Vintage Authentic Native American Jewelry & Accessories

At a Glance

Design: Native American graduated Navajo pearl necklace with oversized sterling saucer beads, and classic chased petal decoration
Stone: None
Color: Satin sterling silver finish with moderate patina
Accent: Fluted terminal beads, fitted spacers below the cones, and hand-chased decoration
Metal: .925 sterling silver (unmarked)
Attribution: Consistent with Navajo work
Era: Late 20th century
Status: Unsigned and unstamped vintage sterling Navajo pearl necklace with period-appropriate construction
Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Specifications

• Wear scale: opera length — falls at or below the bust on most wearers
• Center bead size: 25 mm, approx. 1"
• Graduated bead range: 10–25 mm, strung on vinyl-coated wire core
• Length: 30 1/2" including clasp
• Clasp: traditional hook-and-eye clasp
• Weight: 161.8 grams — substantial for a strand of this length

Gallery Note: 

This Native American Navajo pearl necklace follows the long, graduated strand format that became especially favored in the late twentieth century, when silversmiths emphasized balanced proportions and substantial silver weight. The strand builds visually into a single oversized center bead, then tapers evenly toward the terminals so the necklace reads as one continuous line rather than a sequence of parts.

Each piece was formed from sterling sheet, soldered into a hollow structure, and finished into a flattened lentil profile with seams that nearly disappear into the curvature. Decoration appears as petal-like chased motifs that travel from the seam toward the drill hole, following the contour of the bead. The pattern adds gentle movement while preserving the visual continuity of the strand.

Silver bead necklaces became part of Navajo metalwork in the late nineteenth century as silversmithing techniques spread throughout the Southwest. By the early twentieth century, hollow sterling spheres were commonly worn both as adornment and as portable silver wealth.

Today, substantial strands like this remain a clear expression of Navajo silverwork—durable, elegant, and timeless in both construction and wear.

Hallmark & Maker Notes

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At a Glance:

Vintage Native American graduated Navajo pearls
Signed “LY” and attributed to Leo Yazzie
Smooth, graduated beads
Soft satin silver finish
One-of-a-kind collector example

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Hand-fabricated beads strung on chain
  
• Period appropriate hook-and-eye clasp
• Signed by the silversmith on the silver tag at the closure
  
• Condition: Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications:

• Wear scale: classic matinee length per SCJ size guide — sits between collarbone and bust on most wearers
• Center bead diameter: 25 mm (approx. 1")
• Graduated bead range: 11-25 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 22 3/8"
  
• Weight: 100.1 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This graduated Navajo pearl necklace reflects classic bench-made Diné silverwork, where contour rather than ornament carries the design. Each hollow saucer element was formed from sheet sterling silver, soldered, and polished to a smooth, near-seamless surface. The 25 mm center bead anchors the piece, settling naturally along the neckline as the strand tapers toward the hand-fabricated closure.

Silver bead necklaces entered Navajo metalwork in the late nineteenth century, following the introduction of Spanish and Mexican silversmithing techniques. By the early twentieth century, hollow silver beads were widely worn as adornment and portable stores of silver. While many historic examples bear stamped decoration, unadorned vintage strands represent an equally enduring interpretation of the form.

ARTISAN NOTE:

Leo Yazzie is a Navajo silversmith from the Black Mesa region of Arizona who later worked in Flagstaff. His path into jewelry began at Northern Arizona University, where a metalsmithing elective redirected his studies toward silversmithing. By the early 1980s, he was producing jewelry full-time, a career that continued for more than three decades before he retired.

The structure of his work reflects influences rooted in home and family. Yazzie has cited the storm-pattern geometry found in his mother’s and grandmother’s Navajo weaving, along with Navajo spiritual teachings, as formative sources. Rather than relying on heavy surface ornament, his designs favor measured spacing and deliberate stone placement, where the pattern is created by the stones themselves. When used, decorative elements such as stamping are applied with restraint and precision, supporting the form rather than dominating it.

