7.jpg)
JSW740 Vernon Begaye
Sterling silver cross by Navajo silversmith Vernon Begaye. The 1 1/2” x 2 3/8” cross with a 5/8” bale is made up of five Candelaria turquoise stones. Hallmark: VB
The Candelaria Turquoise mine is located in the Candelaria Hills, close to Tonopah, Nevada. The turquoise is a good quality stone of high blue color with an irregular black or brown, non-webbed matrix. Candelaria is not readily available and the mine is closed so it is considered to be highly collectible.
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.
