Carl and Irene Clark Jewelry: Combining Luxury and Style

Carl and Irene Clark are the names to remember when it comes to fine and intricately detailed jewelry. They are particularly known for their micro-fine intarsia inlay pieces, which contributed to the innovation of jewelry under that criteria. Carl descended from Peshlakai Atsitty, one of the original Navajo smiths, and he founded the micro-fine inlay method, which is reminiscent of the 1930s art deco school. The technique gives Carl and Irene Clark jewelry distinctive pops of color that blend the design into depictions of different scenes and themes, like Monument Valley, rainbow man Yeis, and Navajo rugs. Likewise, it enables them to produce pieces that are both stylish and luxurious.

The water symbol is a distinct theme that is common in most pieces of Carl and Irene Clark jewelry. It is their trademark, too, considering that both of them are from water clans. You are likely to find their initials, ‘C’ and ‘I’ on the pieces, too. The Clarks have been making masterpieces since 1974. Carl is self-taught, and he shared his knowledge with Irene. They also taught their late son and Irene’s brother, too.

Carl and Irene continue to work together to create beautiful pieces by hand. They personally cut, assemble, and inlay high-quality stones. Irene fabricates silver and gold by hand, and she does most of the design work, too, while Carl performs tufa stone casting. They typically stamp the inside of the back of each piece and include a depiction of Yei, a traditional Navajo figure that represents a theme of ‘jewelry of protection’.

In the artistic sense, the Clarks use inlay as a means to depict an image, while the metalwork serves as the frame for that image. Carl and Irene Clark jewelry is not like any other American or European art deco or art nouveau style jewelry. They take pride in making their own creations and designs based on their traditional reflections.

Tips for Buying Vintage Native American Jewelry

Native American jewelry pieces are typically valued as collectibles, especially vintage ones. Owning a vintage piece or two can certainly add more value to your collection. Native Americans are known for their superb craftsmanship and their penchant for using only the finest materials in their jewelry, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their culture, lifestyle, events, and unique stories from every tribe. You can buy vintage Native American jewelry online, but be sure to explore these tips to make sure that you are buying authentic and high-quality pieces: 

• Buy only from an established and reputable retailer – Verify the seller's background and reputation by looking up feedback and reviews online. The best retailers are known to work with numerous Native American artists, so they are authorized to carry and sell the pieces, too.
• Choose retailers that deal directly with Native American jewelers and turquoise miners – Without the middlemen, they are able to offer Native American pieces to you at highly competitive prices. Make sure that they are established retailers that have been in the business for at least four decades. This way, you can be confident that you are buying authentic pieces from a reputable and trustworthy business.

• Look for a certificate of authenticity – Genuine vintage Native American jewelry comes with its proof of authenticity to assure collectors of the name of its artist, retail value, materials used, and the tribal affiliation.

• Take a closer look at the piece and examine signs of its authenticity – Authentic Native American jewelry typically has the signature of the silversmith, a hallmark, or both. However, take note that not all Native American artists sign their work, so the absence of those elements does not necessarily compromise authenticity. If the piece is not signed, take a look at the quality and type of materials that were used. Authentic vintage Native American jewelry is typically made of sterling silver, often utilizing gem-grade turquoise or coral

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.

Shop Leo Yazzie Jewelry Comfortably and Safely Online

Leo Yazzie is a highly respected and well known Navajo silversmith and goldsmith. He was born and raised in Black Mesa, AZ, and he has been an artist for more than three decades. Many of his designs are greatly influenced by the rug designs of his late mother and grandmother. He is best known for his intricate cutouts, which reflect dramatic monuments and mesas of Navajo landscapes, and storm weaving designs. Most of his works are created in real gold and sterling silver, with exquisitely inlaid red and pink coral, natural turquoise, opal, lapis, and sugulite. One of the best ways to shop for Leo Yazzie jewelry is to go online.

Leo Yazzie pieces are highly collectible. To ensure authenticity, make sure you are buying them from a reputable store that is known for selling genuine Native American jewelry online. Verify the store's years of experience in the industry and what type of business it is. Some of the best retailers of genuine Leo Yazzie jewelry are family-owned and operated businesses with more than four decades of experience. To back the authenticity of the products they sell, these reputable retailers provide a certificate of authenticity with each piece of Leo Yazzie jewelry you buy. 

A certificate of authenticity assures shoppers of the name of the artist and the materials he used for the jewelry. It states the artist's lineage and the value of the item, too. This way, you can be sure that you are buying a highly collectible and authentic piece from a multiple-award winning artist like Leo Yazzie. The best retailers of Native American jewelry online have forged a lasting friendship with the artist himself, too. Hence, you can be sure that they have exclusive access to the limited and one of a kind jewelry of the artist. 

Once you have found the right online store, you can browse and buy Leo Yazzie jewelry comfortably and safely. Be sure to explore his selection of bolo ties and 14K gold over sterling silver rings, as well as his lovely collection of bracelets, belt buckles, and earrings online.

Follow Designer Jewelry Trends with Andy Cadman Jewelry

One of the most praised jewelry maker of his time, Andy Cadman creates intricately stamped silver jewelry with the use of different types of stones and materials. He is brother to Darrell and Donovan Cadman and half brothers with Gary and Sunshine Reeves, all of whom are respected Navajo jewelers in their right. A talented silversmith, it is said that Andy can make just about anything with a good piece of silver in his hands. He is best at creating sterling silver beads, intricate cuffs and bracelets, and stunning necklace pendants. 

Andy learned silver smithing from his late half brother, David Reeves. A part of a talented and well-respected jewelry making a family, his work, and that of all of his brothers, reflects a certain classic Navajo authenticity that makes their pieces something to be admired. Like the rest of his jewelry designer brothers and half brothers, Andy was exposed to silver smithing and jewelry design at a young age. However, he only started working with silver, a staple in his works when he was 23 years old. Over the years, his style developed into something of a unique classic, which can be seen in his ring and bracelet settings.  

Andy makes superb traditional sterling silver and stone pieces, ranging from earrings to bracelets, beads, buckles and pendants, among many other pieces. Turquoise is a favorite material that is quite common in his pieces, but he also uses multiple types of stones and gems in his inlays. His silver smithing work is spot on particularly in his ring and bracelet/cuff stamp work. Andy uses a unique combination of antique brushed silver beads, alternating stamps and cutouts, and other techniques, which result in a stunning mix of unique patterns that complement his inlays in the best way possible.