Can I wear my sterling silver bracelet in a hot tub with chlorinated water?

Dear Paula,

I just placed an order for a sterling silver twist bracelet and am very excited to receive it. I was speaking to family members that own Sterling silver and they said it will turn black if I wear it in the pool or hot tub.I am thinking that my bracelet is made from better material and that I will not have this problem. Please let me know what you think about this matter.
I love the look of this bracelet and have been waiting to purchase it for quite a few years. I have had your website in my favorites and I finally made my purchase. Thank you for your time and patience. WS

Hi WS,

The bracelet you ordered is made from sterling silver. I have had one for years and it is as shiny as ever – maybe once a year I wipe it with a polishing cloth.
But I have never worn one in a shower, bath, dishwater, pool, hot tub and wouldn’t recommend it because as you would learn if you google this search phrase “sterling silver chlorine”

One effect that chlorine can have on sterling silver is discoloration or tarnish. Discoloration happens when the copper in the alloy reacts with the chlorine. The discoloration can be either a light brown or black.

Also, silver is a very good conductor of heat so wearing jewelry in a hot tub would seem to invite discomfort…….just sayin’

Paula

Tahe Navajo Twist Horse Whisperer Bracelets Have Arrived

So many of you have requested these larger sized, heavy classic twist bracelets (AKA “Horse Whisperer” bracelets) by the Tahe family, that I am posting globally that they have just come in. It is first come, first served. We now have them to fit wrists from size 5 3/4″ to 8″ but quantities in the larger sizes are limited. Click on the photo to take you to the list of sizes available.

To see when we list new items, keep an eye on our NEW PAGE.

Paula

I found a silver twist bracelet in my late mother’s jewelry box………

Hi Paula

I found a silver twist cuff bracelet in my mother’s jewelry box when we were clearing it out after her death. Can you tell me anything about them? I assume it is native Indian made? How old are they? It matches the #BT288B one on your page.

Any info would be great! Thank you….

Arleen

Hi Arleen,

The first photo is indeed like the Classic Twist Bracelets on our website.

They have been made for many years by various Navajo silversmiths, most notably the Tahe family. It is a traditional bracelet and comparing yours to both contemporary and old twists, I’d say yours was likely made sometime in the last 40 years but to get more specific would be difficult.

The bangle bracelet made with flat twist is more unusual and it might or might not be Native American made. Are there any hallmarks stamped inside?

It is similar to our flat twist cuffs which are also made by the Tahe family.  Some prefer the flat surface as more comfortable.

Paula

What thickness was the twist bracelet in the Horse Whisperer?

Hi Paula,

I was wondering what the thickness is that is used for smaller male wrists for the classic twist. Do you have any idea of the diameter for the one actually worn on the horse whisper?      Thanks,Brendan

Hi Brendan,

As far as what would be appropriate for a small male wrist – it is completely a matter of personal preference – some people that are tiny wear the thickest bracelets and others want them to be super thin.  That’s why we offer a variety of widths from 1/8″ to 1/2″ in diameter. 1/8″ diameter is shown directly below and 1/2″ is below that.

I’d say 3/16” or 1/4” would be good for a small male wrist but that is just my opinion. Here is a 3/16″.

Judging by what we can see in the movie, I’d say Robert Redford was wearing a 1/4” or 5/16″ thick twist.  This is a 5/16″ below.

It is such a matter of personal preference that we offer many variations.

We have “A Twist for Every Wrist”

Paula

What can you tell me about the artist and significance of the two twist bracelets I just purchased?

Hello Paula

Just received my 2 twist bracelets in the mail and they are amazing. They far exceeded my expectations and I am one happy customer. Is there anything you can tell me about the artist and area the bracelet is made? Also is there any special significance to the design of the bracelet. I am giving one to my wife for our anniversary and would like to dazzle her with some information about. Thanks again and please pass on my thanks to all involved.

Regards

Matt

Hi Matt,

The two bracelets you purchased were made by the Tahe family, a Navajo family noted for years for their sterling silver bracelets and notably the twists. We’ve purchased twist bracelets made by husband and wife teams Verna and Franklin Tahe and by Benny and Elaine Tahe. They live in New Mexico.

As far as significance to the design, they have been a traditional bracelet for many years and as far as we know, just an entwining of two different sterling silver pieces into one, so a nice choice for an anniversary.

They also have had a resurgence in popularity as Robert Redford wore one in the movie “The Horse Whisperer”.

Paula

Horse Whisperer Sterling Silver Twist Bracelets Scarcer than Hen’s Teeth

We did manage to find a few. We don’t have all styles in all sizes but at least a few and they are going fast.