Turquoise Bracelets

Kenneth Begay, Art Nouveau and their influence
on Modern Navajo Jewelry

The popularity of Art Deco and Art Nouveau was a world wide happening. It
was another manifestation of free thinking. It appeared before us in
 fashion, theater, jewelry, art, architecture, furniture...

The idea did not go unnoticed by Southwest silversmiths.

Properly executed, Art Deco and Art Nouveau are balanced, graceful and elegant.
Design manifestations of the laws of the universe made evident long ago
 with the Greeks, Egyptians and sketches by Leonardo da Vinci.

Beauty and balance in nature are principles that people everywhere embrace.

Kenneth Begay embraced these design ideas too and like a rising tide
 Nouveau design spread its influence upon Navajo jewelry.

Highest Grade Morenci Mine Turquoise

Morenci is in southern Arizona. Morenci produced a wonderful amount of
beautiful turquoise. The best of it looked this way, it is a dark,
deep blue turquoise with lots of shinning silver pyrite.

This beautiful Morenci turquoise is set in a stunning, entirely
hand made, one of a kind silver bracelet. The bracelet has to me an
Erte feeling. The design, the materials, the workmanship are all first class.

There will not be another.

It is probably 1940's or 50's

It is stamped JpF - the top of the P is missing
 so it may not be a P but ??

This bracelet appears to be to have bee made as if Kenneth Begay
was standing over the silversmiths shoulder.
 I would guess without much chance of being corrected that this
was made by a Kenneth Begay student, not just any student but the head of his class.
Of course, I can not be sure of but it certainly appears as though Mr.
Begay had a hand in its fabrication himself.

The Inlay is perfection

The bracelet is 1 3/4" tall at the Apex

It will fit about a  6 1/2" wrist

It can not be adjusted

$1950

This bracelet can never be duplicated... a close copy would cost
 considerably more then this. Had this bracelet carried the hallmark of
Kenneth Begay it be about $15,000 - $20,000.

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Vintage Sea Foam Kingman Turquoise Nugget Silver Bracelet
Silversmith Unknown

Tufa Cast with 6 Matching Kingman Turquoise Gemstones

It is for a 6" to a 6 1/4" wrist and can
be adjusted slightly

1 3/4" wide

Circa 1970's
 Excellent condition.

$525

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Large Rare Blue Green Water Web Kingman Turquoise

Circa 1940's 1950's

The silver setting is heavy, hand hammered, silver coin or ingot.

The design is early Kenneth Begay. It carries a G as the hallmark. Probably
 a Kenneth Begay student. Kenneth Begay was trying to give Navajo silversmiths
a design direction that they could successfully sell and live an artists life.

His efforts were successful, many silversmiths adapted his style and technique
 and went on to create beautiful jewelry. This bracelet is a good example,
It is well made of heavy silver, a simple elegant design and it
carries a large, killer, Turquoise Gemstone.

Vernon Haskie used Kingman much like this in a beautiful buckle he made.
 A couple of years ago. It sold for $12,000

The bracelet is 2 1/8" tall at the Apex

It will fit about a  7" to a 7 1/2" wrist

It can very slightly adjusted by any fine silversmith.
 However, the owner must be there at the time of the re-sizing
 to assure a perfect fit.

$1450

Had this bracelet carried the hallmark of Kenneth Begay it would
have a price in excess of $15,000

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Turquoise

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