He worked primarily in sterling silver, sometimes incorporating gold, and preferred fine turquoise alongside coral, sugilite, lapis, and opal. Precisely fitted inlay and controlled settings became consistent features of his mature pieces, emphasizing balance between material and form.

During his active years, his jewelry was widely shown through regional and national galleries, earned juried recognition, and developed a strong collector following. With his retirement, signed examples now represent completed studio work from his late twentieth- and early twenty-first-century production period.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of authentic Native American jewelry
• Admirers of traditional, graduated Navajo pearls 
• Those seeking artisan jewelry without stones
• Southwestern and understated styling
• Layering with turquoise necklaces and other pearls

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance:

Design: Native American choker-length Navajo pearl necklace with oversized hand-fabricated sterling silver beads
Stone: None
Color: Lustrous sterling silver with hand-stamped oxidized impressions
Accent: Uniform 1" bead construction with restrained mid-section stampwork and substantial hook clasp
Metal: .925 sterling silver
Artist: Signed PC | Presley and Della Curley, Navajo silversmiths
Era: Late 20th century
Status: Signed vintage Navajo pearl collector necklace
Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Specifications:

• Wear scale: bold choker-length necklace — rests close to the base of the neck on most wearers
• Bead size: 25–26 mm, strung on traditional foxtail chain
• Length (including clasp): 16 7/8"  (model shown has a 12 1/2" neck, and average neck sizes may benefit from a 3 – 4" extender for a more relaxed drape)
• Clasp: substantial handmade hook clasp
• Weight: 153.5 grams

Gallery Note: 

This strand of Native American-made beads presents a dramatic row of unusually large silver beads defined less by ornament than by proportion — a measured sequence of substantial, hand-formed elements assembled into a collar-length arrangement. Each bead was individually shaped, joined, and stamped in an understated fashion before being strung together, allowing the visual rhythm to arise from form and spacing rather than dense decoration.

The hallmark stamped on the terminal bead identifies the work of Della and Presley Curley, whose jewelry is recognized across documented examples for consistent construction and finishing. Even in late-twentieth-century work, producing matched beads of this scale required careful forming, soldering, and individual stamping — a demanding process that highlights the Curleys’ superior artistry. These Navajo pearls are a testament to the harmonious, coordinated bench practice typical of their partnership, where each artisan's vision reads as a continuous form.

Silver bead necklaces developed from early Diné silversmithing in the late nineteenth century, following the adoption of metalworking fabrication learned over the years through contact with Spanish and Mexican smiths. By the early twentieth century, hollow beads had become a distinctive element of Navajo adornment, valued both for their aesthetics and as portable wealth. These pearls demonstrate adherence to methods passed down through generations and the inherent quality of traditional Navajo silverwork.

Hallmark & Maker's Notes:

Della and Presley Curley are a Navajo husband-and-wife silversmith team active from the 1970s through the 1990s, signing their jewelry with a shared “PC” hallmark. Their recorded working period follows the waning of the traditional trading-post system, when many Diné artisans carried on time-honored silversmithing methods within independent family workshops, where knowledge passed bench to bench rather than through formal studios.

As with many makers of this generation, their history is preserved primarily in their creations rather than in print. Attribution rests in the metal — the hallmark, steady hand fabrication, and crisp embellishments — all elements associated with the growing preference for artisan recognition and robust, well-crafted Navajo silverwork in the late twentieth century.

The shared mark reflects a household bench practice common in Navajo jewelry-making, where collaboration often mattered just as much as individual authorship. With limited written record, understanding their work has developed through comparison of authenticated examples and the recurring characteristics recognized by collectors over time. Although later activity has not been formally documented, their work is placed within the Navajo silverwork revival and the decades that followed, when reclaiming historic forms in jewelry evolved from renewed interest into established tradition — a quiet lineage living not in catalogs but with those who recognize the heritage reflected in each piece.

