Philander Begay Jewelry: A Timeless Treasure in the World of Fashion

It’s easy to see why Philander Begay’s timeless and unique pieces are and highly prized by collectors. After all, his jewelry is a reflection of his vision, dreams, and inspiration as their creator. Philander is known for his one-shot tufa stone pieces cast in gold and silver. Ideas naturally come to this artist; in a recent interview, he said that inspiration strikes him during his long walks. Among his influences are Jesse Monongya, Preston Monongye, and Charles Loloma, and he loves to create statement-making pieces of jewelry that definitely stand out on their own.

Philander Begay makes jewelry for the sheer joy of it and hopes to pass on the skill to any of his five children. Philander is cousins with Darryl Dean Begay, and he credits him for teaching him tufa casting and silversmithing.  His jewelry features intricately carved scenes of Pueblo and Navajo life. His use of fine natural turquoise on some of the pieces’ help draw attention to the designs. At this point in his career as a jeweler, he is credited for some of the most highly prized masterpieces in contemporary Native American jewelry.

Some of the most remarkable creations of Philander Begay are belt buckles, bracelets, bolo ties, and pins. One of his masterpieces is the tufa cast bracelet with a Yeibechai design, featuring a rare gem grade Apache Blue spiderweb turquoise. Yei is a mysterious Navajo deity, and his majestic form is depicted by Philander on an incredible bracelet made with several layers of sterling silver. The deity is depicted dancing while holding rattles and Apache Blue turquoise conchos adorning his waist. The mask of the god is made of the same type of turquoise used on the rest of the heavy bracelet.

 

A Few Famous Liz Wallace Jewelry Designs

Liz Wallace is known for her creative and innovative jewelry designs. Her interesting and high-quality heirloom pieces are great investments and wonderful additions to any jewelry collection. Every Liz Wallace piece is designed to stand the test of time and outlast trends in popular jewelry. Many of the most sought-after Liz Wallace jewelry designs feature traditional Dine, art deco, and art nouveau themes, but her most popular pieces are the insect forms, like the pins and pendants that come in dragonfly and butterfly designs.

All Liz Wallace jewelry designs are prized for their extravagance and manner of creation. Her multimedia focus enables her to make a wide variety of designs that never fail to attract avid and discerning collectors. She uses only natural high grade turquoise, too, as seen on her insect form jewelry. One of her dragonfly pins is adorned with rare gem grade Darling Darlene spiderweb turquoise stones on the eyes and down to the sterling silver curved tail. The cabochons are prized for being rare and hard to find in the mines of Nevada. What makes the dragonfly pin stand out is the gold and deep blue green spiderweb matrix that are similar to that of the real insect. The wings are notable, too, with their complex and fine stamp work.

Liz’s eye for detail is showcased on one of her tufa cast butterfly design pin/pendant, featuring seven perfectly matched Montezuma spiderweb turquoise cabochons. The rare gem grade stones hailed from Nevada, and they are elegantly combined to form the details and draw attention to the butterfly, which is made of hand-twisted sterling silver wire, a layer of beads around the abdomen, and silverwork coils in every wing’s lower portion. The piece is considered highly collectible and rare, too, making it highly prized by collectors who own it.

 

Complete Your Stylish Look with Aaron Anderson Jewelry

Aaron Anderson is from the third generation of silversmiths in his family. He is known for using tufa and sand casting methods to create intricately designed silver jewelry. He learned the art of sand and tufa casting from Wilfred Henry (his stepfather) and Evelyn Anderson (his mother). Aaron Anderson pieces continue to be sought by many avid and discerning collectors. Each is piece is designed to create an eye-catching effect with its use of high-end stones like coral and turquoise.

Every piece of Aaron Anderson jewelry is unique, as he makes them individually by hand. To emphasize the uniqueness of his creations, he typically presents the carved tufa stone from which a piece has been made, every time he sells jewelry. His one-of-a-kind designs helped him earn a lot of blue ribbons from most shows. You can find Aaron jewelry at the Native Jewelers Society and in the Santa Fe Market, but he sells his pieces through authorized stores online, too. To verify the authenticity of the piece, make sure it comes with a certificate that states his name and tribal affiliation, the materials he used for the jewelry, and the value of the item.

