Tuesday 24 November 2015

Buy Beautiful Arland Ben Jewelry from Online Store

Arland Ben credits the uniqueness of his jewelry to his interesting background. A Navajo, he was born in Bluff, Utah in a Catholic Church and was raised in the Edgewater Clan as a son of a medicine man. Though primarily a jewelry maker, he has a wide range of diverse talents. His professional achievement includes successful stunt work in films like “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Buffalo Girls,” and “Geronimo.” He studied art at Brigham Young University, then proceeding to the University of Utah to take premed courses, where he was also an active wrestler. Aside from being a jewelry maker, he is an avid horseman. He is also a loving husband and a proud father of two sons.
  
Arland learned the techniques of jewelry making when he was 29, primarily taught by Vincent Platero, another renowned jewelry designer and Arland’s brother-in-law. Today, he specializes in gold and silver overlay jewelry, with his pieces featuring hand-cut, overlay designs, and rare, top-grade turquoise. You can find Arland Ben jewelry online—but beware, as you might unknowingly buy an imitation. To be 100% sure that you are buying authentic Arland Ben jewelry, purchase your pieces only from a reputable retailer or Navajo jewelry trader that has been in the business for several decades. The best retailers work directly with the artists and are therefore able to give you the best prices.
  
Arland’s legendary overlay and goldsmithing techniques have made him well-known in the worldwide collectors’ circuit.  Many collectors will recognize Arland Ben jewelry immediately because of the prehistoric art motifs that are often incorporated into his pieces. What many don’t know is that these motifs were inspired by ancient drawings found at Utah’s Newspaper Rock.
  
Award-winning jeweler Arland Ben has received numerous accolades at the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market as well as the Heard Museum Show. You can buy his beautiful pieces online from a reputable Native American jewelry dealer.

3 Tips to Find Thomas Curtis Jewelry Online

Known as a classic Navajo jewelry designer, Thomas Curtis is known for his exquisite sterling silver boxes and timeless jewelry pieces. He has won many awards and has gained a reputation as a premier silversmith. Before his death in 2013, Thomas Curtis lived on the Navajo reservation where he created stunning pieces inspired by the sky, the plants, and the seasons. Aside from being an extremely skillful silversmith, he was also a champion rodeo rider. He passed on his immense artistic skills to his daughter Jennifer Curtis, who is also known for her exquisite jewelry and intricate boxes
.  
The good news for collectors is that although they are becoming increasingly rare, Thomas Curtis jewelry is still available online. You can still buy this artist’s pieces from reputable retailers and traders of authentic Native American jewelry. The key is to know how to steer clear of fakes. Here are some tips:
  
1. Buy from a reputable seller that works directly with Navajo artists. Check the company’s profile to see where it is based, how many years it has been in business, how it sources its jewelry, and essentially, its story.
  
2. Sellers of authentic Thomas Curtis jewelry have very limited stocks. It is very hard to source genuine pieces made by this artist, so expect a small selection. A retailer who claims to have hundreds of Thomas Curtis jewelry boxes or rings on hand is probably selling fakes. There simply isn’t enough inventory.

3.  Honest retailers proudly list the hallmarks on an item. Their descriptions are detailed, with clear information on materials and techniques used to create the piece.
 

Buying fake or reproduction Native American jewelry hurts the artists who produce authentic pieces as well their communities. By settling for inexpensive ‘Native American inspired’ jewelry that is made abroad using cheap materials and labor, you are simply fooling yourself. Always buy authentic Thomas Curtis jewelry online from reputable retailers. There is pride in knowing that you are wearing a beautiful piece made by a real Navajo artist and that you are helping to support their cultural heritage.

Monday 19 October 2015

The Exquisite Jewelry of Thomas Curtis



It is rare to find jewelry that combines simple elegance and outstanding traditional designs. This is what makes the jewelry of master Navajo artist, Thomas Curtis, some of the most highly prized and collectible Native American jewelry of all time. Thomas Curtis was a pioneer in the use of classic and timeless Navajo jewelry designs utilizing unique stamps and heavy gauge silver, often set with incredible natural American turquoise and Mediterranean coral. His designs were influenced by his upbringing. Thomas belonged to a family of creative and talented silversmiths. He was encouraged by his grandfathers to craft traditional Navajo jewelry at age 12. 

