Various Ring Patterns Designed by Arland Ben

Navajo artist Arland Ben is known for inventing the use of small 18K and 14K gold petroglyph images, which he overlays on sterling silver to craft visually stunning and one-of-a-kind jewelry. He is well-known for working only with gold, but his sterling silver pieces are highly prized collectibles and considered rare, too. He creates unique patterns, even on small pieces like rings. Some ring patterns designed by Arland Ben feature the highest grade natural turquoise stones in the US, and he gets the gems from reputable and trustworthy suppliers of gem grade turquoise. Here are some of the various ring patterns he designed:

• Rare gem grade Indian Mountain turquoise on solid 14K gold over sterling silver – Arland Ben personally collected the Indian Mountain turquoise in the 1990s. The gem is naturally eye-catching with its lustrous electric blue color and black matrix, and it is one of the highest-grade turquoise found in Nevada, adding rarity and more value to the ring.
  
  Arland set the stone in the hand-chiseled bezel over a signature starburst design. The shank’s interior is stamped in a pattern resembling mountains. His hand-etched signature is found on the outside, and it has been oxidized and overlaid with solid 14K gold petroglyphs. Intricate symbols feature migration, antelope, a couple holding hands under the stars, lightning, and hands.

• Rare gem grade Candelaria Spiderweb turquoise with a petroglyph design – The gem grade red Candelaria Spiderweb turquoise was initially found in North Central Nevada several years ago, but only in small amounts. The pieces were hoarded, and only a few emerged. The stone used in this Arland Ben ring features a three-dimensional deep Calendaria blue color with complex red webbing. He set it in a one-of-a-kind hand-chiseled bezel, which bears his signature design. The shank is beautifully tapered, and the band is etched entirely by hand, oxidized, and decorated with 14 karat gold petroglyphs, which he cut and individually overlaid by hand.

• Ingot sterling silver ring – Arland Ben crafted wide shank manually by hand-rolling ingot sterling silver. He stamped the traditional revival style design using homemade tools.

The Commendable Craftsmanship in Sunshine Reeves Jewelry

Daniel “Sunshine” Reeves is the award-winning Navajo artist known for his art of silversmithing and for his ability to create one-of-a-kind art forms with his jewelry. His commendable craftsmanship is reflected in his work, making each piece more than just high-value piece or a collectible in a jewelry box. Every Sunshine Reeves jewelry is a masterpiece that features unique patterns from 10 to 20 different handmade stamps. No wonder his jewelry is collected around the world, not only in the US, but also in Korea, Japan, and Europe. Many of Sunshine Reeves pieces are exhibited in museums and galleries across America, too.

The craftsmanship of Sunshine Reeves earned him numerous awards, including the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial and Santa Fe Indian Market. Today, he is among the top Indian jewelers whose creations continue to be prized by avid collectors. Apart from being known for his jewelry, he is famous as the creator of the lifelike miniature trains, which he crafted from sterling silver, the material he uses for his pieces. Sunshine Reeves jewelry is notable for its precise and complex stamp work. Some pieces easily draw attention to themselves with precious stones as their centerpiece.

One of his masterpieces is a bracelet, which features a Navajo rug pattern design and an oversize, eye-catching Poseidon Spiderweb variscite cabochon. The gem is notable for its light green hue and complex and tight black and chocolate brown spiderweb matrix, which appears in layers. Sunshine Reeves made the bezel by hand and surrounded it in twist wire over a heavy shank, which is deeply stamped in his signature style. The bracelet itself is an enticing statement piece that can make any collection more striking.

Turquoise is another type of precious stone, which some pieces of Sunshine Reeves jewelry have. One of the notable pieces with this stone is a ring, which features a high-grade Turquoise Mountain gem. The exquisite sky blue hue is stunning with a chocolate brown spiderweb matrix. Sunshine added exceptional detail in sterling silver using crescent and v-shaped stamps.

