Bracelets

Bracelets are perhaps the most recognized form of Southwestern jewelry. Popular for their diversity in design, we see three primary forms of bracelets: cuffs, link bracelets, and bangles. Cuffs are the most traditional type of bracelet for Southwest Native American silversmiths. Cuffs are rigid metal bracelets that are slipped onto the wrist through an opening. Link bracelets encircle the wrist and are fastened with a clasp. Bangles are rigid, full-circle bracelets that are slipped on over the hand and worn loosely on the wrist. When silversmithing was introduced to the Southwest in the mid-1800s, initially bracelets were all silver, cast or hand hammered into form. By the 1880s, the technique of setting turquoise in silver was introduced and bracelet designs would change forever.

Learn More: Sizing Guide   Tufa Casting   Stamping   Overlay