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At a Glance:

Design: Native American stone-forward ring with elongated vertical turquoise cabochon
Stone: Turquoise consistent with Royston material
Color: Vivid blue-green with warm golden matrix
Accent: Chased crescent shoulder band applied over the shank
Metal: .925 sterling silver
Artist: Signed R. MAYES | Robert Mayes, Navajo silversmith
Era: Circa late 1980s
Status: Signed vintage period piece
Condition: Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Specifications:

• Wear scale: medium-large with high visual impact
• Stone: 1 1/8" x 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
• Face width: 1/2"
• Face length: 1 1/8"
  
• Ring size: 7.25 (adjustable to approx. full size up)
  
• Weight: 12.9 grams

Gallery Note:

This Navajo ring is centered on a vivid blue-green turquoise cabochon with warm golden matrix and strong visual movement. The stone’s color range, matrix patterning, and organic depth are consistent with Royston district material, giving the ring a vibrant, stone-forward presence.

The silverwork is intentionally restrained, with a slim bezel that allows the turquoise to command the composition. Chased crescent details along the shoulders introduce subtle movement while keeping the overall design clean, balanced, and wearable.

The adjustable shank carries quiet structural strength, remaining wider where it meets the face and tapering at the center for comfort. Signed R. MAYES and attributed to Navajo silversmith Robert Mayes, this late-1980s ring reflects a period of Southwestern studio jewelry where bold turquoise cabochons and minimal silverwork were often paired for maximum visual impact.

Hallmark & Maker Notes: 

Robert Mayes is referenced in the secondary market as a Navajo silversmith associated with sterling silver jewelry signed R. MAYES or RM. Public biographical information appears limited, so this attribution is based on the hallmark, comparable market references, and the construction of the piece. His known market examples often place emphasis on the stone, pairing turquoise or other cabochons with restrained sterling silverwork.

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At a Glance:

Design: Native American extra-large turquoise cluster cross pendant with balanced cluster placement and elongated cross form
Stone: Eleven green turquoise cabochons consistent with Nevada material
Color: Green, smoky teal, olive, and blue-green tones with black, reddish-brown, and yellow matrix
Accent: Silver beads at the stone settings
Metal: .925 sterling silver
Artist: Signed E. A. | Evelyn Anderson, Navajo silversmith
Era: Late 20th century
Status: Signed vintage Native American jewelry piece
Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Specifications:

• Wear scale: extra-large statement pendant — covers upper chest area when worn with choker-length Navajo pearls (not included)
• Largest stone: 7/8" x 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
  
• Width: 3"
• Length: 4 5/8"
  
• Bail: open shepherd's hook designed for direct attachment to heavy-gauge chains, such as foxtail-strung Navajo pearls.
• Weight: 29.9 grams

Gallery Note:

This extra-large Navajo turquoise cross pendant is centered on eleven green cabochons arranged across a substantial sterling silver framework. The stones carry a deep, earthy green palette with scattered blue accents, while black, reddish-brown, and yellow matrix moves through the surface like desert mineral veining. A light polish preserves the stones’ organic character and allows their natural variation to remain central to the piece.

The silverwork is strong and architectural, providing the structure needed to maintain its bold cross form while allowing the turquoise to remain the visual center. The elongated shepherd’s hook bail adds quiet versatility, making the piece suitable for heavier silver chains, multi-strand beads, or Navajo pearls.

Balanced in composition and commanding in scale, this pendant reflects the collector appeal of vintage Navajo jewelry: expressive stone character, confident silver construction, and a meaningful connection to a living tradition of family-taught silversmithing.

Hallmark & Maker Notes:

This pendant is signed and attributed to Navajo silversmith Evelyn Anderson. Anderson is referenced in Native jewelry market sources as part of a multigenerational Navajo silversmithing family and as the mother of noted artisan Aaron Anderson, who learned silverwork within the family from Evelyn Anderson and Wilfred Henry.

Public biographical information appears limited, and similar initials or surname marks can overlap in Native jewelry references. This attribution is presented cautiously based on the signature, comparable market examples, and available family-lineage references.

