Navajo R.W. James Sterling Silver Hinged Panel Bracelet with Natural Turquoise View Watchlist >
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Lot # HJ119
System ID # 23892245
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4 Watching
Navajo R.W. James Sterling Silver Hinged Panel Bracelet with Natural Turquoise
A substantial and masterfully crafted Navajo hinged-panel bracelet by silversmith R.W. James. This bold design features twelve large turquoise cabochons bezel-set in sterling silver, framed by traditional Navajo decorative elements. The innovative hinged construction with an invisible integrated clasp blends strength, artistry, and technical skill, resulting in a bracelet that is both wearable and collectible.
Details & Specifications
Markings & Inscriptions:
- Signed: R.W. James (engraved inside panel)
Materials & Design:
- Sterling silver with twelve bezel-set turquoise cabochons
- Average stone size: approx. 13.79 mm x 9.02 mm
- Turquoise displays blue to blue-green tones with dark and golden matrix, consistent with natural Kingman Mine material
- Four hinged panels decorated with repoussé, stamped scallop designs, rosettes, and twisted wire borders
- Skillfully crafted integrated box clasp, concealed within the design and nearly invisible when closed
Size & Weight:
- Length: 6.25" (15.88 cm)
- Internal circumference (closed): 7" (17.78 cm)
- Outer circumference: 9" (22.86 cm)
- Width: 1.28" (3.25 cm)
- Weight: 164.15 g (5.79 oz)
Condition
Good vintage condition. Stones are securely set and free from cracks or chips. Silver retains its natural patina and has not been polished, preserving original character. Hinges and clasp remain functional and secure. Light surface wear throughout, consistent with age and use.
Historical Context
This hinged bracelet represents a rarer form of Navajo jewelry, where silversmiths employed hinged-panel construction and invisible clasps — techniques requiring exceptional skill. The turquoise is consistent with material from the Kingman Mine in Arizona, one of the most important sources for Navajo jewelers throughout the 20th century, prized for its vivid blues and distinctive matrix.
R.W. James is a Navajo (Diné) silversmith active in the 1970s and beyond. His signed pieces, whether in bold hinged silverwork or inlaid with rare materials like #8 turquoise and coral, stand out for their substantial scale and innovative design. Works by R.W. James are scarce, and signed examples are increasingly sought after by collectors of Native American jewelry.
An impressive and rare Navajo hinged turquoise bracelet by R.W. James, crafted in sterling silver with natural turquoise. Signed and substantial in scale, this piece combines innovative construction with traditional Navajo motifs, making it a standout addition to any serious Native American jewelry collection.
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Please Note:
- Diamond and gemstone weights, colors, and clarity grades are approximate and determined while mounted.
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