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

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

It will fit about a  6 1/2" wrist

It can not be adjusted

$1250

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Vintage Sea Foam Kingman Turquoise Nugget Silver Bracelet
Silversmith Unknown

Another Kenneth Begay influence Bracelet

(Tufa casting is popular among Navajo silversmiths now... it
 wasn't in the 1950's - 1970's when this was probably made.

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

 Excellent condition.

$725

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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.

Boyd Tsosie, a student of Kenneth Begay's, helped attribute. Boyd felt that
Kenneth Begay himself might have had a hand in its creation and fabrication.

The bracelet is 2 1/8" wide

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

$1550

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See the entire Sedona
Indian Jewelry Bracelet Collection

Main Gallery... Entrance

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