Dig It - 2/18/22
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Let’s look at this bracelet, shall we? This is what is known as a Cuff, sort of a wide band. It is Navajo, ingot silver, that means some silversmith hammered it out of a silver slug, a process called “Forging”. The center turquoise stone appears to be hand cut and the bezel that holds it is definitely hand made. These are two early traits. Remember, stones weren’t mounted on silver till the
very end of the 19th century. Above and below the stone are simple stamps and a punch. Flanking the stone on either side are oval rosettes made with a simple cold chisel, wedge shaped tool. Again, an early manufacturing technique, indicating an early date for the cuff.
My favorite feature of this bracelet is the repair. Look on the left side of the bracelet, about mid way on the rosette you will see a thin strip of silver folded over the top and bottom. This goes all along the inside of the bracelet and was meant to strengthen a crack in the silver. It means that whoever owned this bracelet loved it enough to repair it. Taking all the facts into consideration my conclusion is; this bracelet was made by a Navajo Silversmith some time between 1900 and 1920.
For further research, check out H.P. Mera’s book on Navajo jewelry. All the illustrated examples were made before 1932, and were for Native use.