Navajo gallery quality FOLIATE wild rose CUFF BRACELET, dimensional sculptural floral sterling leaves vines. Southwestern wearable treasure.

DESCRIPTION:
ca. 1960-70: Unique one of a kind gallery quality Navajo artisan hand crafted sterling silver cuff bracelet depicting a dimensional sculptural wild rose motif in a traditional foliate style. Every piece of this was hand cut and shaped, not just assembled, and applied in layers to a sterling base, creating a heavy sturdy piece. Notice the excellent artistic details like the leaves that 'break' the frame to create depth and dimension...truly the work of a masterful artist. Recognizable gallery quality vintage collectible, a very wearable piece of Navajo art. You will love this piece. It really is a treasure.

WEIGHT:
33.7 grams

SIZE / MEASUREMENTS:
2 3/8 inches across the open area. 5 1/2 inches inside plus 1 inch opening for about 6 1/2 -6 3/4 inch wrist with a little room to adjust up or down for a custom fit. 3/4 inch wide at the front.

MARKINGS / HALLMARKS:
Stamped "sterling".

MATERIALS:
Sterling silver

CONDITION:
Beautiful vintage condition with only minor indications of prior use and the light surface burnish on the metal expected in a piece of this age. I clean vintage pieces by gently washing with dish soap (vintage patina is good, vintage dirt and germs are bad!) Then I usually give a quick surface buff with a silver cleaning cloth to bring up the contrast, leaving the natural patina of age in the details to enhance its beauty.

GIFT BOX INCLUDED, ready to give or just to enjoy!

OPTIONAL SHIPPING UPGRADE : I ship fast, usually the day you order, using USPS FIRST CLASS MAIL (1-5 days ), but for an additional cost you can purchase an upgrade to PRIORITY MAIL (1-3 days) at checkout if you wish.

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NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY OF THE SOUTHWEST:
There are several tribes in the Arizona and New Mexico area of the Southwest USA that make very beautiful and distinctive jewelry, including the Hopi and Santa Domingo Pueblo, but the Navajo and Zuni tribes are the most prolific and well known. Their stunning sterling silver jewelry, each tribe with their distinctive design elements and symbolic representations, has become iconic. Navajo silversmiths have historically been the most recognizable in the marketplace, but there are highly collectible pieces worth noting from each tribe. The 'rule of thumb' for distinguishing what it is you are looking at and where it came from is that the Navajo tend to design their jewelry around a centerpiece stone or stones, the Zuni tend to incorporate stones into the overall design.

The Navajo were the first southwestern American Indian group to work with silver. This metalworking skill was passed from the Spaniards to the Mexicans and finally to the Navajo. Before this, Navajo metalwork was limited to iron for utilitarian purposes. However, when the Spaniards came through the southwestern United States seeking gold and silver, the American Indians took a liking to these precious metals.

Atsidi Sani is recognized as the first Navajo to perfect the craft, passing his knowledge on to others where it quickly spread throughout various villages. Navajo silversmiths melted down silver coins they acquired from U.S. Cavalry and Indian traders. In 1865, Sani began producing silver buttons called conchos much to the admiration of other tribes. They adopted this practice and began embellishing clothing and jewelry. Soon after, silver was everywhere and the unique designs and styles we see today began to develop.