Navajo Sterling Silver Eagle Watch Cuff Bracelet J Sterling B

Description

This masterfully crafted Navajo watch cuff serves as both a high-end piece of wearable art and a functional frame for a timepiece. Hand-forged from substantial, heavy-gauge sterling silver, the design features a striking three-dimensional eagle motif, symbolizing power and vision. The eagle is expertly accented with gold plated feathers and intricate scrollwork, creating a brilliant contrast against the hand-stamped silver. The hallmark J Sterling B found on this piece is often associated with the Begay or Bernally families of smiths, who are renowned in the Southwest for perfecting this specific relief style. This technique involves layering metals to create a deep, sculptural effect that brings the iconography to life, a hallmark of high-quality Dine metalwork.

The cuff is engineered with a central mounting area specifically intended to house a watch head, featuring approximately 1 9/16 inch opening between the decorative silver and gold plated wings that flank the mount (1 7/16" - 3/4 " gap in between gold wings). Weighing in at a robust 77.45 grams, the piece feels significant and balanced on the wrist. It measures 5 15/16 inches with a gap of 1 3/16 inches, with a face width that tapers from 1 5/8 inches at the center watch mount to 1 1/16 inches at the terminals. This blending of traditional artisan craftsmanship with modern utility makes it a standout collector's item for those who appreciate the legacy of the Begay and Bernally families and the structural complexity required to create a comfortable, functional frame.

Vintage Condition & Care: All items listed are previously owned and used unless otherwise stated. Please expect signs of wear such as scuffs, blemishes, or imperfections. While most pieces are gently cleaned with a jeweler's cloth or warm soapy water, Native American pieces are left unpolished to preserve the natural patina often desired by collectors.