A sterling silver and turquoise cuff.  This is a unique piece of classic Navajo silversmithing. It is an exquisite, hand-made piece of Native American item of jewellery, signed by the artist. Such a high degree of complex workmanship has gone into making this cuff. The classic Navajo stamped elements are interpreted uniquely by each artist. The center stone is additionally set onto the cuff into its own center piece with hand braided rope setting. No coroners were cut when making this piece of jewellery, and no expense in selecting the thickness of the metal.

The surrounding framework of the cuff is detailed with classic Southwestern stampwork and layered appliqué detail. The design is anchored by the stunning and substantial freeform turquoise cabochon, bezel set and framed with twisted rope-wire, then crowned with a line of small stamped rosettes that give the centre a crisp, architectural edge.

Across the shoulders you see a traditional vocabulary executed with real intention: sunburst rosette stamps, radiating fan and liner stamping, and tight border work that sharpens the geometry. The little “drop” motifs and floral elements are not pressed into the silver, but soldered on as appliqué, adding depth and shadow in the way the best Navajo-style cuffs do.

The turquoise itself carries the look collectors want: saturated blue-green colour with natural matrix and warm iron staining. A confident statement piece, made to wear like sculpture and built with enough presence to stand on its own. This detail then makes its way right to the edge of the cuff frame that is stamped.

The turquoise stone set into the cuff is thought to be rare and spectacular Easter Blue turquoise hand selected for this ring. Easter Blue, in the Royston mining district, produced a small amount of turquoise on a sporadic basis over several decades. Very little of this material is gem grade. This natural specimen represents the very finest quality ever to be discovered at the claim.  The oval shaped cabochon featured is a gorgeous blue green colour with earthy brown matrix centering through the stone.

The cuff was hand-made by Navajo artist Kris Singer. It has a bold "KS" stamped into the inside. This font selection seems to apply to Singer. Very little can be found on Singer, but looking at this work, it is exceptionally made and by someone very famiuliar with the history and techniques dating back hundreds of years. 

The cuff is handmade in American, dating circa 1980's. It is signed on the back, along with the "Sterling" stamp. The cuff is a good average size, and can be slightly manipulated either to make it more loose or tighter by manipulating the end pieces. Care must be taken, but there is strength in the thick gauge of silver to allow it to be slightly altered without damaging the stone.

Dimensions - Height at the front 1.75. Total Length - 6.5. Opening - 1.25