Lone Mountain Turquoise Bracelet and Ring »

Navajo

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About The Artwork

Paired silver ingot bracelet and ring, each set with a dramatic natural, rare turquoise stone from the Lone Mountain mine in Nevada. These beauties come from the private collection of the late Thomas Woodard, former owner of Indian Jeweler's Supply Company in Gallup and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Indian Jeweler's Supply was founded in 1945 and it was Tom's father who campaigned for "working" silver to supply native artisans when silver was rationed during World War II. This bracelet and ring, so simply and beautifully designed, were Navajo hand-crafted during this period. The initials inscribed inside both ring and bracelet, are Mr. Woodard's initials, not that of the maker. Three simple stamps and a round file were used to decorate the near Deco form of the cuff. One stamp was used for the ring. In each case, ornamentation serves as frame and stage for a very fine hand-cut turquoise cabochon. The bracelet stone is triangular measuring 1/2" from top to bottom point and 5/8" across the top. It is of a deep graduated dusk blue with Spider Web matrix ranging from black to rust. The blue of the 3/4" X 1/2" oval stone in the ring is also deep and graduates with a black rust Spider Web matrix that is a bit more concentrated. As a "set" these two pieces have been together for a long time. The ring is a generous size 7 and the bracelet measures 5 1/2" end to tapered end, with a 1 1/8" opening. The shape, as well as size, can be adjusted to accomodate a 6 to 6 3/4" wrist. It would be a shame to separate this elegant, handsome couple. Together their quiet beauty, will so richly reward the hand and wrist fortunate enough to next wear them.

About The Artist

The Navajo were the first of the Native Americans of the Southwest to learn silversmithing from the Spanish. Most Navajo jewelry emphasizes silver, with turquoise stones used as an accent. Some pieces are cast in sand or tufa molds, while others are hammered, using a male stamp and a female die.

Other Works By Artist:

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