Navajo Turquoise and Silver Diné Bracelet [R]

Eight beautiful blue turquoise stones surround a larger blue stone in this Navajo Turquoise and Silver Diné Bracelet.  At first glance, it appears that the silver is applied in an overlay technique with the upper layer having been cut out for placing the turquoise stones, but closer examination reveals that the silver is one layer and the areas for the stones were routed out of the silver so the bezels holding the stones sit in a depression.

The silver is undecorated on the upper area and is designed with chevrons at both ends. A design is scratched in the silver on the underside that looks somewhat like a praying mantis. Perhaps this is the maker's mark but who that was has not been determined.

Condition:  original condition

Provenance: this Navajo Turquoise and Silver Diné Bracelet is from the collection of a gentleman from the Midwest

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Diné of the Navajo Nation, Bracelets