Tufa Cast Kingman Turquoise Bracelet Lester James

Sterling Silver | Navajo Handmade

When I first entered the Native jewelry world, tufa cast jewelry was far less common than it is today. Most cast pieces were sandcast creations. Artists would begin with an original tufa carving, then create reusable templates from that design. Those molds could be pressed into packed sand or cement forms again and again before molten silver was poured in. The result was beautiful traditional work, but often repeated in multiple versions.

Today, many Navajo silversmiths have returned to the artistry of true one-of-a-kind tufa cast jewelry. Artists like Darryl Dean Begay, Aaron Anderson, and Philander Begay helped inspire a renewed appreciation for individually carved pieces where every bracelet carries its own personality and texture.

Navajo artist Lester James follows in that tradition with this remarkable handmade cuff. Using hand-carved tufa stone casting techniques, Lester creates a naturally textured sterling silver bracelet with an organic rustic finish impossible to duplicate exactly. Running across the center is a striking row of hand-cut Kingman turquoise stones, each displaying its own unique mix of vivid blue color and natural matrix.

The contrast between the rugged tufa cast surface and the bright polished turquoise creates a bracelet full of Southwestern character. No two stones are exactly alike, giving the piece movement, depth, and individuality. The slim profile makes it easy to stack with other cuffs, though it has enough visual presence to stand on its own.

This bracelet captures the spirit of modern Navajo artistry while honoring traditional casting techniques passed down through generations.

Bracelet Width – 7/16″
Bracelet Opening – 1 1/8″
Wrist Size – 6 3/8″
Weight – 1.575 ozt