Native American Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Coral Bear Claw Sterling Silver Bracelet.

A stunning work of hand made jewelry. This bracelet is full of natural character with gorgeous nuggets of genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Coral surrounding a genuine Bear Claw. The bear claw is showcased prominently by hand made silver work and gives this bracelet a bold look. The cuff has been hand cut out from shining Sterling Silver and decorated with hand twisted Sterling Silver wires and hand stamped details. The vivid hues of the Turquoise and Coral come alive against the white shine of the Sterling Silver. This impressive bracelet is 1-1/2" wide. It'll fit a 7" to a 8" wrist. Stamped Sterling and signed by master silversmith Lucky.

The Bear is a potent source of strength for many Native Americans. Admired for their strength, independence, and self reliance, Bear's spirits were often invoked before entering battle. Warriors sometimes painted their faces with marks resembling bear claw scratches and carried double-edged knives with handles carved from the jawbones of bears as good luck charms. It was believed that bear power could also cure illness. Shamans or medicine men from many different groups frequently dressed as bears when working to heal the sick. Just as honoring the bear spirit could bring blessings to people, provoking the spirit might bring them harm. For that reason, some tribes, most notably the Apache, forbade their hunters to kill a bear, or even to touch the carcass of one found dead in the woods.

In Indian folklore it is said that there was once a chief with turquoise colored skin. One day he was running from his enemies in the hot desert. Whenever he stopped to rest, his perspiration ran onto the ground, collected in rocks and became turquoise.