Large Round Hubbell Bead Clip Earrings [SOLD]

According to the current owner of these earrings, Diné of the Navajo Nation artist Laverne Goldtooth liked to use unique materials in her Navajo jewelry art and had come across a quantity of old Hubbell Glass and wanted to use it in some spectacular earrings. Laverne Goldtooth took two round quarter-sized pieces of turquoise-colored Hubbell Glass and set them in a handmade bezel that she surrounded by twisted wire. Framing each large glass bead are small silver drops. Hanging down from the center are five dangles.

Diné of the Navajo Nation artist Laverne Goldtooth (1959-2013) was a talented and creative jewelry designer and artist. She was known for her use of unique stones and fine silverwork. Laverne was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, where she studied under Duane Maktima and Preston Duwyenie. She worked at the Wheelwright Museum's Case Trading Post. She sold her work at Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Show, and the Cherokee Art Market.

The earrings are clip, which makes wearing large earrings much easier. They fit perfectly and are surprisingly comfortable. Each earring is stamped with an L, Laverne Goldtooth's hallmark.

John Lorenzo Hubbell opened a trading post in Ganado, Arizona, in 1878 where he was instrumental in the development and marketing of Native American art. Part of his job as a trader was providing supplies to Diné of the Navajo Nation jewelers. Hubbell would provide the silver and turquoise, and in turn, the artists would return with finished jewelry for him to sell. Ever the savvy businessman, Hubbell was always looking for ways to save money on materials. In the early 1900s, Czechoslovkian bead makers were beginning to use modern machinery to mass produce glass beads. Hubbell purchased these beads, ones that resembled turquoise, but cost much less, and made them available to the jewelers. Today, these glass cabochons are referred to as "Hubbell Beads'' or "Hubbell Glass".

Condition: the earrings are in very good condition

Provenance: this Large Round Hubbell Bead Clip Earrings from a former New Mexico resident who now lives out of state.

Recommended Reading: Rowena Art, Bead Artist and Jewelry Designer (this will take you to another website)

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Diné - Navajo Nation, Laverne Goldtooth, Preston Duwyenie