Lot 114083

Monumental Old Pawn Navajo Turquoise & Silver Cuff Bracelet, Master Silversmith

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Lot 114083

Monumental Old Pawn Navajo Turquoise & Silver Cuff Bracelet, Master Silversmith

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Current Bid: $120

(5 Bids)

by Ace Of Estates
June 28, 2026 2:00 PM MST
Timed Auction

Carefree, AZ, US 85377

Condition:
Excellent vintage condition, commensurate with its significant mid-20th century origins. The silver exhibits a deep, authentic, and undisturbed patina, particularly within the recessed repoussé work and surrounding the bezels, which is highly desirable among collectors. The substantial turquoise cabochons are all secure in their handcrafted settings, displaying a fine, glossy polish with no significant chips, cracks, or fractures observed upon close inspection. Minor surface abrasions and light scratches are present on the silver, consistent with a piece that has been respectfully worn and cherished. The structural integrity of the heavy tripartite shank is superb, with no signs of damage or repair. This cuff has been exceptionally well-preserved and represents a premier example of its form.

Item Description
Weight: 101.89 grams

A piece of profound gravitas and breathtaking beauty, this monumental cuff bracelet is a testament to the anonymous master silversmiths of the Navajo Nation. It is not merely jewelry; it is a wearable sculpture, a commanding statement of artistry forged from the earth and imbued with generations of cultural tradition. The immediate impression is one of substantial power, both in its formidable weight of over 100 grams and its expansive visual footprint on the wrist. The design is a symphony of balance and force, centered around a constellation of truly magnificent turquoise stones, each a unique landscape of vibrant color and intricate matrix.

The Turquoise: A Study in Character
The five turquoise cabochons selected for this cuff are of an exceptionally high grade, chosen by a discerning eye for their dramatic character and sublime natural beauty. The stones exhibit a brilliant, saturated sky-blue hue, interrupted by a complex and arresting matrix of rich, earthy browns, tans, and deep chocolate. This intricate webbing, often referred to as 'spiderweb' or 'boulder' matrix, is highly prized by connoisseurs, as it tells the geological story of the stone's formation. While positive identification of an American turquoise mine without provenance is a challenge, the specific coloration and hard, chert-like quality of the matrix bear a strong resemblance to the legendary, high-grade turquoise from mines such as Bisbee, Arizona, or certain prized veins of Kingman. Each stone is a world unto itself, polished to a liquid luster that enhances its depth and complexity.

Mastery in Silver: An Anonymous Legacy
The fact that this piece is unsigned is not a deficiency but rather a hallmark of its era—a period when Navajo smiths created works for their own people, for ceremonial use, or for trade, long before the concept of individual artist signatures became commonplace. The work speaks for itself, bearing all the indicators of a master's hand. The five colossal stones are secured in meticulously hand-cut, serrated bezels, each one framed by a perfectly twisted silver rope that adds texture and definition. These settings are arranged in a classic cluster formation upon a heavy gauge silver, coin grade. Flanking this central triumph are two bold, exquisitely formed repoussé fans, their fluted forms catching the light and adding a profound sense of dimension and architectural grace. The entire composition is mounted on a formidable tripartite shank, constructed from three heavy bands of half-round silver wire, ensuring both supreme durability and a comfortable, balanced fit. This is the work of an artist with complete confidence in their medium.

Historical Context: The Navajo Silversmith
Navajo (Diné) silversmithing is an art form born of adaptation and innovation in the mid-19th century. Learning the craft from Mexican *plateros*, Navajo artisans quickly developed their own distinct aesthetic vocabulary, one deeply connected to their cosmology and the surrounding landscape. Turquoise, or *Doo tl'izh i*, holds profound cultural significance, symbolizing protection, well-being, and connection to the sky. Early works, often termed 'Old Pawn,' represent items of personal wealth and spiritual importance. This cuff, with its classic forms, substantial weight, and use of natural, high-grade materials, is a direct descendant of that powerful tradition. It is an artifact that carries the quiet authority and soulful beauty of the American Southwest.

  • Style: Old Pawn / Vintage Navajo
  • Tribe: Navajo (Diné)
  • Materials: Sterling Silver (unmarked, tested), Natural Turquoise
  • Weight: 101.89 grams
  • Inside Circumference (including gap): 6.5 inches
  • Gap Opening: 1 inch
  • Face Width: 2.6 inches
  • Hallmarks: Unsigned


Flat rate shipping contiguous 48 states: $25.00

Only items pictured are what you will receive. We are not aware of any accessories that are not shown with the unit. If an item requires testing, we do not guarantee long term use. This is an estate item, history is unknown. We are not experts, we do not authenticate items unless otherwise noted. All sales are final. No refunds or returns.

Ref: DNPR778 | PD1

Dimensions (HxWxD)
Inside Circumfrence with gap: 6.5
Gap: 1in x 2.6in

Weight
101.89 grams

Flat Shipping Rate
(Within Contiguous U.S.)

$25.00

Local Pickup
We offer local pickup of your item by appointment only. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a follow-up email to schedule a pickup time on the specified dates listed below. Detailed directions to the pickup location will be provided once your appointment is confirmed.

Pick-Up Dates/Time:
By Appointment Tuesday 6/30/26 or Wednesday 7/1/26,10am to 4pm

Pick-Up Location:
The Town of Cave Creek, Spur Cross & Cave Creek Rd (exact address will be given after purchase is complete)

Item number:
114083

Ref:
DNPR778
PD1
JWL410
NAM820
WES550
JEW100
NAM731

  • Dimensions: Inside Circumfrence with gap: 6.5
    Gap: 1in x 2.6in
  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition, commensurate with its significant mid-20th century origins. The silver exhibits a deep, authentic, and undisturbed patina, particularly within the recessed repoussé work and surrounding the bezels, which is highly desirable among collectors. The substantial turquoise cabochons are all secure in their handcrafted settings, displaying a fine, glossy polish with no significant chips, cracks, or fractures observed upon close inspection. Minor surface abrasions and light scratches are present on the silver, consistent with a piece that has been respectfully worn and cherished. The structural integrity of the heavy tripartite shank is superb, with no signs of damage or repair. This cuff has been exceptionally well-preserved and represents a premier example of its form.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping
Most items are eligible for shipping. Each listing includes a flat-rate shipping price for delivery within the Continental U.S. If a shipping price is not listed, it's likely that the item cannot be shipped. If you win multiple items, we will make every effort to combine them for shipping and apply a discount to the total shipping cost. However, please note that large and/or fragile items must be shipped individually.


International Bidders/ International Shipping
All invoices exceeding $1,000.00 USD must be settled through bank wire transfer. We can arrange shipping through a third-party shipper. Please note there are size limitations for each country that we can ship to. If you are unsure, please email and we can verify if it is within the acceptable dimensions. Also, some items may have shipping restrictions to your country. It is your responsibility to verify the legality of the item in your country or state before placing a bid. We will not ship items that are subject to restrictions. Shipping costs will be billed separately after payment for the auction items is received. We will combine and discount shipping fees where applicable.


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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 + $50