Pre-50's Navajo Style Old Pawn Genuine Turquoise Jewelry Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet Signed by the Artist.

This bracelet is pre-50's Navajo style Old Pawn jewelry made from heavy gauge Sterling Silver and genuine Turquoise, such as Kingman, Battle Mountain, Hachita or Mojave. This Turquoise is from Richard's collection and has been out of the mine for thirty years. The Sterling Silver cuff is hand made with traditional methods; it is meticulously hand cut, hand rolled, and hand stamped with classic designs. This jewelry appears to be a hundred years old and was created based on early twentieth century pieces displayed in old magazines such as Arizona Highways. Stamped Sterling and signed by the artist.

Throughout the Indian lands the trading posts serve as pawn shops, with the trader usually involved in a pragmatic form of banking - part of the process known as pawning. Most reservation Indians convert their cash into silver and Turquoise jewelry and woven articles made from their Native wool. When in need of money or commodities their assets are used as securities for loans. At times the trading post vault is the safest place in which to keep valuables. In this case the Native American pawns the items for a minimum loan and is happy to pay the interest rate in return for the security of his goods. If the articles are not redeemed after the contractual length of time, they become "dead pawn" otherwise known as an "old pawn" and may be sold by the trader.