Description
Like his famed brother, Boyd, Richard learned to fabricate jewelry from the late Kennth Begay, known as a father of modern Navajo jewelry.
Richard is considered among the very finest jewelers working, known especially for his combinations of fine lapidary and metal work. Here we have a beautiful example.
Using the traditional symbols of turquoise for the sky, coral for the earth, and abstract symbols for rain and water, which bring good luck, he has assembled these in a thoroughly contemporary way. All the stones and shell are natural, of course.
The mother-of-pearl is also traditional, but the addition of fossil ivory is another touch of today. This bracelet has both sunken and protruding stones, precise stone work and overlay technique.
The wonderful juxtaposition of bright, light, and darkened divisions, along with the rain and water signs, seems to visually describe the contrast of sunlight vs.stormy weather.
Whether analyzed or simply enjoyed for its beauty, this is a stellar piece by this renowned artist.