Aaron Anderson jewelry can be anything from belt buckles to bracelets. One of his tufa cast belt buckles comes with a rare high grade Morenci Turquoise. He carved the image in tufa stone and finished the sterling silver buckle with a deeply oxidized and textured background, and a small piece of the turquoise on top. Some pieces are the result of teaming up with fellow Native American jewelers, like Darryl Dean Begay. The collaboration of the two artists resulted in a high-quality 18K gold over tufa cast sterling silver bracelet featuring a rare gem grade Bisbee Turquoise and art that depicts the historical event when Spanish explorers entered Canyon De Chelly in the 1600s.

 

Add Sophistication to Your Jewelry Collection by Buying Andy Cadman Jewelry

Andy Cadman may be the brother of equally famous Darryl Cadman, Gary Reeves, and Sunshine Reeves, but he has made a name for himself with his high-end jewelry. Andy Cadman pieces are prized by collectors for the elegance and sophistication they add to their collections. Every piece is notable for its beautifully stamped traditional details. This artist is known to use natural gem grade turquoise and sterling silver to create world class designs.  Here are some of the jewelry pieces by Andy Cadman that are worthy adding to your jewelry collection:

• Broken arrow bracelet – Featuring perfectly matched cabochons made of Broken Arrow variscite, this one-of-a-kind bracelet beautifully accents the beauty of each stone against a signature shank. Large silver drops separate each gem from one another, and the blue green hue of each gem is accented by a golden-brown matrix. The thick and heavy with twisted wire to comfortably and elegantly fit every wrist.

• Rare light colored Easter Blue turquoise three-stone bracelet – This elegant piece features three large Easter Blue turquoise stones in a rare light hue, set in a traditional design on a silver bracelet.

• Rare gem grade New Lander spiderweb variscite dangle earrings – For this piece, the Navajo jeweler picked perfectly matched rare gem grade natural New Lander spiderweb variscites from Nevada. The gems stand out with their fine black webbing and stark white color. Each stone is beautifully set on hand-braided wire and finished with droplets.
• Rare New Lander spiderweb variscite dangle earrings – Andy Cadman carefully chose two natural rare New Lander spiderweb variscite stones from Nevada for the cabochons. The stones feature shades of tan and olive, with a tight black and dark blue spiderweb matrix. Each stone is nestled by an elegant hand-braided wire. Sterling silver droplets finish the look at the bottom part of every earring.

 

Rebecca Begay Artwork: A Standout Addition to Your Jewelry Collection

Rebecca Begay is the wife of renowned Native American artist and jewelry maker Darryl Dean Begay, and she is known for her traditional tufa cast jewelry. She aspired to be an artist as a young girl, and she learned the art of tufa casting from Darryl by the time she had more time to help him in their studio. She uses the tufa stone and turquoise that Darryl uses, but Rebecca Begay’s work stands out on its own with its unique and distinct floral designs finished with vivid turquoise stones and gold. The feminine touch she adds to her pieces make them attractive to discerning collectors of Native American jewelry. This softer and more ornate aesthetic will make Rebecca Begay’s artwork and creations stand out in your jewelry collection.

According to Rebecca, working with tufa allows her to make abstract and pictorial designs with her drawings. She carves them out herself before casting the piece. Tufa is a stone that forms by compressing volcanic ash material, which is found exclusively on the Navajo reservation. Its softness makes it easy to carve, but it has a porous surface, and the soft texture can make it difficult to achieve more than one cast from every carving. Hence, Rebecca Begay carves new molds out of tufa for almost every cast.

Tufa casting involves tedious work, and Rebecca Begay makes everything by hand, so she hardly maintains a full inventory. However, you can find many of her jewelry and masterpieces being sold by authorized established retailers of Native American jewelry. When you buy from them, you can be sure that the Rebecca Begay artwork you will get comes with a certificate of authenticity. This certification assures collectors of her tribal affiliation and name, as well as the materials she used and the retail value of the piece.

