Sterling Silver and Turquoise Bracelet with Needlepoint and Raised Silver Rug Designs [SOLD]

Betty and Billy Betoney created Navajo rug designs made from ⅛-inch strips of silver were set along with turquoise petit-point segments on this innovative bracelet made by Betty and Billy Betoney. The bracelet is an explosion of design elements set together in a pleasing manner. The narrow silver strips set into geometric rug designs are the distinctive element of the Betoneys. Interspersed between the rug designs are silver drops and perfectly set pieces of turquoise petit point. 

Billy Betoney learned to make jewelry from his wife in the 1970s and since then they have been collaborating with one another, creating a style that is instantly recognizable. In the 1980s, Billy tried numerous times to enter Indian Market. Finally in 1989, he convinced a relative to share a booth. That year he won the award for “Most Creative Design-Any Class”. He and Betty continued to win awards after that—their skill, creativity and quality workmanship making their pieces desirable to collectors. 

This bracelet was purchased by the previous owners, Marvin and Betty Rubin, in 1998 directly from the Betoneys. The Rubins enjoyed getting to know the artists they purchased from, and kept detailed records of when and where they acquired artwork. Having this wonderful provenance adds to the appreciation of the piece, as it shows the appreciation the Rubins had for the artists and their work. This bracelet is signed “B.BETONEY NAVAJO”.

Condition: the bracelet is in excellent condition.

Provenance: this Sterling Silver and Turquoise Bracelet with Needlepoint and Raised Silver Rug Designs is from the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin of Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry by Theda Bassman

Reative Links: SOUTHWEST INDIAN JEWELRY, Navajo Nation, Betty and Billy Betoney, Diné-Navajo Nation Jewelry

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE