14K Yellow Gold Ring, Natural Strawberry Red Coral

14K yellow gold mill rolled sheet and natural red Mediterranean coral were used to create this sublime example of the jeweler's art.  The flowing lines and subtle curves of the ring body were achieved with repousse and file forming prior to fabrication.  Coral, carved from a single, dense perfect branch, was fit within the setting's golden embrace as in a sweeping pas de deux!

Kenneth Begay's son and apprentice, Harvey mastered techniques in silver and gold smithing used for production work at the White Hogan in Scottsdale, Arizona.  He soon found his own creative voice and began creating his work art forms.  Unlike his father's bold modernist approach, Harvey's expressions were serene, even peaceful.  His jewelry designs fit naturally, with undulating forms that caress wrists and fingers as if they were made, not just for, but on the wearer.  Harvey Begay's artistry reflects the windswept beauty of his home as well as the soft-spoken manner of his noble heart.

(1938-2010) Harvey Begay was the son of Kenneth Begay, the father of contemporary Navajo jewelry. His father as well as the French jewelry designer, Pierre Tourraine were large influences on Harvey Begay's work.

For many years Begay's work was offered by the Faust Gallery in Scottsdale. His distinctive hallmark consisted of the letters "HB".

Nearly a full page is devoted to Begay's career as a jeweler in Gregory Schaaf's book American Indian Jewelry I 1,200 Artist Biographies.