Diné (Navajo) Silver Band with Stamping and Turquoise [SOLD]

This very substantial ingot silver bracelet had its beginnings with a block of silver being placed into a crucible. While the silver was melting in the crucible, borax was sprinkled on top to act as a flux, and the moment the silversmith thought it looked right it was poured into a mold to cool and harden a bit. At that time, it was lifted from the mold with pliers and held in position on an anvil and hammered slowly into the first semblance of the shape it was to assume.

So that the pounding could proceed at the same temperature, thus avoiding cracks in the metal, it was necessary to warm it again at frequent intervals. The top of the band was cut so as to separate it in two bars. The bars were then stamped with very simple circles. A flower design was stamped near the two ends of the bracelet. On very old bracelets, there were often no more attempts at decoration than this.

The two ends of the bracelet were curled outward just so slightly. This was done to keep a sharp edge from cutting into the wearer’s arm. This attention to detail is the mark of an outstanding jeweler.

In the case of this bracelet, a beautiful blue turquoise stone was destined as the centerpiece of decoration. To accommodate the stone, a silver bezel was fashioned and soldered to a silver base plate. The stone was then securely anchored with the bezel. The base plate was stamped with similar circles to those on the bracelet.

This is an absolutely beautiful old bracelet.