BC 1299 Harry Begay cuff bracelet

HARRY BEGAY He began his jewelry making career in the early 1970s. He is widely recognized as reviving traditional Native American silver smithing by building a piece of jewelry out of ingot sterling silver. He heats the ingot and anneals it prior to hammering out the desired shape. He then pulls the wire to be used in the piece through an iron block with different sized holes to create different gauges. Harry’s work is significant in that the resulting piece is so thick and heavy that it could not have been purchased from sheet and wire at a commercial supply store. This process is so labor intensive that it takes many times longer to create a piece. It is for this reason that he only uses the finest turquoise on the market Harry’s contribution is so significant that he ranks as one of the most collectible Navajo silversmiths of the twentieth century. Using a single piece of high grade Kingman blue turquoise. This bracelet measures 1" at its widest point and has his signature heavy stamping designs through out. With a 5 1/2" measurement on the inside and a 1"1/4 opening, this bracelet is easily shaped to fit most wrists. Each one of his bracelets are true masterpieces of Native American art. INGOT SILVER CUFF BRACELET BY HARRY BEGAY Kingman Turquoise originates in the Mineral Park Mining District near Kingman, Arizona. One of the largest domestic turquoise mines, it is found in a large open pit copper mine in the high desert country. The Kingman Mine district was first mined by Native Americans; it was part of the most extensive prehistoric workings in Arizona. The mine is currently owned & Operated by the Colbaugh family’s company, Colbaugh Processing. While old natural Kingman turquoise is rare, they have recently gone back into older sections of the Kingman mine and are bringing out some new natural Kingman Turquoise. Although there are quantities of this fine natural deep blue turquoise available, the largest percentage of turquoise mined at Kingman is being treated or stabilized. There are several other names for the turquoise coming out of the Kingman mining district: Ithaca Peak, Old Man Mine, Kingman Duval, Courtland, The Wall, and Turquoise Mountain, just to mention a few. INGOT SILVER: The silver is heated in a crucible with a torch until it is the right temperature, approximately 1850 degrees. Historically, temperature was judged by the color of the molten silver. That is still the most common method used even though many artisans now have access to crucibles with digitally controlled heat. Such fine control increases the chance for a successful pour. The temperature of the outside air must also be taken into consideration. If it is very cold, the silver can become too cool before it runs through the mold. When the silver is judged to be hot enough, it is poured into the mold which is the thickness the artist has chosen. At this point the silver is allowed to cool and block of silver is formed. From here the Silver can be hammered and shaped into any design the artist wants