Wide Tortoise Shell Cuff Bracelet

I believe this gorgeous cuff bracelet is made of genuine unpolished tortoise shell.  There are no markings on the bracelet, so I really have no idea who made it, where it came from, or how old it is.  I have seen similar polished bracelets online that were made in the 1940s.  It is hand carved, and may actually be an African or island tribal piece. 

Tortoise shell jewelry comes from the outer blades of the upper shell of Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles.  It is an ideal jewelry material (popular in Ancient Rome as well as the Victorian Era) as it can be shaped easily when heated. The color of tortoise shell ranges from dark brown to almost clear, with translucent golden yellow with brown markings being considered the finest. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Antique Vintage Costume Jewelry. Retrieved 5/9/2011 from http://www.antique-vintage-costume-jewelry.com/Jewelry_Information/tortoise_horn.htm

Lang Antiques. Retrieved 5/9/2011 http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/Tortoise_Shell

Etsy. Retrieved 5/9/2011 from http://www.etsy.com/listing/22400737/art-deco-tortoise-shell-cuff-bracelet