Description
Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent condition.
Embrace the vibrant colors of the Southwest with this exquisite handcrafted Navajo sterling silver cuff bracelet by Dean Sandoval Jr. This striking piece features a beautifully balanced row design, alternating the fiery red-orange hues of natural coral with the rich blues and striking, heavy webbed matrix of premium natural turquoise. Each stone is securely set within a traditional sawtooth bezel and elegantly separated by classic silver drops. The exceptional stonework is perfectly framed by a gracefully scalloped heavy-gauge silver border, deeply hand-stamped with intricate crescent and sunburst motifs that catch the light from every angle.
Dean Sandoval Jr. is a talented Navajo (Diné) silversmith celebrated for his meticulous attention to detail and his mastery of traditional Southwestern design. In classic Native American jewelry, the pairing of turquoise and coral is deeply symbolic and highly collectible; turquoise is traditionally revered as the “fallen sky stone” representing water and life, while red coral symbolizes the earth and vitality. By uniting these culturally significant stones with impeccable, deeply stamped silverwork, Sandoval creates a timeless, highly wearable piece of art that perfectly captures the enduring spirit and heritage of Navajo craftsmanship.
About the Artist
Dean Sandoval Jr. is a master Navajo jewelry artist whose work reflects strong family roots and a deep respect for Diné silversmithing traditions. Born in Albuquerque and raised in the Navajo community of Tohajiilee (formerly Cañoncito), Dean learned the art of silversmithing at an early age. Jewelry making is a deeply shared family legacy; his mother, Alta Sandoval, his sister Bonnie, and his wife, Rosella, are all highly respected silversmiths. Today, Dean and his family continue to live on their ranch in Tohajiilee, where they raise rodeo bulls and pass down traditional Navajo and Apache ways to their children.
Specializing in handcrafted Navajo sterling silver, Dean is celebrated by collectors for reviving the classic “Fred Harvey era style” of Southwestern jewelry. His intricate pieces frequently feature oxidized silver with an old patina, traditional stamp work, appliqués, and striking repoussé accents. He carefully balances these dynamic metalwork techniques with premium natural stones, showcasing highly collectible spiderweb turquoise, classic red coral, and malachite.
More About The Artist
Pueblo
The Navajo Pueblo, or Navajo Nation, is one of the largest Native American tribes, located in the Southwest U.S. across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. The Navajo, or Diné, have a rich cultural heritage, with traditions rooted in weaving, pottery, and silver jewelry. Their society is matrilineal, tracing lineage through the mother’s side. Traditionally, they lived in hogans, dome-shaped homes built from natural materials. The Navajo maintain strong spiritual beliefs focused on balance and harmony. Today, the Navajo Nation remains a vibrant community, preserving its language, traditions, and cultural identity.
