Kee Joe Benally Bangle Bracelet of Silver and Turquoise

Bangle bracelets are a nice change from the more ubiquitous cuff bracelets you more often find in Navajo and Pueblo jewelry. 

This one is a vintage piece by the late Navajo silversmith Kee Joe Benally. Like much of Kee Joe Benally's modernist-style jewelry, it has a clean and simple design with repeating silver work and alternating inlaid turquoise ovals - five in all.

With a 9 1/4" inside dimension, Benally's bangle is made to be worn in a variety of ways. If you have an extra large wrist, this will be one of the rare Navajo bracelets that will fit you. If you've got an extra tiny wrist, go ahead and measure your upper arm. You just might be able to wear this bracelet wrapped around the upper part of your arm for a more unique take on southwestern style. If you have a medium to large sized wrist, don't despair. This can work for you too at the top of a big stack of bracelets worn all the way up your forearm or worn alone just underneath your elbow. You'll want to get out your tape measure to try out all the different ways you can wear this rare bangle. 

It's hallmarked on the inside, and the width is 9/16"