Diné Coral and Silver Bracelet with United States Coins [SOLD]

C4353K-bracelet.jpg

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Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: sterling silver, silver coins, coral
  • Size: 6-¼”’ x 1-½” width;
    Wrist size approximately 6"
  • Item # C4353K
  • SOLD

Use of United States coins was popular during the 1960s-70s and that is likely when this Navajo silver and coral bracelet was made.  Around 1969, a national fad was in vogue for Native American jewelry. Many entertainment personalities started wearing Indian jewelry, bringing attention to its appeal.  High fashion articles depicting the finest Indian jewelry on beautiful models appeared in magazines, such as Vogue.  This increased the demand for handmade Indian jewelry.  Using coins on bracelets eliminated the need to work with gemstones such as turquoise and, yet, produced a significant item that was attractive and patriotic.

This bracelet’s foundation was made from three silver wires—the two outer ones are flat silver and the center one is twisted silver wire.  The three meet at the ends in clean fashion with a flat silver plate on the inside for strength. The bracelet was constructed using three United States coins—a 1922 Peace Silver Dollar and two 1941 Liberty Half Dollars.  Each of the three coins was first hammered into a slight dome shape before being attached. The silver dollar was mounted with the eagle visible and the half dollars also with the eagles visible. The opposite sides of the coins were left viewable through the three wires.  Small round domed coral cabs were placed between the coins.


Condition: this Diné Coral and Silver Bracelet with United States Coins is in excellent condition

Provenance: from the collection of a client from Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: Indian Silverwork of the Southwest, Illustrated – Volume One by Harry P. Mera

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.

Relative Links: Southwest Indian JewelryNavajo NationBracelets


HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Measure your wrist with a flexible tape measurement or a strip of paper just below the wrist bone, where you would normally wear the bracelet.

Option: If you are using a plain strip of paper, mark your size with a pen or pencil then use a ruler to measure the length. That would be your wrist size.

Tip: Do you want a snug or loose fit? Well, that really will vary between everyone. If you are buying a delicate bracelet, we suggest doing a snug fit. Most other bracelets should have a comfort fit except when buying large or thick cuffs or bangles. It's best to buy large bracelets with a loose fit so you don't feel like you are suffocating your wrist, or it will be worn over clothing.

Fitting Style Add inch(es) to wrist size
Snug Fit Add 1/4" to 1/2"
Comfort Fit Add 3/4" to 1"
Loose Fit Add 1 1/4"

Alternate close up view o the side of this bracelet.

Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: sterling silver, silver coins, coral
  • Size: 6-¼”’ x 1-½” width;
    Wrist size approximately 6"
  • Item # C4353K
  • SOLD

C4353K-bracelet.jpgC4353K-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.