Philander Begay Jewelry: Facts & Care Tips

Jewelry by Philander Begay are considered prized collectibles by avid enthusiasts of Native American jewelry pieces. His creations are known for their unique castings and carvings depicting intricate scenes of Pueblo and Navajo life. Many of them stand out with their fine natural turquoise stones, too. If you have recently invested in Philander Begay jewelry, you need to know the proper way to care for the piece to ensure that it will look good for a long time. Here are a few facts and care tips for your guidance:

• Handcrafted jewelry needs TLC – Philander Begay jewelry is crafted and finished by hand, and he uses materials that may be sensitive to abrasive cleaners, heat, and chemicals. Hence, do not soak or immerse the piece in jewelry cleaning solution, abrasive chemicals like commercial cleaners and bleach, and do not use steam and ultrasonic cleaners. If the piece has turquoise, do not soak it in liquid to prevent it from loosening and falling out.

• Store jewelry properly – Keep your Philander Begay jewelry away from other pieces to avoid scratching it. Turquoise can easily scratch or break upon impact. Moreover, make sure that you store Native American jewelry away from extreme temperatures.

• Clean it manually – The best way to clean Philander Begay jewelry or any other Native American jewelry is by using a soft cleaning cloth or a soft brush (i.e. an old toothbrush) to remove dirt and tarnish. Be gentle and use medium pressure for the tarnish, and use mild soap as deemed necessary without soaking the jewelry.

• Be mindful of patina – Some pieces are naturally made with patina, or it appears naturally over time. Cleaning may remove it along with the weathering, which may occur as the jewelry ages. Some pieces may lose their value if they lose their patina and features that depict aging.

• They do not have to shine – The pieces must never be polished to a high glossy finish. Leave some of the tarnishing as it can enhance the beauty and extravagance of the

jewelry.Here’s one last thing to remember: Turquoise is a porous stone. Fine natural turquoise is often a centerpiece of Philander Begay jewelry. It may look smooth, but it is actually very porous. Chemical cleaners can damage it or cause it to become discolored.

 

Buying Authentic Tufa Casted Aaron Anderson Jewelry Online

Aaron Anderson is among the Native American artists known for tufa cast jewelry. He is a master in making bracelets and belt buckles out of tufa stone, a material that is made of compressed volcanic ash and native to the Navajo reservation. While tufa is easier to carve compared to sandstone, it takes mastery of the technique to carve and stamp the material—especially since the surface is porous and often capable of leaving a unique texture after cooling the metal. Moreover, tufa casting is labor-intensive and involves several steps. Hence, tufa casted Aaron Anderson jewelry is considered highly collectible and valuable. You can buy authentic pieces by Aaron Anderson Online, but there are few things you must remember before you do:

• Buy only from a reputable retailer – Make sure it is a retailer is known and trusted for carrying a wide array of rare natural American turquoise and fine Native American jewelry and that it is authorized to sell Aaron Anderson’s pieces. One of the most reputable retailers of Aaron Anderson jewelry has been in business for more than three decades.

• Verify the store’s reputation – Look up reviews and feedback on the store to verify the authenticity of the products that they carry. Testimonials may be able to provide you with information about the quality of the store’s customer service, too.

• Make sure that the piece comes with a certificate of authenticity – Authentic Aaron Anderson tufa cast jewelry will always come with a certificate of authenticity complete with the artist’s name and tribal affiliation, the retail value of the piece, and the materials used to make it.

• Buy a piece that speaks to you – Tufa cast Aaron Anderson jewelry comes in many different types and designs, so you should be able to find something that will suit your collection or your personality. Some pieces are the result of his collaboration with other well-known Native American artists like Darryl Dean Begay, like the rare gem grade Bisbee turquoise solid 18k gold over tufa cast sterling silver bracelet, which celebrates the historic moment when Spanish explorers ventured into Canyon De Chelly in the 1600s.

 

Add Elegance to Your Look with Sunshine Reeves Jewelry

The perfect statement piece can be hard to find especially if you are looking to invest in luxurious jewelry made with the finest materials. Sunshine Reeves makes some of the most elegant Native American jewelry that stands out with his intricate designs and his use of fine rare variants of stones, like turquoise and variscite. Sunshine Reeves jewelry will no doubt add elegance to your look while being a worthy addition to your jewelry collection. The timelessness of his designs turns his creations into heirloom pieces; they really do become even more beautiful with age.

