Diné Earrings of Spiral Silver with Turquoise Cab [SOLD]

This pair of sterling silver spiral earrings features a small, beautiful blue domed turquoise cabochon at the center of each eye of the storm. This elegant, modern style is called Navajo Modernism and was popularized by Diné silversmiths starting in the 1950s.

The style of these earrings is quite like an earring and necklace set made by Kenneth Begay, a former White Hogan Gallery artist. This pair of spiral silver and turquoise earrings is stamped Sterling and with the letter M and is an indication that this pair was not made by Begay. There are many published Diné silversmiths with a designated M hallmark, so Adobe Gallery is unable to identify a specific artist to this pair of earrings.

Navajo Modernism had its roots at the White Hogan Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, beginning in the 1950s. The gallery was owned and operated by Virginia and John Bonnell. The Bonnells hired innovative artists who developed a unique look characterized by smooth, clean lines, influenced by the work of Georg Jensen and Danish Modernism. The work has a sleek, sensuous appeal. Artists blended traditional Navajo designs into their work creating a distinctive look that continues to influence Diné jewelers today. As the creation of jewelry associated with White Hogan Gallery required great skill, only the very best artists worked there. This pair of earrings was likely made by one of the artists influenced by works from the White Hogan Gallery.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: these Diné Earrings of Spiral Silver with Turquoise Cab are from the collection of a client

Recommended Reading: 

- Navajo and Pueblo Earrings 1850-1945 - Collected by Robert V. Gallegos by Robert Bauver

- The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry by Theda Bassman

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Diné - Navajo Nation, Earrings