$420.00
Early Navajo silversmiths created much of their jewelry completely by hand, including the silver wire used in their designs. Triangle wire was especially difficult to produce. Silversmiths would pull silver repeatedly through draw plates to slowly shape the metal into precise forms, a process that required patience, strength, and remarkable skill. Because of the labor involved, many early Navajo pieces featured less wire work than later creations.
Golden Hill Turquoise | Sterling Silver
Early Navajo silversmiths created much of their jewelry completely by hand, including the silver wire used in their designs. Triangle wire was especially difficult to produce. Silversmiths would pull silver repeatedly through draw plates to slowly shape the metal into precise forms, a process that required patience, strength, and remarkable skill. Because of the labor involved, many early Navajo pieces featured less wire work than later creations.
By the 1950s, silver supply shops in Gallup, New Mexico began offering ready-made wire to local artists. This helped usher in a new era of Navajo jewelry where twisted wire and decorative silver overlays became an important part of Southwestern design. Navajo silversmith Melvin Francis continues that tradition with this beautifully handcrafted cuff bracelet.
The bracelet features two hand-shaped triangle wire bands accented by twisted round wire running through the center of the cuff. Melvin decorates the triangle wires with crisp traditional stamp work that adds movement and texture across the bracelet. The silver is finished with a bright mirror shine that highlights the depth of the handmade details.
At the center rests a gorgeous Golden Hill Turquoise stone from Kazakhstan. Known for its unique icy blue color and rich brown matrix, Golden Hill turquoise often carries a soft lavender hue that makes it instantly recognizable among collectors. Melvin surrounds the stone with additional wire work and classic Navajo silver accents that enhance the beauty of the turquoise while keeping the design balanced and wearable.
This bracelet captures the timeless style of Navajo handmade jewelry while celebrating one of the most distinctive turquoise stones used in contemporary Southwestern work. It is a cuff that will wear comfortably while showing off an appreciation for authentic Native American craftsmanship.
Bracelet Width – 5/8″
Bracelet Opening – 1 1/4″
Wrist Size – 6 3/4″
Weight – .900 ozt
1 in stock
It’s a familiar story in Native American jewelry: one generation passes the craft to the next. That’s how Navajo silversmith Melvin Francis got his start. From the time he was eight, Melvin sat at his father Ted Francis’s workbench—watching, helping, and slowly learning the skills that would shape his life. Today, Melvin still uses many of the same tools his late father once held in his hands.
