J1895 Inlay Cuff
Sterling silver cuff by Navajo silversmith Vernon Begay. The 3/4” cuff with silver overlay has turquoise, spiney oyster, red coral, onyx and mother of pearl square inlay. The inside is 5 1/2” with a 1” gap.
The ability of Vernon Begaye to portray distinctive Contemporary jewelry designs with materials associated with traditional work is his hallmark. The unique finishing touches he adds to each set his work apart from so many others.
About the artist
Vernon Begaye
Vernon Begaye, raised on the Navajo Reservation, comes from a family of artists. His parents, Jimmy and Ella Begaye were silversmiths. His mother is also a traditional Navajo rug weaver. He and his brothers Marco and Jason learned the art of making jewelry when they were children. He experimented merging Navajo tradition with contemporary design, continually evolving as the years passed. Now, he is making exceptional jewelry in an abstract style all his own, that is instantly recognizable and highly prized. His individual vision sets him apart from tradition while retaining the cultural origins that inspired his talent.
Navajo artist Vernon Begaye is famous for his wonderful use of eye-dazzling materials in his marvelous jewelry. He is a distinguished, Navajo silversmith whose individual vision sets him apart from tradition while retaining the cultural origins that inspired his talent.
Vernon has won numerous prizes for his work, and in 1993 was awarded a coveted, and highly competitive SWAIA Fellowship Award. His work has been included in a number of books on the subject of American Indian Art.
