Turquoise/Native American jewelry

[alanfgag]

Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[aho]

^I love this thread! Very informative and lots of great collections! Most of my leanings are toward inlay which is why I gravitate to works of Jim Harrison, Clayton Tom, Ervin Tsosie, etc. but I'm also interested in traditional/revival style as well.

Does anyone here actively goto any of the Museum shows/markets? I'm based in the Midwest so I haven't been to Santa Fe Indian Market but would like to some day. I'm planning to visit Eiteljorg in June however!

 

[Michaelshane]

How's this for traditional ?
I've been a featured artist at Indian market.Been there many times.

I used to make a lot of jewelry.Not so much anymore.

 

[Michaelshane]

 

[Zombie_61]

How's this for traditional ?
I've been a featured artist at Indian market.Been there many times.

I used to make a lot of jewelry.Not so much anymore.

That is a beautiful piece--a wonderful example of artistry and precise craftsmanship!

 

[alanfgag]

Always a pleasure to see your work, Michael.

 

[aho]

Michael,

Wow! Those are stunning and gorgeous pieces, I'm always impressed by your work Michael! Please do continue posting examples of things you've created as we often don't get to see or hear from legit silversmith's and artists of your caliber and credentials.

As a note, I fear I may be using the term "traditional" incorrectly as I've always associated it with ingot/hand stamped pieces. Does "traditional" actually infer channel inlay etc?

 

[Michaelshane]

Here's some ingot stuff too.

 

[Michaelshane]

Pretty much everything I make comes from ingots.



Even this.

 

[RJR]

Beautiful work!

 

[RBH]

Sweet!!

 

[Short Balding Guy]

Beautiful work!

+1

 

[Peter Bowden]

These are a pair of bangles that I bought many years ago really because I liked them so I thought I would post them and would be pleased to know more about them .The metal in the larger bangle is very stiff.I was told that they were of Native American origin.
Regards
Peter

 

[alanfgag]

Number 8 mine turquoise, silversmith unknown.

 

[alanfgag]

Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild

 

[RJR]

That buckle is exquisite!

 

[Dickie Teenie]

The neckless was gift from my parents to my wife while visiting them on their 65th wedding anniversary last week and the belt buckle has our family cattle brand.

 

[kyboots]

Guys tell me amount the Sleeping Beauty mine. I know they market this well but a jewelry friend of mind has a large necklace he traded for ( from the 1960's.) Is this still all hype or should I look more at it. It appears to be a nice bit of turquoise. thanks

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks RJR... and thank you for posting these pieces Dickie Teenie.

Guys tell me amount the Sleeping Beauty mine. I know they market this well but a jewelry friend of mind has a large necklace he traded for ( from the 1960's.) Is this still all hype or should I look more at it. It appears to be a nice bit of turquoise. thanks

There is quite a bit of information online about turquoise, the mines it has come from and value, which is all over the board. Here is one discussion that attempts to show characteristic pieces from many of the more well known mines. There are other sites which attempt to differentiate grades/qualities/characteristics/value. Here is one such page. A google image search will help you appreciate the magical "zat" of individual stones which is another quality altogether.

The Sleeping Beauty mine appears to have stopped production. Its turquoise is known for nice color and relative freedom from matrix.

 

[BobHufford]

Picked this up in a thirft store last night. Appears to be Harvey Era tourist, but I will defer to the experts. No markings inside the band.

Fits my pinky. The other band is one I've worn daily for 20+ years and it shows. Marked "Sterling" and 'L. P.' with feathers (?) on either side. Not sure if it is Lena Platero or who.

Found a similar Harvey Era one here: http://r.ebay.com/GIeWQY