Kewa Pueblo Silver Cast Bracelet with Turquoise and Coral Stones [SOLD]

Residents of Kewa Pueblo have taken advantage of their proximity to trade routes since ancient times to sell their handmade Southwest Indian Jewelry and pottery. Before the Spanish arrived in 1540, they were actively involved in the trade of turquoise mined at the nearby Cerrillos mine. When the Spanish established the Camino Real, the trade route that connected Mexico City with Santa Fe, Kewa Pueblo was one of the stopping points along the way. In the early 20th Century, both the railroad and Route 66 traversed the Pueblo.  This has given artists a venue to sell their wares and allowed them to maintain their traditional religious practices and social structure. Almost every family has at least one member involved in the production of jewelry making.

Mitchell Calabaza has been making excellent jewelry since the 1970s. This cast bracelet is an example of some of his finest work. The artist placed two stones, a cabochon of turquoise and a small piece of red coral on either side of a triangular shaped band. The band features horizontal, vertical and diagonal linear designs giving the bracelet a sleek, modern look. Calabaza has crafted an elegant modern bracelet using traditional techniques—the casting of silver with the addition of perfectly set stones in handmade bezels. The artist’s hallmark (the letters “CLBZ” under a large “M”) is located on the inside.

Condition: The Kewa Silver Cast Bracelet with Turquoise and Coral is in excellent condition.

Provenance: The Kewa Pueblo Silver Cast Bracelet with Turquoise and Coral is from a Santa Fe resident.

Recommended Reading: Southwest Silver Jewelry by Paula Baxter

Relative Links: Kewa Pueblo, pottery, jewelry making, Mitchell Calabaza, bracelet

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Measure your wrist with a flexible tape measurement or a strip of paper just below the wrist bone, where you would normally wear the bracelet.

Option: If you are using a plain strip of paper, mark your size with a pen or pencil then use a ruler to measure the length. That would be your wrist size.

Tip: Do you want a snug or loose fit? Well, that really will vary between everyone. If you are buying a delicate bracelet, we suggest doing a snug fit. Most other bracelets should have a comfort fit except when buying large or thick cuffs or bangles. It's best to buy large bracelets with a loose fit so you don't feel like you are suffocating your wrist, or it will be worn over clothing.