Turquoise/Native American jewelry

[dh66]

There are so many silversmiths working with that name... I have only followed the work of Kenneth Begay (1913-1977) and his long history with the White Hogan in Scottsdale. His hallmark is a distinctive KB set into an incised square. His son, Harvey Begay (1939-2009) used a similar design with his initials HB. Looks like a handsome polished Cerillos turquoise cabochon, maybe 1970+? Just a guess. I'll take a look through books at home to see if the hallmark is identifiable.

Appreciate the insight!

 

[alanfgag]

I really like these heavyweight boiled wool vests made by Ibex before they went out of business some years back. (They were restarted by new owners and make a similar style lighter weight merino wool vest but the old ones are much better IMO). I've bought a number of them on eBay in different colors. They make a great place to wear my collection of Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild pins (of which I also own quite a few). I keep one on each vest and always look forward to seeing them again when the weather turns colder.

 

[BobHufford]

I’m no hand model.

Ray Jack (Navajo) silver, spiny oyster and turquoise ring (from an estate sale). Jimmy Begay, Jr. (Navajo) silver bracelet (from the artist — a long time friend).

Jimmy is making me a silver concho hat band using the design on the lower left.

He’s been quite busy lately filling a large order from Ralph Lauren for silver concho belts.

https://www.ralphlauren.global/bh/e...ure-style-Jimmy-Begay-silversmith-Navajo.html

 

[alanfgag]

I’m no hand model.

... Jimmy Begay, Jr. (Navajo) silver bracelet (from the artist — a long time friend).

Great to read... thanks for sharing. Would love to hear more about the history of his last name and the silversmiths that shared it.

 

[alanfgag]

Appreciate the insight!

Sorry for the delayed reply on this. I spent a little time with Barton Wright's Hallmarks of the Southwest, a useful reference first published in 1989. My copy is a second edition updated in 2000. It shows about 80 silversmiths working under the last name Begay. Many of them used 1/16" gothic letter stamps spelling Begay with a first initial before it serving as their hallmark. Without the first initial it is pretty hard to go further on identifying the artist on this one. Still a lovely ring with a fine stone. Sorry not to be able to add more definition.

 

[dh66]

Sorry for the delayed reply on this. I spent a little time with Barton Wright's Hallmarks of the Southwest, a useful reference first published in 1989. My copy is a second edition updated in 2000. It shows about 80 silversmiths working under the last name Begay. Many of them used 1/16" gothic letter stamps spelling Begay with a first initial before it serving as their hallmark. Without the first initial it is pretty hard to go further on identifying the artist on this one. Still a lovely ring with a fine stone. Sorry not to be able to add more definition.

No apology necessary and many thanks for taking the time to look up the information.

 

[alanfgag]

I've found a finger that is happy to wear this old No.8 turquoise ring as the weather turns colder. I've been wearing it a bunch.

 

[alanfgag]

An unusual brass belt buckle by Talawytewa (Morris Robinson) 1900-1987. His hallmark recognizing his ancestors in the Hopi Snake Clan is unique and easily recognizable.

 

[dh66]

Roy Buck, Navajo. 1960s or 70s. A nice birthday present from Nancy.

 

[Bamaboots]

View attachment 464734 View attachment 464736

Roy Buck, Navajo. 1960s or 70s. A nice birthday present from Nancy.

Great one, Cuz. Happy birthday!

 

[dh66]

Great one, Cuz. Happy birthday!

Thanks Cuz!

 

[Leigh H]

Turquoise Ingot ring by Native American silversmith Ernie Lister

https://imgur.com/a/MbfWtVo

 

[alanfgag]

I made a little more space to display some tourist era cuffs that I don't wear much... came across this one which I think I'll enjoy more having close at hand.

 

[Leigh H]

Recent ring purchase, mid century era.

 

[alanfgag]

I've shown some of these over the years but took a few minutes to make this composite photo of Navajo silver pins. All of these are imprinted with stamp of the Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild, with the exception of the stylized naja which I received from my mother-in-law... something she picked up in travels to visit friends in Arizona. I keep these pins on various wool vests and jackets that I enjoy wearing when the weather turns cold. Hope you enjoy seeing them.

 

[Leigh H]

Early Native American turquoise cuff from around the 1930’s with 17 high grade turquoise stones.

https://imgur.com/WTN0I9m

 

[Leigh H]

A 1930’s Cuff I found on Rakuten Japan.

https://imgur.com/Tn2zFh4

 

[Leigh H]

New arrival from New Mexico, vintage navajo stamped and repoussed cuff, circa 1920’s-30’s

https://imgur.com/0R8d5tW

 

[handymike]

This one is outta this world!

 

[Corky Corcovado]

Wowza!