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At a Glance:

Design: Native American compact bolo tie with turquoise cabochon and claw, in a classic Western slide form
Stone: Turquoise visually consistent with Sleeping Beauty material 
Color: Saturated blue turquoise with minimal matrix
Accent: Genuine animal claw, visually consistent with bear based on morphology, framed by raised leaf appliqués
Metal: .925 sterling silver, unmarked
Attribution: Consistent with Navajo work
Era: Likely 1980s
Status: Unsigned and unstamped vintage Native American bolo tie with clip-style clasp
Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Specifications:

• Wear scale: traditional small-to-medium bolo slide size
• Stone: 3/4" x 11/16" (bezel to bezel)
• Slide: 2 1/4" x 1 1/2"
• Total length (including tips): 45" 
• Cord: like-new black braided leather with light marks from installation through the slide clip
• Tips condition: gently worn with light patina
• Clasp: unmarked clip-style
• Weight: 51.1 grams
  

Gallery Note:

This handcrafted Native American bolo tie is unsigned, a detail consistent with many mid- to-late 20th century Navajo pieces. In the absence of a hallmark, the piece speaks through its materials, silverwork, and composition, which align with Diné jewelry traditions. The pairing of turquoise and claw has deep roots in Native American jewelry, bringing together stone, silver, and natural elements in a compact Western format.

The turquoise provides a vivid blue focus, while hand-chased leaf appliqués frame the composition with quiet restraint. The genuine animal claw features a warm honey-amber tone — lighter than the dark brown or near-black examples most collectors encounter. While the lighter color may initially suggest cougar, the morphology — specifically the broad base and gradual arc — is more consistent with bear, as mountain lion claws tend to be slender and more sharply curved. We present this claw here as genuine and visually consistent with a bear, with the lighter amber tone noted for collectors who want to examine it further.

Finished with black braided leather and gently patinated silver tips, this bolo has the grounded presence collectors look for in traditional Navajo work — symbolic, rooted in heritage, and timeless.

Hallmark & Maker Notes:

✨ Collectors Circle Members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance:

Signed Navajo turquoise & coral bear-themed bolo tie by Elaine Sam
Sculptural bear-centered design with two genuine claws
Turquoise cabochon consistent with Sleeping Beauty material, accented by red coral
Substantial statement slide with strong symbolism and collector appeal

Bolo Tie Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Turquoise cabochon consistent with Sleeping Beauty material
• Red coral accent with warm orange overtones
• Chased silverwork on slide and appliqués
• Signed by the artisan
• Two genuine bear claws
• Rigid double-ring cord clasp
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bolo Tie Specifications:

• Wear scale: medium-large slide with strong visual presence
• Turquoise: 5/16" x 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
• Coral: 1/4" x 1/2"
• Slide: 3" x 2 5/8"
  
• Total length (including tips): 45"
• Cord condition: minor signs of wear
  
• Tips condition: gently worn with light patina
• Weight: 69.2 grams
  

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This signed bolo tie by the late Navajo silversmith Elaine Sam centers on a fully dimensional bear, a recurring motif in her work. Richly textured and sculpturally rendered, the dominant figure projects forward with convincing movement, giving the form vitality rather than a flat ornamental presence. A chased silver leaf rises along each side, introducing lift and contour. Framed within a sweeping double-claw crescent, the composition carries an undercurrent of protection and cohesion, an arrangement that feels intentional and grounded.

The turquoise character aligns with Sleeping Beauty examples, one of Arizona’s most celebrated mines. The cabochon exhibits a clear sky-blue tone with minimal matrix, complemented by a red-orange coral that adds warmth and contrast to the ensemble. The dynamic combination of turquoise and coral reflects a longstanding material pairing deeply rooted in Native American silverwork and favored by Sam.

Finished with a classic black braided leather cord and silver tips, this piece exemplifies Elaine Sam’s confident approach to form, symbolism, and wearability. It stands as a strong representative example of her work and her enduring contribution to contemporary Navajo jewelry—an authentic, collectible piece valued for craftsmanship, material integrity, and cultural resonance.