Enrich Your Jewelry Collection with Vintage Turquoise Necklace

Turquoise is one of the types of precious stones used in Native American jewelry, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the gem naturally beautiful and captivating—it is valuable to Native Americans for its life-giving and spiritual qualities. A Native American vintage turquoise necklace can be a great investment piece because it does not lose its value over time. In fact, its value may keep increasing as long as you take good care of it. This way, vintage turquoise necklaces are typically valued by avid collectors worldwide.

The stone is made of mineral compounds, mainly of aluminum, copper, and phosphate, or ferric iron and copper. Aluminum gives some types of turquoise its bright sky blue hue, and iron gives the stone some green-blue and deep blue hues. Copper makes turquoise greenish, and sometimes, it adds a mesmerizing labyrinth of golden brown matrix on the stone, too. Natural turquoise is highly preferred for its timeless beauty and durability. Hence, it is used in some of the finest Native American pieces, particularly those that are made with fine silver and gold. Zuni and Navajo craftsmen prefer natural turquoise to go with their gold and silver necklaces, as its fine quality goes perfectly with that of the precious metals they use to craft unique handmade pieces.

When shopping for a vintage turquoise necklace, always make sure that you buy directly from an established and reputable retailer of fine Native American jewelry in the US. One of the leading retailers of rare natural American turquoise and Native American pieces have been in business for over 40 years, and they supply the gems to renowned Navajo, Santo Domingo, and Hopi artists, too. Make sure the necklace comes with a certificate of authenticity to assure you of the artist’s name and tribal affiliation, the item’s retail value, and the materials used in the piece. Some retailers offer custom pieces, too, so be sure to check for that service in case you are looking to invest in a one-of-a-kind vintage turquoise necklace.

Complement Your Party Look with Jewelry Designed by Kee Yazzie

Avid collectors of Navajo and Native American jewelry in general should have at least one piece by Kee Yazzie in their collection. Not only are his creations beautiful and mesmerizing—they are also highly prized and valuable for being handcrafted and for featuring bright, eye-catching stones, like turquoise and coral. Hence, jewelry designed by Kee Yazzie instantly add color to any collection, while being versatile enough to be worn for special occasions, as each piece can easily complement any look.

The way this artist designs his pieces contribute to their appeal, too. For instance, some of his jewelry features the ancient petroglyphs and symbols found on the deep canyons of Ganado Arizona. He is able to convert the ancient petroglyphs into modern yet timeless pieces. Kee Yazzie creates his signature designs by cutting and overlaying dozens of layers of petroglyphs on his pieces. His background in design architecture honed his talent for overlaying with superb precision. He notes Norbert Peshlaki and Ray Scott as some of his inspirations for his art, and today, he is known for his fine overlay work, which earned him many awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Kee Yazzie works mainly with silver, but he uses a range of materials to make his jewelry stand out. Rare gem grade turquoise is one of his commonly used materials that make his pieces attractive. Some pieces feature rare gem grade Mediterranean Coral, which is striking for its bright red hue. Some bracelets, like the bear design ring, has solid 14K gold over sterling silver, resulting in a highly-detailed piece that has a story to tell.

You can purchase Kee Yazzie jewelry online, but be sure to buy only from a reputable retailer that is authorized to sell his products. That way, you can be sure that you are investing in high-quality authentic pieces that are certified. A certificate of authenticity should assure you of his name and tribal affiliation, the retail value of the piece, and the materials he used.

Thomas Curtis: The Famed Navajo Silversmith

The late Thomas Curtis is one of the most revered Native American jewelry designers. He was a master of handcrafted die sets. Growing up in a family of silversmiths, Curtis also pursued jewelry making and was in the business for over five decades. Throughout his career as a jewelry designer, he received countless awards and accolades from prestigious organizations. Thomas made everything by hand. His handmade die sets were carefully crafted from hardened steel which were then used to stamp his silver jewelry. He also used chisels to flawlessly carve silver.

The most distinguishing characteristics of Curtis’ style are the hand-tooled details. The use of precious stones is also apparent in many of his works, including his belt buckles. Bracelets and cuffs created by Thomas feature unique patterns. He had a keen eye for pattern coordination and shape combinations. His die casts always offer interesting textures, adding elegant overall aesthetic to each jewelry piece.