Thomas Curtis used his own stamps to create simple, exquisite one of a kind pieces from concho belts and buckles to beautiful squash blossom necklaces and bracelets. His use of heavy gauge silver adds to the quality apparent not only in the appearance of each piece, but in the value of the materials by which it was made. His bracelets reflect his skillful silver work and ability to create handmade details with the finest tools. Thomas found inspiration from his traditional life on a Navajo reservation and his surroundings. There is nothing frilly or unnecessary in his design elements. Each piece has been carefully created to highlight his mastery of simple elegance. 

If you prefer a thinner bracelet, consider his heavy gauge sterling silver wire piece. Its symmetrical stamp work is both delicate and deep to represent the artist's signature style. Thomas created the bracelet to provide a perfect feel on the wrist. Its elegant detail is enthralling. 

The heavy gauge sterling silver ring is another notable Thomas Curtis creation with remarkable detail and skillful craftsmanship. He cut the piece out of thick and heavy sterling silver. He then deeply stamped it before filing. Thomas used fine reverse stamping method to create the complicated interwoven design. This bracelet is one of his last creations before he died in 2013. 

Thomas Curtis jewelry pieces are rare. If you are lucky enough to buy one of his creations, be sure that it comes with a certificate of authenticity. This should certify his name, tribal affiliation, the value of the piece, and materials used. Buy Thomas Curtis jewelry from a reputable online store that specializes in American Turquoise and Native American jewelry.

Julian Lovato Jewelry: Timeless Elegance



Collectors worldwide are familiar with the exquisite, elegant simplicity of Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo pioneer master silver and goldsmith, Julian Lovato.  Julian Lovato jewelry features the finest grade natural American turquoise and Mediterranean coral that can make your jewelry collection a dazzling treasure trove of bright and lovely hues. Each piece created by this incredible artist has been designed using both traditional and contemporary design elements. His jewelry transcends time with its understated elegance. 

It is rare to find Julian Lovato jewelry nowadays, so once you see something you like, consider buying it as soon as you can. Be sure to purchase Julian Lovato jewelry from a reputable retailer online. The piece should come with a certificate of authenticity that assures you of the artist's name and tribal affiliation, as well as the materials used and the retail value of the jewelry. Julian's necklaces are among the highly prized possessions of avid collectors of fine jewelry. One of the necklaces that you should consider is the vintage, rare gem grade Bisbee Turquoise necklace. 

Julian created this exceptional necklace that is made from heavy gauge sterling silver. The piece has a double pendant linked to an adjustable link chain, which he handcrafted himself. Both the lower and upper sections of the pendant are set with deep blue gem grade Bisbee Turquoise. The gems are distinctive for their timeless lavender and reddish brown matrix and blue hue. Julian provided his signature sunburst around the large gems, and they radiate towards the outer border. The necklace has a unique clasp to connect the lower and upper sections. Five matched Bisbee gems spread from the lower part of the pendant to further emphasize the large cabochon. 

The rare gem grade Lone Mountain turquoise necklace is another one of Julian Lovato's elegant creations. It has a handmade chain in his iconic and complex loop design, with ten gem grade natural Lone Mountain turquoise cabochons that came from his private collection. The pendant was handmade to the shape of a floral leaf, and it is made of heavy gauge sterling silver.

Monday 27 July 2015

Choose the Best Online Store for Aaron Anderson Jewelry

Aaron Anderson is a silversmith known for his tufa and sand casting techniques. He learned the craft from his mother and stepfather by helping and observing their work when he was a child. He is currently known for his creations at Manuelito Studio, where he works together with other popular tufa casting artists like Philander and Darryl Dean Begay. Aaron Anderson's jewelry pieces are distinctive from most fine Native American jewelry because of their one-of-a-kind designs, which are typically a blend of traditional and contemporary factors. Many of his pieces are sold online.


Aaron uses the raised inlay technique to create dazzling effects with coral and gem grade turquoise. He usually provides the carved tufa stone together with the piece to emphasize its uniqueness. His creations have earned him several blue ribbons in some of the most prestigious and competitive  shows, including 'best in casting' at Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial. You can find his works in various sources like the Native Jewelers Society and the Indigenous Fine Art Market in Santa Fe, and you can easily purchase some of his one-of-a-kind pieces online, too.

Shop for Aaron Anderson jewelry only from online stores known for selling authentic handmade turquoise jewelry that is designed by many awards winning Native American artists. Buy only from a store that can provide a certificate of authenticity with each Aaron Anderson piece. This way, you can be assured of the artist's name, his tribal affiliation, the materials he used in making the jewelry, and the retail value of the piece.