ARTISAN NOTE:

Hallmarked "E S," this bolo tie is the work of Navajo silversmith Elaine Sam (circa 1955–2020). Her fuller stamp, "NAVAJO HANDMADE ES," is documented in published hallmark reference books and recognized in trading post records.

Elaine Sam is noted for set-stone jewelry featuring dimensional silverwork and applied elements, particularly bear claw necklaces, bracelets, watches, and pendants. Her designs are recognized for bold symbolism, strong construction, and balanced use of turquoise and coral.

Signed works by Sam are collected for their craftsmanship, material quality, and clear artistic identity within contemporary Navajo jewelry.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of documented Navajo silversmiths
• Enthusiasts of bear and claw symbolism
• Western formalwear and elevated ranch styling
• Those who appreciate statement bolo ties
• Admirers of sandcast silver and sculptural Native design

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance:

Design: Native American bear claw sterling pendant with turquoise, coral, and intricate silverwork
Stone: Turquoise cabochon consistent with Kingman material
Color: Saturated sky-blue turquoise with minimal matrix
Secondary Stone(s): Two small red-orange coral accents
Accent: Layered wirework, chased leaves, and flower appliqués
Metal: .925 sterling silver
Artist: Signed J.M. | Navajo silversmith under active research
Era: Late 20th century
Status: Vintage Native American jewelry piece with partially faded hallmark
Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Specifications:

• Wear scale: mid-size pendant (chain not included)
• Turquoise: 5/16" x 5/16" (bezel to bezel)
• Width:  1 1/4"
• Total length (including the bail): 2 1/4"
  
• Bail: compact, best suited for fine to medium weight chain
• Weight: 13.1 grams

Gallery Note:

This Native American bear claw pendant brings together symbolic strength, saturated color, and detailed silverwork in a compact yet commanding form. A vivid sky-blue turquoise cabochon anchors the upper center, framed by curling wirework and layered sterling silver appliqué, while two red-orange coral accents introduce warmth beneath the stone.

The turquoise-and-coral contrast gives the pendant a classic Southwestern presence, while the genuine bear claw adds visual weight and traditional collector interest. Its mid-size scale keeps the piece wearable, but the layered silverwork, strong materials, and symbolic form give it a bold presence beyond its size.

Compact yet expressive, this pendant reflects the appeal of vintage Native American jewelry with strong visual character, meaningful materials, and construction details consistent with Navajo work.

Hallmark & Maker Notes:

The reverse bears a partially faded hallmark that appears to read “J.M.” beside a clear STERLING stamp. The maker remains under active research, as the mark has not yet been conclusively matched to a single documented silversmith.

The Navajo attribution is based on the pendant’s genuine bear claw element, sterling silverwork, turquoise-and-coral arrangement, curling wire accents, layered appliqué, and overall late 20th-century Navajo jewelry vocabulary — elements consistent with Navajo work, though maker identification remains unconfirmed due to the softened hallmark.

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

✨Collectors Circle Members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase.

At a Glance:

Design: Native American cuff with a graduated three-stone turquoise arrangement and twisted flat-wire shank with eagle motifs
Stone: Natural turquoise consistent with Cerrillos material
Color: Green turquoise, ranging from deep forest green at the center to brighter open green at the shoulders
Accent: Applied eagle motifs flanking the side stones
Metal: .925 sterling silver, unmarked
Attribution: Navajo work associated with the late Harvey Era
Era: Circa 1940s
Status: Unsigned and unstamped turquoise trio sterling cuff
Condition: Excellent — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Specifications:

• Wear scale: high profile, medium scale cuff — noticeable without excess
• Largest stone: approx. 3/4" (bezel to bezel)
• Face width: 1"
• Inside length: 5 1/4"
• Gap: 1 1/4"
• Total inside circumference: 6 1/2" (M per SCJ size guide)
• Weight: 37.3 grams

Gallery Note:

This late Harvey-era Navajo cuff centers on a classic trio of domed turquoise cabochons, arranged in graduated order with a clear central focus. The exquisite stones span the green palette, creating a color story closely associated with Cerrillos deposits, long prized for their rich hues and natural variation. Their high-luster surface and exceptionally preserved condition give the bracelet a refined presence.

