1970's Bisbee turquoise & coral bracelet

Navajo handcrafted bracelet by artist Loyd Oliver. This traditional bracelet features a large piece of Bisbee turquoise in the center with hand carved silver leafs and red coral on either side. Medium guage silver is used in this piece giving the bracelet a nice weight. The bracelet has the artist's initials stamped on the inside along with the scribed letters " ITP" Indian Trading Post. A wonderful example of a traditional Navajo bracelet from this era. 

Materials: Sterling silver, Bisbee turquoise and red coral.

Measurements: 1-3/8" in width - inside : 5-1/4" with a 1-1/4 opening * this bracelet will fit wrist sizes from 6-1/2" to 6-3/4"

Stone: The Bisbee Mine was originally founded in the mid 1870's and by 1975 when it was closed had become the largest and richest mine the world has ever known. Taking out over 8,000,000,000 pounds of copper the mine was given the name "The Copper Queen". The Bisbee Mine also produced nearly 3,000,000 ounces of Gold, 77,000,000 ounces of Silver and billions of pounds of lead and zinc! The Bisbee Mine also produced a variety of outstanding minerals including Malachite, Azurite and of course Turquoise that are by products of the metals and minerals that are native to this Mine. However, mining at Bisbee did not include mining for gemstones, any Turquoise or other gemstone materials were discarded by the mining companies and prohibited to be taken out by the minors due to liability reasons.The best material came from the area known as the Lavender Pit. Ranging from medium to dark blue the turquoise is accented by red, black or brown matrix, often called "smoky Bisbee". Green shades have also been found. The turquoise is quite hard, takes an outstanding polish and is one of the most expensive on the market today.

Artist:

Lloyd Oliver- Navajo artist and Navajo Code Talker:  Oliver, who was born in Shiprock, N.M. on April 23^rd  1923 is best known for his service in the Marines as one only a few Navajo code talkers, he was also an acclaimed silver smith. He joined the Marines at age 19 (1942) He served in the Island’s of Guadalcanal, New Britain, Saipan and Peleliu. He was a corporal when was discharged in 1945.

He was recognized in 2001 by then President George W. Bush.

His Jewelry is known for its heavy gauge silver and larger stones. His hallmark is “ LO” in simple Helvetica font. During the 1970’s -1990’s, he lived in the Phoenix area and sold his pieces to stores in the Scottsdale area. Most of his pieces are in private collections and are a true reflection of traditional Navajo style artistry. He passed away on Mar.18^th 2011.