JSW634 Herman Smith
Sterling silver cuff by Navajo silversmith Herman Smith. The 1 1/4” intricately hand stamped cuff has a 1/2” x 1” Easter Blue turquoise cabochon. Inside measurement: 5 1/2” with a 1 1/4” gap
The Easter Blue mine is located northwest of Tonopah, Nevada a few miles from the Royston district. . Compared to some of the other deposits in Nevada, the Easter Blue was never considered a large producer. It was discovered in 1907.
About the artist
Herman Smith
Herman Smith comes from a family of silversmiths. At the age of 13 he learned the art of making jewelry from his mother Mary C. Yazzie. He is the cousin of Terry and Calvin Martinez. Herman’s work is mostly traditional revival style and he is known for ingot style bracelets with deep stamp work in the tradition of the old master silversmiths of the Navajo Nation. He always uses heavy gauge sterling silver that is carefully oxidized to create an older traditional look.
Herman uses fine turquoise, coral and lapis in his traditional designs. Recently, he has been creating more contemporary designs, with channel inlay, as well. He uses very few stamps to make all different designs, and He is known for his detail stampwork, although he uses very few stamps to make detailed designs.
Over the years, he has experienced persistent back problems and undergone surgery and lived with some excruciating pain which periodically makes it impossible for him to smith silver.
