Ingot silver hand-mill rolled sheet was used in fabricating the bracelet and matching ring of this well-made set. Of the 10 hand-carved stamps used in decorating, at least five are documented and traceable to signed Fred Peshlakai pieces.
One natural blue green turquoise with dark golden matrix was hand cut into a high domed rectangular pillow 5/8" X 7/16" for the cuff. A matching one 1/2" X 3/8" was cut and bezel set in the ring.
The lighter weight of this perfectly matched set was due, in part, to a scarcity of silver and other precious metals and materials when this set was made. Even so, nothng was spared in its meticulous execution.
Description | Ingot silver hand-mill rolled sheet was used in fabricating the bracelet and matching ring of this well-made set. Of the 10 hand-carved stamps used in decorating, at least five are documented and traceable to signed Fred Peshlakai pieces. One natural blue green turquoise with dark golden matrix was hand cut into a high domed rectangular pillow 5/8" X 7/16" for the cuff. A matching one 1/2" X 3/8" was cut and bezel set in the ring. The lighter weight of this perfectly matched set was due, in part, to a scarcity of silver and other precious metals and materials when this set was made. Even so, nothng was spared in its meticulous execution. |
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About the Artist | (1896-1974) Navajo silversmith known as either son or the nephew of Slender Maker of Silver, he served an apprenticeship with him. Later Fred taught jewelry at the Fort Wingate School. One of his best known students was Kenneth Begay, a man who became known as the "father of contemporary Navajo jewelry". Fred Peshlakai was legend. Several examples of his jewelry are featured in Gregory Schaaf's book American Indian Jewelry III: M-Z 2,100 Artist Biographies. |
Culture | American Indian, Navajo |
Medium | Sterling silver and natural turquoise |
Troy ounces | 1.07 troy ounces |
Size | Bracelet center width is 1 1/8". Interior end to end length is 5 3/4" plus a 7/8" gap--comfortable for a 6 1/2" to 7" wrist (with adjustment). Ring face is 1" X 5/8", size 7 1/8 but can be altered. |
Signed | Unmarked |
Date of creation | Late 1920's or early 1930's |
Condition | Excellent |
Provenance | DH |
Gram weight | 31.3 grams |