Diné Sterling Silver Bracelet with a Walking Liberty Half Dollar Coin [SOLD]

C4353J-bracelet.jpg

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Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: sterling silver, U. S. coin
  • Size:
    1-¼” opening; 1-3/4” width;
    Wrist Size 7
  • Item # C4353J
  • SOLD

Alternate view of this bracelet.

This bracelet was constructed using a United States Walking Liberty silver half dollar coin of an undetermined date.  But we do know that the Walking Liberty half dollar coin was produced from 1916 until 1947.  The coin was mounted on the bracelet with the eagle facing out and the Walking Liberty on verso which is concealed by a silver plate so the date is not visible. The coin was first hammered into a slight dome shape before being attached.  The coin was mounted with the edge visible. Small round domed deep black jet cabs were placed between the coins.

Use of United States coins was popular during the 1960s-70s and that is likely when this bracelet was made.  Around 1969, a national fad was in vogue for Indian 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.  

Condition: this Diné Sterling Silver Bracelet with a Walking Liberty Half Dollar Coin 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


HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: sterling silver, U. S. coin
  • Size:
    1-¼” opening; 1-3/4” width;
    Wrist Size 7
  • Item # C4353J
  • SOLD

C4353J-bracelet.jpgC4353J-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.