Very Early Diné Silver Bracelet with Pump Drilled Turquoise Stones [SOLD]

C4104H-bracelet2.jpg

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Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Silver and Turquoise
  • Size:
    1-¼” opening; ⅞” wide
    Wrist size: 6-3/4"
  • Item # C4104H
  • SOLD

Early Diné silversmiths did not have the luxury of going to the jewelry supply store to obtain materials to create their artwork. Silver coins that were melted down to ingot bars and turquoise tabs that were formerly part of a necklace are the repurposed materials that make up this very early 20th Century bracelet.

Three turquoise cabochons with pump-drilled holes are set on a platform surrounded by small silver drops. The platform rests on a hand forged shank composed of ingot silver that was  made by melting down silver coins. The shank is decorated with a series of crescent and small circular stamps. Each tip of the silver shank was punched from the inside to form a raised dome of silver on the front side.

This amazing bracelet is both a testament to the skill of early silversmiths as well as a piece of history.

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.  

Condition: very good condition. The stones show wear, but are secure, not cracked. The silver is in great shape.

Provenance: this Very Early Diné Silver Bracelet with Pump Drilled Turquoise Stones is from a Colorado Southwest Indian Jewelry collector

Recommended Reading: Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths by John Adair

Relative Links: BraceletNavajo , Southwest Indian Jewelry


HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Alternate side view of this bracelet showing metalwork designs.

Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Silver and Turquoise
  • Size:
    1-¼” opening; ⅞” wide
    Wrist size: 6-3/4"
  • Item # C4104H
  • SOLD

C4104H-bracelet2.jpgC4104H-large2.jpg Click on image to view larger.