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Massive Yomud Cuff, detail of resin & claws

Posted by Lynn Ardent on January 27, 2015 at 6:08am

Here is a detail of the resin in between the claws.---This is a massive silver Yomud cuff with carnelians and purplish stones. The carnelians range in color from strawberry to a candied orange. Covered with wire work and gilt applique. The purplish stones vary in color and may be tourmaline, garnet, or glass. In the back are fancy claws, and many have the remains of red resin decorations in the hollows in between them.This cuff was purchased by the previous owner in 1952, from Baluchistan in Iran. I am not a Turkoman expert... if anyone can share more information, I would appreciate it.Dimensions:355 grams90mm wide95mm tall

Comments

Betty January 27, 2015 at 1:55pm

Very beautiful, Lynn. I am afraid I cannot add any more information, but rather a question: I am wondering about the red Material used to fill in the space between the claws. I own a temporal ring from daghestan which uses this material ( bakelite, plastic, resin?) instead of coral and turquoise stones. Will post a picture these days...
Lynn Ardent January 27, 2015 at 3:06pm

Thank you Betty. I don't know for sure what the material is, but I will say 1) it is not an unnatural color, and 2) the texture is a bit porous and rough, it is not super-shiny like polished bakelite or glass. If I had to guess, I would say it is some kind of natural resin. But, perhaps our Turkoman experts will comment. I don't know the age of this piece except it was old when purchased in 1952.
Betty January 27, 2015 at 3:12pm

... I just realized you had already asked about the resin or whatever it is. Sorry! I should read all the info first before commenting :-)
Charlotte Dakin-Norris January 27, 2015 at 5:00pm

What a wonderful warm glow from the metal there is; particularly at the top of the cuff. With regards to testing for unknown plastics...I have just purchased some Simichrome polish which I am told can identify bakelite without causing damage. I will do some testing of some of my pieces to see how it goes.