Featured Navajo tufa cast cuffs

I just wanted to share these two cuff bracelets I recently acquired. I found them in a small antique mall in a rural area of New Mexico.
I could not decide which one I liked better, so I bought them both.

This first one is marked HL, possibly Helen Long, Navajo. She was active in the 1970s. The patina is perfect.
I'm not sure if it's sand cast or tufa cast. I don't know the origin of the turquoise.









This next bracelet is much newer, and it is really a work of art.
The tag said it was Kingman turquoise.
I believe this one might be tufa cast, because it is so crisp and defined.
It is stamped with a "P" inside, for Tiffani Par, according to the tag.
I cannot find any info about her anywhere.

 

Let's go! Those are so great, stracci! I esp like the first one, maybe because I'm envisioning it on my own wrist! Classic.

 

I had been hunting for tufa/sand cast jewelry for a few months. When I saw these two, I was smitten!

 

Hard to tell what casting process was used and if the texture was from casting or applied on the second one

 

Stracci-Do you still see lots of pieces down in New Mexico & have you ever crafted any ?

 

Oh yes, Native made jewelry is very popular.
The craft is alive and well over here. There are numerous Native art shows throughout the year where you can purchase directly from the artists. Pawn shops and antique malls usually have some.

@bosko69 , you remembered that I make jewelry!
I have made rings, pendants, earrings and necklaces, but no cuffs. A lady from Zuni Pueblo taught me silversmithing many years ago. I just do it as a hobby, and I don't sell or do commissions.
BTW, I am not Native American.

Here are some examples of my work, just 'cause you inquired!

 

nice finds......nicer homemade work.....!!!!

 

I am loving the snake ring ! You do beautiful work Stracci .

 

I liked that one too. Very interesting stone on it ta boot.

 

really impressed stracci, tasteful, quality looking work

 

@komokwa @johnnycb09 @J Dagger
@charlie cheswick
Thanks for all your nice comments!
I love working with silver and turquoise.
The snake ring was an experiment that turned out ok! The stone is variscite.

 

Superb work Stracci ! We visited (like most 'artsy' tourists)-Santa Fe,Los Alamos,Chimayo,Albuquerque,Bandolier,Abiquiu,etc.
We stayed near Ft. Marcy in Santa Fe and I'll never forget all the art I couldn't afford on Canyon Rd.( Mimbrenos plates !).
I remembered you being a jeweler,again great stuff.

 

I love tufa/sand cast NA jewellery, and those two are beautiful.
Excellent work on the jewellery you made, wow!

More than OK! It is my favourite too.

 

Yes, lots of overpriced art!
It's always fun to tour the galleries in Santa Fe. If you don't buy anything, then you won't be broke. Then you can afford the enchilada plate at a local cafe!

I like to check out all the jewelry to get ideas.

 

Thanks AJ! Those two cuffs are divine.

So I buy other people's jewelry as well as make my own. It's very satisfying when something turns out well.
I love making it. It's my weekend therapy.

 

Big Respect, for hands that create !!!!

 

Thanks Komo!❤️

 

We ate at Mark Miller's Coyote cafe (pretty new back in the 80's) & had Frito Pie at the old Woolworth's in the plaza.
I was playing with a sword in one of the galleries,the worker came over-'You like that ? It's 18th Century Spanish'.

 

Yeah, Santa Fe is a cool place. We try to make Indian Market every year in August.
Eye watering prices on NA jewelry, but it is world class quality, direct from the artists.

 

pick me up a Charles Loloma when you're there .....

we could work out a payment schedule .....