Contemporary Sterling Silver Bracelet with Textured Strip [R]

Since the 1960s there has been a movement among artists towards the creation of a more modern style of Native American jewelry. Frank Patania’s Thunderbird Gallery in Santa Fe and the White Hogan in Scottsdale featured jewelry which had a Danish Modern influence using texture and shape as design elements.

Today, to please the many different tastes of consumers, artists use very traditional elements in their work, such as stamp work and also make more modern-looking pieces utilizing a sleek, polished look. It is a testament to the talent of Native American artists that they can be so versatile.

This piece by an unknown artist who signed the work “LD” with a sun hallmark is a beautifully constructed modern piece. A textured strip of silver is centered between two highly-polished strips of silver. Engraved lines separate the strips which makes the center strip stand out. It is unfortunate we don’t know who the artist is, because the work is exceptional. Above the sun hallmark are the numbers 9 and 6. This could be the year it was made, or some other identification.

Condition: The Contemporary Sterling Silver Bracelet with Textured Stripis is in good condition, it shows signs of loving wear.

Provenance: From a Colorado collector

Recommended Reading:  Indian Jewelry of the American Southwest by Sarah Peabody and William A. Turnbaugh