Sterling sheet and wire were mill rolled and drawn from ingot to create this magnificent "lacework" inlay cuff. Blue Gem mine, high grade, natural turquoise was hand cut and flush set into 41 round and 22 tear drop-shaped conjoined bezels supported by a saw-cut sheet backing. The latter was soldered to a heavy gauge round wire double shank.
A rope twist of fine wire frames the center piece opening and lines the inside acute angle of each side ornament.
54 silver "rain drops" nest between the outer scallop of each setting, framing the central design element and outward curve of each side element. The upper and lower bowed central rows of silver drops are perfectly symmetrical and mirror each other in graduation, along the form's edge, as it tapers. These drops also graduate in thickness, a signature feature of only Frank Dishta's work as creator and master of this distinctive style.
| Description | Sterling sheet and wire were mill rolled and drawn from ingot to create this magnificent "lacework" inlay cuff. Blue Gem mine, high grade, natural turquoise was hand cut and flush set into 41 round and 22 tear drop-shaped conjoined bezels supported by a saw-cut sheet backing. The latter was soldered to a heavy gauge round wire double shank. A rope twist of fine wire frames the center piece opening and lines the inside acute angle of each side ornament. 54 silver "rain drops" nest between the outer scallop of each setting, framing the central design element and outward curve of each side element. The upper and lower bowed central rows of silver drops are perfectly symmetrical and mirror each other in graduation, along the form's edge, as it tapers. These drops also graduate in thickness, a signature feature of only Frank Dishta's work as creator and master of this distinctive style. |
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| About the Artist | Frank Dishta, of Zuni Pueblo, was born in 1902. A jeweler since 1924, he developed a unique style of flush channel inlay, using sterling silver and Lone Mountain turquoise. His work is in the permanent collection of the Heard Museum and other prestigious institutions. |
| Culture | American Indian, Zuni |
| Medium | Ingot sterling silver and natural Blue Gem turquoise |
| Troy ounces | .69 troy ounces |
| Size | 5 3/8" interior with 1" gap. 15/16" center height tapering to 1/4" |
| Date of creation | 1930's |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Provenance | An Jo |
| Gram weight | 21.4 grams |