Vintage Wilbert Benally Bracelet of Turquoise and Silver Repousse

Navajo jeweler Wilbert Benally went all out for this wide turquoise cuff bracelet that's a study in multiple Navajo jewelry techniques.

The handmade sterling silver bracelet is set with 9 turquoise stones left in an organic shape and sitting up above the wrist for depth and dimension. If the bracelet was just this half inch progression of turquoise, it would be called a classic Navajo row bracelet. Instead, Wilbert Benally gave us so much more. 

He decorated the top and bottom edges of the cuff with silver scallops perfectly aligned and further ornamented with two rows of stamp work inside each scallop. Benally then finished the cuff with 17 repousse or "bump up" diamonds. The result is contemporary and eye-catching yet it's steeped in traditional technique.

You could add this to your existing stack if you really wanted to, but there's no need as the bracelet can stand on its own with plenty of zeal.

It measures 6" inside with a 1" opening that can be carefully adjusted by a professional. The width is a hair over 1 1/2" and the height thanks to those stones is about 3/16". The bracelet is hallmarked on the inside.

It comes to Turquoise & Tufa from a collector who is ready to share some of her acquisitions with the rest of us.