pairing that green against red opal is a choice most makers would not risk. It pays off. The mix of green turquoise, red opal and sterling silver creates a striking look that works for special occasions, dressy nights out, or as the kind of piece you reach for when you want your jewelry to do the talking.

It is hallmarked twice, WG and SG.

Will it fit you

The cuff measures just over 6 1/2 inches around in total, and that figure includes the 1 1/4 inch opening. So it suits a wrist of roughly 6 1/2 inches. Wrap a soft tape measure or a strip of paper around your wrist where you would wear it, and compare. The back is open so it slides on and adjusts a little, but a cuff should not be forced. Unlike a closed bangle, this open-back cuff lets you slide it on from the side of the wrist for an easier fit.

This makes a strong choice if you are shopping for a one of a kind gift for a jewelry lover. The mixed Sonoran Mountain turquoise and red opal inlay reads as thoughtful and unusual for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions, and it arrives as a single ready-made piece with no customization needed.

The details

• Stones: Sonoran Mountain turquoise with hand cut red opal
• Style: channel inlay with fine sterling silver dividers, tapered cuff
• Metal: sterling silver
• Hallmark: WG and SG
• Measures: just over 6 1/2 inches around in total, including a 1 1/4 inch opening
• Fits: approximately a 6 1/2 inch wrist
• One of a kind: yes, a single piece

Inlay this precise is done by hand, one channel at a time, so the pattern on this cuff exists exactly once.