Featured in this lot is this beautiful Old Pawn Navajo Petit Point Cluster Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Silver Cuff Bracelet, circa 1950s. Petit point and cluster stone work originated from the Zuni people. Petit point and needlepoint are two types of clusterwork and can be distinguished by the shape and size of the gemstones. Petit point refers to gems cut into round, oval, rectangle, pear, or square shapes, while needlepoint refers to gems that have been cut into a thin sliver or needle shape. Vintage pawn jewelry generally refers to the time period between 1900 and 1960s and is generally more desired than contemporary Navajo jewelry or silver work. The term Old Pawn (aka "dead pawn") originated from the turn of the last century, as Navajo’s (as well as other tribes) would pawn personal items in trade for supplies. These personal items were very-well made pieces that often would go unclaimed (as pawn is a loan with interest added), which then would be called dead pawn. What makes old pawn jewelry so special is that this is the jewelry the Native Americans made for themselves and wore as adornment and a display of wealth that was often passed down in families over generations. The bracelet features a wonderfully and professionally crafted classic Navajo vintage pawn silver and turquoise construction that shows split shoulders, centre circular section of ten Sleeping Beauty petit point cabochons surrounding a silver rope braid and a Sleeping Beauty petit point cabochon with silver beads. On either side are a half-moon design of sawtooth bezel setting Sleeping Beauty petit point cabochons with silver beads, silver rope braid and silver crescent moons. The condition of this Navajo bracelet is good displaying rich patina throughout with no obvious signs of damage and shows a good overall condition. Measures 1.25"W x 2.25"L, 5.75" interior circumference with a 1.25" opening. Collective weight is 29.5gms.