Choose an online store that can provide a detailed description of the Aaron Anderson jewelry you are buying. Read more about the product to make sure that it is something that you truly want, whether for yourself or as a gift to someone special. For instance, Aaron's rare gem grade Godber Burnham turquoise tufa cast bracelet has unique details, such as the raised lightning bolt that extends from both ends of the shank.

Add Colorful Liz Wallace Jewelry to Your Accessories

Liz Wallace is considered one of the most revolutionary and innovative contemporary jewelers of today. Her works are sought after around the world by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. Unique among the many talented jewelers whose names are starting to get known across the industry, Liz is of Navajo Maidu decent, which is also reflected in the way she uses raw materials to form her artful pieces. A highly skilled jewelry maker, Liz has won many prestigious prizes at different jewelry markets, including the well-recognized Santa Fe Indian Market.
 
 
Her specialty is natural turquoise stone, which she crafts and fashions into all kinds of stunning creations. She is drawn to patterns and images of small creatures like butterflies and dragonflies, and she is also known for her stunning depictions of katydids, spiders, and other beautiful, nature-inspired subjects. It was Liz's father who taught her how to cut and polish turquoise stone and from that beginning, she has been creating beautiful pins and other jewelry pieces featuring all kinds of interesting themes. She only uses natural gem-grade turquoise in her work, giving her finished products a unique touch of elegance and authenticity.

Today, she continues to experiment with new forms and new manufacturing techniques, expanding her repertoire to even more exciting designs and pieces. In addition to beautiful turquoise jewelry, Liz also creates decorative, miniature silver bowls through a technique known as raising. This converts a flat sheet of silver into cup form, which she then decorates. Liz is keen in widening her knowledge of different jewelry making and metal forging techniques, because according to her, "The more techniques I can control, the wider range of jewelry I can make." This excitement makes her one of the most sought after Navajo jewelry artists to date, offering a great variety of exquisite pieces and dynamic designs that grows as the artist does.

Thursday 25 June 2015

Leo Yazzie Creates Distinctive Contemporary Navajo Jewelry

Leo Yazzie is a well-known Navajo silver and goldsmith born and raised in Arizona. He has been making fine Native American jewelry for more than three decades, and his designs are notably influenced by the rug designs of his late grandmother and mother. Hence, Leo Yazzie's pieces feature intricate cutouts reflecting storm weaving designs that can be interpreted as icons of the dramatic monuments and mesas of Navajo land. Leo's pieces are made of gold and silver and are typically finished with exquisitely inlaid bright and beautiful stones like natural turquoise, pink and red coral, opal, lapis lazuli, and sugulite.
 


Each Leo Yazzie piece is highly collectible and you can find many of them from a reputable retailer of Natural American Turquoise and fine Native American jewelry online. The best retailer works directly with him, so you can purchase his rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, and necklaces at highly competitive prices. Remember to buy Leo Yazzie jewelry from a retailer that can provide a certificate of authenticity to assure you the artist's name, his tribal affiliation, a retail value of the item, and the materials used.

Some of Leo's pieces are highly prized for their beauty and craftsmanship. The rare gem grade Red Mountain spiderweb turquoise and Mediterranean Oxblood Coral on solid 14k gold over sterling silver link bracelet is a perfect example of this. The bracelet is considered a fine masterpiece and has been featured in a book on American Indian Jewelry by Dr. Gregory Schaff. This piece epitomizes elegance and beauty in a contemporary setting.

Leo Yazzie's rare gem grade Red Mountain spiderweb turquoise on solid 14k gold ring is another fine piece that you should consider adding to your collection. It is a lovely work of art that resulted from cutting four cabochons. The combination of Red Mountain turquoise, deep blue lapis, and deep oxblood red Mediterranean coral created a stunning effect.

Wednesday 24 June 2015

Add Colorful Kirk Smith Jewelry to Your Jewelry Accessory Collection

Although Kirk Smith passed away in 2012 due to a tragic automobile accident, his legacy lives on through his colorful and intricate jewelry. Kirk's bracelets are valuable pieces that stand out in any jewelry collection. They can become beautiful heirloom pieces, too. His designs are notably elegant and artistic as he worked as a silversmith beginning in the 1980s. Kirk learned sand casting and worked with primitive tools to craft and design silver when he was younger. The work he put into his jewelry makes every bracelet an impressive work of art.
 

His high grade Turquoise Mountain Spider-web leaf design bracelet is one of his most incredibly intricate creations. It has six layers of sterling silver leaf designs and a striking sky blue turquoise.  This bracelet is an awe inspiring piece and a fine collectible. The tight golden chocolate brown spiderweb matrix detail on the turquoise adds more character to it, and the the intricate bezel work and hand-twisted wire surrounding the cabochon makes it stand out even more.