The silverwork is restrained but assured. A heavy-gauge twisted flat-wire shank gives the cuff structure and tactile movement, while two small hand-chased eagle appliqués flank the side stones with quiet symmetry. With a 1" face and a high profile, this cuff has presence without becoming oversized. It's an elegant choice as a stand-alone or for layered pairings. Timeless and quietly expressive, it reflects the subtle confidence of mid-century Native American silverwork.

Hallmark & Maker Notes:

This bracelet is unsigned and carries no silver purity stamp, a practice consistent with the norm of the period. The absence of a maker's mark is also common in pre-1970s silversmithing, when pieces were made for tourists, trading posts, and curio markets, with an emphasis on designs, wearability, and production rather than individual maker identification.

The attribution is based on the bracelet’s overall language. The three-stone layout, measured ornament, wearable proportion, and controlled design are elements associated with late Harvey-era silverwork created for understated sophistication rather than authorship. 

At a Glance:

A substantial Native American turquoise cuff with strong visual balance
Turquoise cabochon consistent with Nevada material
Strong and minimalist shank
Understated feather appliqués flank the centerpiece stone
Construction and design aligned with Navajo work

Bracelet Features:

• .925 sterling silver (unmarked)
  
• Vivid blue-green turquoise with golden-brown matrix
• Heavy-gauge silver construction
• Split-shank design
• Applied chased feather motifs
• Unsigned
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bracelet Specifications:

• Wear scale: medium statement cuff with grounded presence.
• Turquoise: 1 11/16" x 1" (bezel to bezel)
• Face width: 2 1/16"
• Inside length: 5 1/2" 
• Gap: 1 1/16"
• Total inside circumference: 6 9/16" (L per SCJ size guide)
• Weight: 63.4 grams
  

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This bracelet is built around a single commanding stone.

The cabochon presents a saturated blue-green field on a golden-brown host rock, a characteristic often associated with Nevada turquoise. The matrix forms irregular islands across the surface, creating contrast and depth without visual weight.

The surrounding silverwork remains restrained, with a quiet, smooth finish that emphasizes the stone. The open split shank balances the composition while supporting the centerpiece. Applied feather motifs add texture and dimension, introducing a traditional Native American element within a controlled, uncluttered design. There's a clear sense of presence here, yet the cuff maintains a composed profile. It reads as a bold single-stone piece with defined structure and proportion.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of Navajo turquoise jewelry
• Those drawn to bold matrix patterns
• Anyone who appreciates medium-size statement cuffs
• Southwestern, Western, and elevated Boho-Chic styling
• Pairing with turquoise rings or wearing as a single focal piece

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance:

Five-stone turquoise row cuff bracelet by Navajo silversmith Guy Hoskie
Stones visually consistent with Royston district material
Intricate stampwork extending across the cuff shoulders
Balanced medium statement cuff with strong collector appeal

Bracelet Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Five natural turquoise cabochons with blue-green & deeper green tones
  
• Deep hand-stamping & vintage revival oxidation
• Heavy-gauge sterling silver construction
• Hallmarked by the maker
• Condition: Excellent — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bracelet Specifications:

• Wear scale: medium statement cuff with pronounced presence
• Center turquoise: 1" x 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
• Face width: 7/8"
• Inside length: 5 1/2”
• Gap: 7/8”
• Total inside circumference: 6 3/8" (S per SCJ size guide)
• Weight: 63.5 grams
  

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This signed Guy Hoskie cuff presents a five-stone turquoise composition with strong visual rhythm and clear material presence. The cabochons move through shades of blue, green, and deeper moss tones, each marked by its own matrix patterning. Rather than aiming for strict uniformity, the bracelet allows that natural variation to become part of the design, creating a Royston-associated palette with depth, contrast, and cohesion.

