Navajo Silver Bracelet with Many Turquoise Gemstones

This Diné of the Navajo Nation turquoise bracelet is stunning, expansive, and bejeweled. As a base, a structural bracelet was formed that broadens at the center where it supports the face piece. Simple and functional, this element could be worn on its own. However, the artist had a more decorative and dramatic vision for this jewelry.

A broad, eye-shaped backing was first formed as a base for the face of this bracelet. The artist scalloped and formed the edges, embellishing the overall shape.  Painstakingly, thirty-two superior pieces of turquoise were selected, and individualized serrated bezels were created to house each.  This grouping of stones possesses a thematic color palette of true blue-green turquoise.  A sea-foam green layers the central piece like mineral lace.  Each stone includes a variety of warm matrixes and mottled coloring. 

Silver appliqué spheres were soldered to ornament the spaces between the gemstones and are peppered throughout the bracelet’s face.  A heat driven finishing technique was applied to the entirety of the silver base behind the pieces of turquoise.  It turned the silver from shiny to flat gray, and sits in lovely juxtaposition to the gleam of the silver spheres. 

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Condition: This silver and turquoise bracelet has some patina to the silver and is in very good condition

Provenance: This Navajo Silver Bracelet with Many Turquoise Gemstones is from an estate in eastern Washington. 

Recommended Reading:

- Navajo Silver: A Brief History of Navajo Silver by Arthur Woodward

- Navajo Jewelry: A Legacy of Silver and Stone  by Lois Essary Jacka

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo Nation, bracelet