Sunshine Reeves is an award-winning Navajo silversmith and artist who learned the art from his older brothers when he was 24. He is now one of the most identifiable figures credited for helping innovate and revolutionize techniques in Native American jewelry making and design. His creations range from bracelets to rings and belt buckles, all of which are able to catch the attention of discerning collectors due to their highly detailed stampwork on silver. What makes Sunshine Reeves jewelry extra special is the fact that he treats each piece as an art form. Hence, it is common to find a Sunshine Reeves piece that was made using different 10 to 20 handmade stamps to make sure that the pattern is unique.

The bracelets of Sunshine Reeves are collected not only in the US but in countries like Korea and Japan, too. Sunshine Reeves jewelry has found a cult following in Europe as well. Owning one of his pieces is much like having a precious work of art in your possession, as many of his works are displayed in many museums and galleries around the US. His pieces will not only add elegance to your look but a touch of luxury, too. Be sure to buy authentic Sunshine Reeves jewelry from authorized retailers who can provide a certificate of authenticity with each piece.

Tips for Buying Darryl Dean Begay Jewelry Online

Native American jewelry is considered collectible and highly valuable, so it makes sense to be careful where you buy it—especially if it is made by an award-winning designer and artist like Darryl Dean Begay. Many of Darryl Dean Begay’s pieces are available online, but if you’re not careful, you may end up with a fake. How do you make sure that you’re investing in authentic pieces? Here are tips for buying Darryl Dean Begay jewelry online:

• Look for an established store – Choose a retailer that is known and trusted for carrying authentic handmade Native American and turquoise jewelry for at least 40 years. Some of the best retailers provide rare natural American turquoise to many Native American artists, too. You should be able to verify the store’s reputation by looking up reviews and feedback from customers.

• Make sure the store deals directly with Darryl Dean Begay – Retailers that deal directly with Native American jewelry artists are able to offer the pieces at highly competitive rates.

• The piece should come with a certificate of authenticity – Authentic Darryl Dean Begay jewelry should always come with its own certificate to assure collectors of his name and tribal affiliation, as well as the materials he used for the item. Likewise, it should disclose the retail value of the item, too. This can be crucial especially if you are a collector and you are adding the jewelry to your estate.

• Explore the range of Darryl Dean Begay jewelry in that website – Authentic Darryl Dean Began jewelry is made with real sterling silver and the finest natural American turquoise and other natural stones like lapis, Coral, and mother of pearl. He uses tufa casting method to create one-of-a-kind designs, which typically reflect Navajo customs and feature striking colors from the gemstones he would use on every piece, too. Some of his most remarkable creations are rings, bolo ties, and bracelets.

 

Shopping for Designer Rebecca Begay Jewelry Online

Rebecca Begay is one of the most celebrated and internationally renowned Native American jewelry artists. Her husband, Darryl Dean Begay, is a renowned jewelry designer himself, and their creations are considered highly valued by collectors from all over the world. You can buy many of her creations online, and here a few tips that can help you do so easily:

• Buy from an established and trustworthy retailer – Make sure the retailer specializes in selling natural American turquoise and in carrying Native American jewelry by award-winning artists. Consider a retailer that has been in business for over 40 years, and make sure that they deal directly with Native American artists like Rebecca Begay. You should be able to count on their expertise in choosing and providing only the highest-quality and authentic pieces at the most competitive prices.
• Find out how the pieces are made – Like her husband, Rebecca is recognized for her use of the tufa casting method—an ancient and complex jewelry making technique that has been with the Navajo for generations. Rebecca Begay manages to make her jewelry stand out by using this method of carving images into tufa or soft sandstones to create molds, which are then used to shape and harden molten metal. The process is time-consuming and can take at least one full day to complete.
• Make sure the jewelry is backed by a certificate of authenticity – The certification should assure collectors that Rebecca Begay made the piece. Likewise, it should have details on her tribal affiliation, the retail value of the jewelry, and the materials she used.
• Explore the selection of Rebecca Begay jewelry online – Her line of jewelry includes pendants and bracelets that feature floral motifs, which are intricately decorated and adorned with colorful stones. The designs typically depict Navajo customs and the colors come from stones like turquoise, lapis, mother of pearl, and coral.