Tony Aguilar Sr Bracelet With Five Hand Cut Morenci Turquoise Stones

This hunk of a vintage turquoise row bracelet is actually quite unique in its silverwork. That's because it was handmade by Tony Aguilar Sr. (1919-2002) of Kewa or Santo Domingo Pueblo.

Tony Aguilar Sr's jewelry has a unique flair to it because it's influenced by the heavy, ornate designs of Middle Eastern jewelry that he saw during World War II when he served in Iran. Once Tony Aguilar returned to New Mexico, his handmade jewelry was often big and bold, with intricate silverwork and large natural turquoise stones.

This particular bracelet is especially outstanding. It's set with five natural Morenci turquoise stones that are graduated in size. When you look closely at the stones and run your finger over them, you'll notice that each one bears the distinctive markings of being hand shaped. It's not something you see frequently today, and it's an especially lovely attribute that brings each stone to life. Surrounding each stone is an organically shaped border of tiny silver beads. Four additional large round beads frame the center stone.

This impressive bracelet by one of the true Kewa master jewelers measures 5 5/8" inside plus 1 3/8" opening. Width is 1 5/8". Signed with Tony Aguilar's hallmark on the inside. 

The piece was originally sold by Martha Struever to a major collector of Tony Aguilar Sr.'s work.

• Tony Aguilar Sr. Bracelet
• Sterling silver and natural hand cut Morenci turquoise stones
• 5 stones graduated in size
• Measures 5 5/8" inside plus 1 3/8" opening
• 1 5/8" wide
• Hallmarked on the inside
• Originally sold by Martha Struever