Vintage Diné Silver Bracelet with a Single Square Turquoise Gemstone

Whispers of Silver: The Navajo Turquoise Bracelet

In the heart of the Navajo Nation, where the desert winds carry echoes of ancient stories, a once-known Diné silversmith wove magic into metal. This bracelet, a testament to their skill and reverence for tradition, holds secrets within its narrow silver bands.

The Foundation: Four Strips of Silver

Imagine the silversmith's hands—their fingers deftly selecting narrow strips of silver, each imbued with the spirit of the land. These four individual strips, like threads of destiny, intertwine to form the bracelet's foundation. On the inside, they reveal themselves—a testament to the craftsmanship that binds past and present.

Channels of Twisted Silver

But it's the exterior that captivates the eye. Three channels, etched into the silver, cradle long twisted wires. These wires, like rivers of light, wind their way along the bracelet's surface. Perhaps they represent the lifeblood of the Navajo people—their resilience, their stories, their connection to the earth.

The Turquoise Gemstone: A Window to the Sky

At the bracelet's zenith rests a square turquoise gemstone. Its color—a vivid cerulean—mirrors the New Mexico sky. Held in place by serrated bezels, it gazes upward, as if seeking answers from the heavens. This gemstone is more than adornment; it's a portal—a glimpse into eternity.

Silver Flanges and Silver Balls

And there, embellishing the turquoise, lie a pair of punched silver flanges. Each flange, like a guardian spirit, protects the gemstone. Their edges, sharp yet purposeful, echo the rugged cliffs of the Navajo landscape. At their apex, two silver balls—a nod to balance, to duality—complete the composition.

A Hidden Flaw, a Whisper of Imperfection

But look closely. Under magnification, a slight flaw emerges—a tiny imperfection at the end of one twisted silver wire channel. It's a secret shared only with the moonlight, a blemish that defies perfection. Yet, in its imperfection lies authenticity—the touch of human hands, the heartbeat of creation.

The Unseen Appeal

This flaw, invisible to the naked eye, does not mar the bracelet's allure. Instead, it adds character—a reminder that beauty thrives in imperfection. When you wear this piece, you carry the silversmith's legacy—their dedication, their reverence for silver and stone.

So let it grace your wrist, this whisper of silver. Feel the weight of history, the pulse of the land. And know that imperfections, like hidden constellations, guide us toward authenticity. For in this bracelet, the once-known Diné silversmith speaks—a voice that echoes across generations, across time.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Condition: very good with a tiny imperfection at the end of one twisted silver wire channel

Provenance: this Vintage Diné Silver Bracelet with a Single Square Turquoise Gemstone is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: Indian Silver Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry by Margery Bedinger

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo