Heavy Cluster Bracelet with Green Turquoise Stones [SOLD]

Many Diné artists in the 1940s and 1950s earned a living making jewelry for tourists. They also frequently made jewelry for themselves and their families. What distinguishes the work they made for themselves is that it tends to be of a heavier gauge silver. As within any culture, clothing and jewelry are identifiers of what people deem important. For the Diné, wearing silver and turquoise jewelry was and still is an integral part of both men and women’s attire for special occasions like weddings, first smile celebrations and graduations.  

While this mid-century bracelet has the look of a Fred Harvey style tourist item, it is much heavier than what was found in the gift shops and hotels along the Santa Fe railroad. An unknown silversmith placed a flower of green Cerrillos turquoise within an elaborate frame of silver drops and spirals. Set above a shank of stamped silver and large twisted wire, the frame at first looks machine made because it is so intricate. On further examination it is apparent it is handmade.  Small silver drops are interspersed between loops of narrow twisted wire. On either side of the central flower are four stamped silver drops resembling miniscule silver buttons.

The central cluster consists of an oval stone in a plain silver bezel and surrounded by twelve elongated ovals that have silver drops and bars set between.

It is the small details of this bracelet that make it so special. The attention to design and the symmetric construction are just amazing. The former owner obviously loved the piece as it has evidence of heavy wear which has resulted in a softening of the stampwork and a beautiful patina. There are a few minor imperfections in the small stones, but they are all set securely as wear has tightened the bezels around them. The bracelet is unsigned.

Condition: The Heavy Cluster Bracelet with Green Turquoise Stones is in very good condition. A few of the stones have very small cracks or chips but they are not noticeable with the naked eye. All of the stones are secure in their bezels.

Provenance: From the collection of an Albuquerque gentleman

Recommended Reading: The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths by John Adair

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Bracelets, Diné - Navajo Nation