Sterling Silver and Gold Cuff with Gemstones by Jolene Eustace [SOLD]

Jolene Eustace's Masterwork: The Radiance of Gold and Silver

This cuff is a stunning example of the work of Jolene Eustace, a renowned and highly awarded jeweler from Cochiti Pueblo. Her exceptional craftsmanship has earned her a distinct niche in contemporary Native American art.

This piece begins with a hand-hammered sterling silver band that is both substantial and slim. The silver cuff gradually expands, transitioning from just ⅛ inch at the ends to a dominant ½ inch at its widest point.

The wide section serves as the perfect mounting surface for a striking arrangement of four turquoise gemstones and a single onyx gemstone. Each stone is set in a simple silver bezel and meticulously scored to resemble a leaf, demonstrating Eustace's eye for organic detail and sophisticated texturing.

On the opposite side of the hand hammered silver band is a 14K gold swirling pattern. A gold drop is attached to the tips of the bracelet ends. On the inner side of the silver is stamped JAE SS 14kt. 

Jolene is a daughter of Ben Eustace (c.1920s-2007) of Zuni Pueblo and Felicita Eustace (1927-2016) of Cochiti Pueblo, both of whom were artists of distinction.

From Greg Schaaf's book we quote "Jolene A. Eustace-Hanelt is respected as a master jeweler. She comes from a family of jewelers and potters. She grew up helping her parents. In a cover story for Indian Artist magazine, Jolene shared: 'I was eight when I made my first piece. I got an order to do 100 tie tacks . . .That was over 100 bucks.' She bought a 10-speed bike with the money. She added 'Then I realized I could be self-sufficient with my work as an artist . . . My work is my release. My work is my meditation. It's a way of going back to Mother Earth.'" [Schaaf 2012:207]

Jolene attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. She credits learning jewelry making from her parents and Hopi jeweler Duane Maktima. She has been actively making jewelry since the mid-1980s.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Sterling Silver and Gold Cuff with Gemstones by Jolene Eustace is from the collection of a Santa Fe resident

Reference: Schaaf, Gregory. American Indian Jewelry II: A-L 1800 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Cochiti Pueblo, Felicita Eustace, Zuni Pueblo, Ben Eustace, Christina Eustace, Jolene Eustace