Diné Bracelet with 7 Cerrillos Turquoise Stones [SOLD]

C4117-14-bracelet.jpg

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Artist Unknown
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Turquoise, Silver
  • Size: 5-½” end to end; 1-½” opening; ¾” width
  • Item # C4117.14
  • SOLD

Early Spanish settlers in New Mexico had little regard for the turquoise stones that Pueblo and Diné natives used for adornment. It was not until ethnographers in the late 19th century began to study the attire of the indigenous people that the use of turquoise and its origin came of interest. When questioned by the ethnographers about the source of the stone, Pueblo sources led them to a mine in the Cerrillos Hills south of Santa Fe which the they called “Chalchihuital.”

There were two mines in the Cerrillos Hills, “Chalchihuital” and “Turquoise Hill.” According to legend, these mines had been used since prehistoric times by the Ancestral Pueblo people. Turquoise from the area has been found as far south as Mexico City, fueling speculation that the ancient ones traded turquoise to their southern neighbors.

Cerrillos was the first source of turquoise for Southwestern smiths. It ranged in color from light blue to dark green, with the dark green stone being the most prominent. This very early bracelet contains seven round Cerrillos cabs set in hand formed bezels that have been gracefully worn down by time. The artist adeptly placed the round stones on a hand hammered band with multiple silver drops interspersed between the stones. The shank includes elaborate stampwork.

The unknown artisan created a classic bracelet with a minimum of fancy tools, using only his own creativity, the natural beauty of stones from an ancient mine and skillful silverwork. It is a historic treasure as well as a work of art. The bracelet dates from the early 20th Century.


Condition: The Diné Bracelet with 7 Cerrillos Turquoise Stones is in good condition. The stones are intact, and, although there is a good amount of wear to the bezels, they are still secure.

Provenance: From a Colorado Southwest Indian Jewelry Collection

Recommended Reading:

- Southwest Indian Silver from the Doneghy Collection by Louise Lincoln

- Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths by John Adair

Note: when we say Diné, as opposed to Navaho or Navajo, we are referring to the people and not the government.  Since 1969, their government refers to itself as the Navajo Nation

Artist Unknown
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Turquoise, Silver
  • Size: 5-½” end to end; 1-½” opening; ¾” width
  • Item # C4117.14
  • SOLD

C4117-14-bracelet.jpgC4117-14-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.