J1752 Ray Begay
Unique cuff featuring a Zuni fetish bear and various Native American designs. The heavy duty sterling silver cuff has crushed turquoise and coral chips set in a mosaic style with hand stamping. This was very popular in the late 60's and early 70's, you don't see it much anymore so it is very unusual.
Inlay and stamping are on three sides of the cuff. The inside is 5 1/8” with a 1 1/4” gap.
About the Artist
Ray Begay
Navajo silversmith Ray Begay is known for his stampwork and crushed stone inlay.
Ray is quoted “Chip inlay is the process in which channels are filled with resin or epoxy and crushed stone. Once the resin/epoxy dried, the piece was then sanded and polished smooth leaving a mosaic of stone in the channel. This technique was developed by Navajos in the 1950-60’s, and is often credited to Tommy Singer (also Charlie Singer and Willie Singer); however, there were many other artist doing the same process in the same era; in fact, my mother Frances Begay raised my brothers and me making and selling her chip inlay jewelry. This vintage-style of work is classic Navajo style of the 1970’s.”
