Diné Silver Bracelet with Dome and Pair of Silver Buttons [SOLD]

C4310H-bracelet.jpg

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Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: silver
  • Size: 5-¼” end to end;
    1-¼” opening; 1-¼” wide
    Wrist Size: 6-3/4”
  • Item # C4310H
  • SOLD

This stamped silver Navajo bracelet with  buttons and a raised silver dome is a classic example of early Fred Harvey style jewelry.  Intricate stampwork containing fine line crescent feather motifs and symmetrical geometric patterns are attributes of early Southwestern Native American tourist jewelry.  Bracelets such as these were handmade by Native craftsmen in studios in Gallup, Albuquerque and Santa Fe or in the homes of the silversmiths and brought to traders throughout the reservation. They were made with the specific intention of appealing to the tastes of the Southwest traveler. 

An unknown Diné artisan created this silver cuff by first using a series of delicately rendered stamps to outline a gently scalloped shape. The stamps include small circles, feathered ovals and arrow motifs. The center of the bracelet features a polished dome with two traditional raised buttons. As was the case with pieces of this time period, it is unsigned.


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: excellent condition. 

Provenance: this Diné Silver Bracelet with Dome and Pair of Silver Buttons is from a Santa Fe Collection

Recommended Reading:

White Metal Universe: Jewelry from the Fred Harvey Collection by Cynthia Davies;

The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry by Theda Bassman;

Indian Jewelry of the American Southwest by William A. Turnbaugh

Relative Links: Southwest Indian JewelryNavajo NationBracelets


HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Bracelets
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: silver
  • Size: 5-¼” end to end;
    1-¼” opening; 1-¼” wide
    Wrist Size: 6-3/4”
  • Item # C4310H
  • SOLD

C4310H-bracelet.jpgC4310H-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.