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Turquoise/Native American jewelry

Messages
15,077
Location
Buffalo, NY
Four tufa cast najas strung as the focal point of four necklaces. The one at the top is the oldest, strung with Pueblo bench beads and dragonfly crosses... it is Pueblo or Navajo in origin, likely first or second decade of the 20th century. The one on the right is the only one with a hallmark, which permits a meaningful date as the Indian Arts and Craft's Board "U.S. Navajo" program lasted only five years from 1937-1942. U.S. Navajo 70 was associated with the Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild. Ambrose Roanhorse made the stamps and marked all the pieces approved under this program... as principal instructor at the Guild he may well have made this piece too. I believe it is sterling silver. The other two najas are attached to squash blossom necklaces c.1930-1950.

najas1.jpg


najas2.jpg
 
Messages
15,077
Location
Buffalo, NY
I have 2 pieces stamped with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board "U.S. Navajo 70" hallmark. I have not seen many (3 total of which I own 2)... doing a little searching I came across this article which gives one of the best summaries I have seen of the formation of the IACB and the growth of the Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild in response to the logistical issues of reviewing, approving and stamping quality pieces under the IACB program.

https://billehougartbooks.com/blogs...hallmarks-on-native-american-silver-1938-1941

I wore this cuff today. It is both classic and modern in design with a patina that speaks its story well, I think... one of my favorite pieces.

navajo_70_cuff_032423.jpg


navajo_70_cuff_032423_2.jpg
 

Leigh H

Practically Family
Messages
687
Location
Brighton
My latest find, pre 1930's ingot 5 stone cuff.

Well worn, many years of wear around the sides from stacking jewellery, which means it must of been a much loved piece.

There's some slight damage to one of the bezels in the last image, but the stone is secure.

I'm going to get that part repaired by skilled navajo silversmith.

Delighted with it.


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LeeR

New in Town
Messages
30
This is a bolo made by Victor Coochwytewa. He was a WWII vet with a purple heart and served in the Pacific. After discharge in 1946 he participated in Paul Saufkie's jewelry classes under the auspices of the GI bill. Has a nice piece of Morenci turquoise and nice overlay work depicting the HOPI second mesa.
 

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Messages
13,669
Location
down south
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Tests sterling, no makers mark. Started my Christmas shopping a little early this year. If this one were longer I'd be sorely tempted to keep it and wear it myself, but it's about 22" and my neck is about 19, so it rides uncomfortably high. It's not going too far, though, so I'll still be able to admire it plenty often enough.
 

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