Vintage Turquoise Jewelry
I started drooling over Mexican silver jewelry a couple of years ago
and bought a couple of vintage pieces and some new ones. I found an
eBay seller (well, there are a few!) who has Navajo silver jewelry, quitea bit of it in turquoise. I don't know of any North American namesreally (except "Boy"? - whose stuff I like but it's contemporary). I cansee collecting silver jewelry turning into a major passion. It's funnythough,
I never see stuff I like in stores and I want original pieces anyway. Ilike looking through eBay or in antique stores when they have big binsof old jewelry to see what they have. Do you make any jewelry yourself?Who is your favourite artist?
Yes, I do some beadwork, I've even won prizes, but it is nowhere as good
as the women who have taught me to bead.
I also do some silver and turquoise necklaces, my own designs.
My favourite artists are all the long-ago master silversmiths, although I
do have a Ben Nighthorse ring.
Buying Mexican Silverwork is risky unless you can actually see it and
feel the weight.
Going to the rez, or a trading post, is best. We shop one place in Gallop
where you have to be known before they let you into the back room.
It is heavenly! The prices there, and in Window Rock (if you know where
to go) are really fair, too.