A sterling silver and onyx cuff. This is a unique piece of more moderb Navajo silversmithing. It is a unique example of how the more modern artisans interpreted their ancestors styles, techniques and forms and brought it to a more contemporary audience.

At the front of the cuff is a large high polished rectangle set in the center with a dramatic large oval cabochon onyx. Around it you can see the artists nod to classic jewellery techniques with a series of sunburst, or sun ray hand stamped patterns broken up with cirular dots. The saw tooth cutting of the setting is also a detailed continuation of setting bezels. Rather than a classic smooth edge, this cut out pattern takes nore time and skill. Each of the eleven stones have the same bezels. Surrounding the large center plaque are 5 long oval cabochon onyx stones and silver beads. 

The cuff was hand-made by Navajo artist Tommy Moore. It has a his hand stamped mesa-and-moon hallmark makers mark on the center back inside. Moore is a Navajo silversmith whose work is firmly rooted in the traditions of Southwestern silverwork. Working primarily in sterling silver and turquoise, Moore produced substantial pieces of jewellery that celebrate both the natural character of the stones and the weight and texture of the silver surrounding them.

His work includes bracelets, belt buckles and large stone-set pieces, often using turquoise in bold cluster or nugget settings. Rather than overly refining the materials, Moore allowed the irregular shapes, colours and matrix of the stones to become an important part of the design. Some examples also incorporate red coral, a material that became particularly popular in Navajo jewellery during the second half of the 20th century. That is what is most compelling about this cuff. His choice of onyx as opposed to turquoise. 

Moore’s silverwork is equally distinctive, often heavily worked and textured with traditional stamped and applied decoration.As with many Native American silversmiths working during this period, detailed biographical information on Moore is surprisingly limited. His surviving work, however, provides a much clearer record. Bold, beautifully made and unmistakably Southwestern, his jewellery represents the continuation of Navajo silversmithing traditions through the latter half of the 20th century.

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. Being a slightly more modern piece it is a good size, and will fit most men's wrists.

Dimensions - Height at the front 1.2. Total Length - 6.75. Opening - 1.4