The silverwork is deliberate and structurally strong. Each stone is set in a smooth bezel, framed with twisted wire, and distributed across a raised outer plate, creating a subtle sense of dimension over the solid inner cuff. Deep stampwork continues through the shoulders and out to the terminals, extending the visual interest well beyond the central setting. The result is a controlled surface work that supports the stones and gives the bracelet a fully resolved profile from end to end, without excess.

The piece reads as confident rather than overstated. Its strength comes from proportion, surface, and material balance: substantial silver, well-chosen turquoise, and stampwork used with purpose. For collectors of signed Navajo jewelry, it offers the combination that matters most—strong stones, convincing structure, and a fully integrated design.

ARTISAN NOTE:

Guy Hoskie is a Navajo silversmith whose work is associated with deep stampwork, substantial silver construction, and strong set-stone compositions. Southwestern galleries consistently identify him as Sunshine Reeves’ brother-in-law, placing him within a family circle known for heavily worked silver and bold stamp patterns. Market-circulated biographies also suggest that he learned the craft from or alongside relatives, especially Sunshine Reeves and Andy Cadman.

Other biographical details repeated across dealer and gallery sources remain unverified. These include claims that he worked for the Navajo Tribe in Window Rock from 1975 to 2000 while making jewelry on the side, became a full-time artisan in the early 1990s, was born in 1952, was born in Fort Defiance, Arizona, later lived in Window Rock, and had family and military ties noted in dealer biographies. These points may offer useful directions for future research, but they should not be treated as independently confirmed.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of signed Navajo silverwork with strong stampwork traditions
• Royston turquoise collections focused on natural color variation
• Curated bracelet groupings anchored by a central statement cuff
• Anyone who appreciates substantial, bench-fabricated Southwestern silverwork 

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

Overview:

Circa 1970s, unsigned Navajo sterling silver cuff bracelet with turquoise chip mosaic inlay, a central wheel design, hand-engraved crescent borders, and a heavy-gauge convex shank.

At a Glance:

Vintage heavy-gauge turquoise chip inlay cuff consistent with Navajo work
Central turquoise wheel mosaic with flanking half panels
Crescent-textured engraved border & accents
One-of-a-kind period example — 89.5 grams

Bracelet Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Inlaid crushed polychrome turquoise chips
• Heavy-gauge convex shank
• Engraved borders and terminals 
• Construction & design consistent with 1970s Navajo silverwork
• Unsigned
• Condition: Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bracelet Specifications:

• Wear scale: medium with broad coverage and low profile
• Face width: 1 1/2"
• Inside length: 5 1/2"
• Gap: 1 3/16"
• Total inside circumference: 6 11/16" (S per SCJ size guide)
• Weight: 89.5 grams
  

ABOUT THIS PIECE: 

This vintage Navajo cuff centers on a repeating constellation of turquoise mosaics, each composed of small fragments of crushed stone fitted into hand-cut silver channels. Known as chip inlay, the method became a defining style in Navajo silversmithing in the 1970s and is closely associated with the work of the Singer family, especially Tommy Singer.

The wide sterling cuff began as a heavy sheet of silver, and it was subsequently hand-engraved before the stones were applied. The arched cuts provide a visual interruption to the inlay work, adding movement and depth across the shank. The crisp-textured crescents also appear along the borders and at the terminals, giving continuity to the composition. The result is a restrained design: a full central inlaid circle flanked by half-panels that highlight the varied hues of the stones and unify the cuff through symmetry and rhythm. 

As the cuff turns on the wrist, the surface shifts between precise geometry and sharply cut texture, giving the bracelet presence without relying on size or heavy ornamentation. Decades of wear have left a deep patina that emphasizes the engraved detail and contrast against the blue palette.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors drawn to early chip inlay work
• Navajo handmade jewelry collections
• Anyone who appreciates artisan mosaic jewelry
• Everyday wear with weight and presence
• Wearers who favor pattern over single-stone focus

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase.