Dig It - 11/10/22
Well Seekers, it’s getting hard to find these Best of the Best Bracelets. Maybe the Prospectors traplines are a little shorter than they use to be, I just don’t know. Maybe it is because many of the great old-time collections have gone to museums? But every once in a while, I snag one - and this here one is a beaut. I would guess it dates 1900 to 1920. It is all ingot silver, handmade bezel, hand cut green stone, and lots of wear - just the way I like them.
What is it that makes a great bracelet? I’ve been asking myself that a lot these days. There are some Contemporary Navajo smiths that make old style bracelets that are beautiful, but they just don’t have the same soul as the old ones. “Why?” I ask myself. I think it is a combination of factors, an Alchemist’s Brew. First, most of those old timers were striving for perfection while working under the most primitive conditions and with very limited tools. Because of the conditions, they were never able to fully realize that perfection. This sets up a dichotomy which is captured in the bracelet. Second, those old bracelets, because of the polishing and wear, usually have the captured essence of several lives, love, and pride, reflected in them. Put it all together and voila and you have what I consider a masterpiece.