14K Yellow Gold Bear with Opal and Gold Line Inlay

The body of this sweet bear was cast in 14K yellow gold.  Sheet and wire for the bale as well as inlay were mill rolled of the same 14K yellow gold.  Fine Australian opal was precisely cut to fit the interior design of the bear's body. 

This procedure was most difficult, as opal from nature is fragile when worked to such detail.

Selected for its simplicity and cord-like appearance, the 14K yellow gold chain is Italian.

This elegant bear is just the right size for comfortable and frequent wearing.  The opal has a fine fire-like sunlit fresh snow appearance. 

Bears are healing symbols.  Because of hibernation, they seem to have powers of regeneration.

"Calvin Begay is an award-winning artist, jeweler, designer and master craftsman. He was born in Gallup, New Mexico in 1965 and raised in Tohatchi, northwestern New Mexico.

Calvin designed his first piece of jewelry at age 10, learning from his mother an uncle. In more than 30+ years as a jewelry designer and craftsman, he has become a master in every aspect of the design and manufacturing process. He has won numerous awards at the Gallup Inter Tribal Ceremonial, including Best of Show in 1989. His jewelry has been featured in Arizona Highways and Southwest Art magazines.

This gifted artist continually innovates and updates his designs, working in both gold and silver, and adding new motifs and stones to his repertoire.

In his leisure time, Calvin participates in rodeos and rides in the back country on his all terrain vehicles. When he creates jewelry, that wild free spirit finds expression in precious metals and stone.

He has a unique ability to translate traditional Navajo inlay techniques into jewelry reflecting his Native American heritage coupled with a contemporary flair. Calvin’s work is prized by clients and collectors throughout the United States and the world."  excerpted from Native Jackson Hole's online gallery