Thomas’ fame continues to live on even after his death in 2013. Collectors worldwide seek to buy his work, which has already increased in value significantly. Even before his passing, Curtis’ jewelry pieces would usually sell out due to their unbelievable details. He is well-known for his intricate silverwork and handcrafted details. One of his popular pieces is the silver ring reminiscent of tire track designs. Using fine reverse stamping, he was able to create a complex interwoven design that is unlike any other.

You can still find Thomas Curtis pieces online. Make sure to purchase from reputable sellers if you want an authentic piece of art, history, and culture. Aside from rings and belt buckles, you can also purchase bracelets, cuffs, bolo ties, and even art pieces created by Thomas Curtis. Sellers must include a certificate of authenticity along with your purchase.

Bruce Morgan Bracelets: True Masterpieces of Modern Art

Bruce Morgan is one of the names associated with Native American gold overlay jewelry. Not only is he good at making gold overlay pieces—but he also creates pieces that depict Pueblo and Navajo pastoral scenes. His bracelets are fine works of art that feature extremely clean and well defined lines and intricate and distinctive stamp work that make each piece appeal to a wide range of collectors. The bracelets themselves are considered as works of art. They are versatile and naturally stunning, making them excellent additions to any collector's treasury. 

 Bruce has been an avid silver and goldsmith since the 1970s. He began working on unique stamp work designs from 1983. Apart from jewelry, he is passionate about horses and his ranch. The bracelets of this genuine cowboy artist stand out with their contemporary and sleek designs. He is able to work well with both gold and silver, and it is very often that you see both materials combined in his handcrafted and attractive bracelets. Even the most traditional and simplest designs can make an impact in any jewelry collection because this artist uses only 14K gold and sterling silver. 

A good example of his gold overlay bracelets features an intricate and fine basket weave design in gold, with crescent shaped patterns resulting from the deep oxidation on the band's outer edges. Deep V stamps are found on both sides of the 14K gold to add a special touch. The bracelet can be slightly adjusted to ensure a perfect fit around the wrist. Another one of Bruce Morgan's best creations is a solid 14K gold over a sterling silver bracelet that features an intricate detail on the inside and outside of the piece. The elegant pattern flows beautifully, and deep oxidation makes the piece more eye catching. Deep V stamps are on both sides, too.

Buy Beautiful Liz Wallace Jewelry Online

Liz Wallace continues to push contemporary Native jewelry to new heights and exciting new directions with her visionary pieces and love for trying new things. This Maidu-Washoe-Navajo jewelry designer is a jewel herself, best known for her unique expressions and ambitious work. Liz Wallace takes inspiration from dainty little creatures, ranging from dragonflies to butterflies, and fishes, among many other living things and she uses only the best and the finest materials like turquoise, silver, and gold.  

Her more ambitious pieces are extraordinary in contrast to her more simplistic, geometric, and organic forms, which are also reflective of traditional Navajo techniques. Because of her use of many unique and collaborative techniques (such as plique-á-jour, an old enameling technique), her works exude a unique charm, which is probably the reason for her numerous awards and recognitions. 

Liz continues to perfect her new techniques and combine them with designs that reflect her traditional upbringing. Her varied interests, inclinations, and huge talent allow her to create the most unexpected pieces. She produces some of the finest pins, earrings, bracelets, and other pieces in traditional Navajo style, and at the same time creates some of the most contemporary designs that feature all kinds of new materials and techniques. From high karat gold and pearl pieces to her exquisite tiaras, elaborate belts, and sterling silver jewels, Liz certainly has something for every taste, making her a favorite among many collectors.  

Liz Wallace's work can be found in many museums and jewelry stores and collections. She has also time and again, been featured in books and magazines on art and jewelry making. Her pieces can also be seen online through reputable online suppliers and distributors, but remember to practice caution when buying online and only purchase pieces from companies that you can trust.

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.

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.