The bracelet has four crescent-shaped stamps, deeply embedded and portrayed in the lower and upper areas. Deep oxidation provides a rustic appeal to the overall esthetic of the piece. The leaves are almost lifelike with their realistic veins. Small sterling silver drops accent the tips of the leaves to finish the look.

Kirk Smith created another bracelet using rare high-grade natural Turquoise Mountain from Arizona. This time, the bezel has an intricate design that surrounds the stone while accompanied by a hand-braided wire on the outer border. The crescent-shaped stamp work is the focal point of the bracelet's silver work, but the turquoise itself takes center stage with its lovely sky blue hue and golden brown webbing. Kirk used heavy gauge sterling silver for the band.

Sunday 22 February 2015

For Exquisite Butterfly and Dragonfly Jewelry Choose Liz Wallace


Liz Wallace started making jewelry in childhood. The California-raised Native American artist and silversmith grew up with Maidu, Navajo, and Washoe cultural influences from her family. Her exposure to art nouveau began with a book on jewelry based on that style and from there she decided to become a jeweler. Her style evolved dramatically when she moved to Santa Fe. She also learned about turquoise. Liz Wallace's turquoise jewelry creations are among the daintiest and most exquisite pieces for their unique designs. Her dragonfly and butterfly design pieces are among those that have caught attention of collectors and art lovers worldwide.


Liz Wallace jewelry is proof of continuous experimentation with the latest methods in jewelry manufacturing. The dragonfly pin is an example of that. It is influenced by 19th century art nouveau style in jewelry. Liz discovered a way of raising to transform a flat silver sheet into a shape of a cup to make certain pieces like miniature silver bowls. She believes that she can make a wider range of jewelry if she expands her knowledge and control on various techniques. The result is one-of-a-kind jewelry that fuses contemporary with traditional American Indian designs.

Liz is currently known for extravagant pieces that are made with various types of high-quality materials. This makes her jewelry versatile, as in the case of the butterfly pin-pendants. Her rare gem grade Turquoise Mountain tufa cast butterfly pin-pendant is remarkable for its exquisite spiderweb matrix mixed in with the teal blue gems. The turquoise stones were mined in the early 1970 and they are the highest grade of gems that were produced from that mine. Intricate silver work makes the stones stand out and the piece is notable for its hand-braided wire. Beads encircle the abdominal area of the butterfly as additional accent. Another elegant Liz Wallace creation is the rare gem grade Montezuma tufa cast turquoise butterfly pin-pendant with seven rare turquoise gems.

Saturday 21 February 2015

Andy Cadman Designs Gem Grade Natural Turquoise Jewelry

Navajo silversmiths make some of the most attractive and exquisite silver jewelry. Andy Cadman is one of them. He can make almost anything with silver, and sterling silver beads are among his forte. If the name Andy Cadman sounds familiar, that is because he is Darrel Cadman's older brother and Gary and Sunshine Reeves' half-brother. Andy was born in Gallup, New Mexico in 1966. By age 23, he was able to start a career in making intricately stamped traditional jewelry. His jewelry is highly prized for having gem grade natural turquoise, which is set in sterling silver and made in various world class designs, making them fine collector's pieces and head-turners when worn.


The rare light colored Easter Blue turquoise three-stone bracelet is one of Andy's masterpieces. It has three large rare turquoise stones in light Easter Blue hue, set in a lovely traditional design.  The rarity of the bracelet's turquoise stones add to the collectability of the piece. It can become a prized possession in a jewelry collection.

Andy Cadman also makes earrings. The rare New Lander spiderweb varascite dangle earrings are notable for their olive and tan cabochons with tight labyrinth of black and dark blue spiderwebs. Andy placed elegant hand-braided wire to embrace each stone and added sterling silver droplets that vary in size from small to large as they hang across the bottom portion of each earring. The rare gem grade New Lander spiderweb varascite dangle earrings are a stunning pair with attractive natural stones from Nevada. The droplets draw attention to the stones to make them the distinctive focal point of each earring.

The rare high grade Royal Blue turquoise earrings are another of Andy Cadman’s creations. The rare Royal Blue turquoise stones are considered high grade and sourced from Nevada. The sky blue cabochons have faint golden brown webbing. The stones are surrounded by elegant hand-twisted wiring. Sterling silver droplets add more charm to the pair of earrings.