Genuine Turquoise Solid Sterling Silver Traditional Turquoise Bracelet by Peter Hackert.

This is a magnificent creation of heavy-gauge Sterling Silver featuring genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. The stones frame a Sterling Silver Eagle image with bold detail. The Sterling Silver feather and coil motif is cut and soldered by hand - about 120 pieces on this bracelet. Hand stamped designs frame the sturdy cuff. This bracelet is about 1-1/2" wide and will fit a 7" to 7-1/2" wrist. Send us your wrist measurement in the customer notes box and we'll size it for you. Signed by the artist Hackert and stamped Sterling. The last picture demonstrates the range of variety in stones and silverwork you can expect from piece to piece.

The Sleeping Beauty mine is located near Globe, Arizona. Its turquoise is noted for its solid, light blue color with no matrix. Sleeping Beauty turquoise is the favorite of the Zuni Pueblo silversmiths for use in petite point, needlepoint, and inlay jewelry. This mine is one of the largest in North America and is still operating.

To Native Americans, the eagle embodied not only ferocity but also purity, for it flew high in the atmosphere, where the air was clearest - and where, in the belief of many Indians, the Great Spirit resided. Those who wished to ask something of the Great Spirit sometimes sent their message by way of the eagle spirit. Some believe birds to be symbols of the soul, as well as intermediaries to the gods. Seeking their cooperation, Native Americans have plied bird spirits with offerings and performed dances to honor and beseech them. Pleas are sent skyward in the smoke of burning tobacco. Feathers are often considered the most potent part of the bird and are passed down as cherished symbols of the power bestowed by those creatures that soar in the lofty realms where many of the gods dwell.