Charles Loloma (Hopi, 1921-1991), 14k gold bracelet featuring fine mosaic inlay of Mediterranean coral, turquoise, lapis and sugilite
Gene continues, “Today’s Southwestern Native Americans create some of the finest and most innovative jewelry in the world, and [we] present a wide range of work by the established masters as well as gifted younger artists. In addition, [we] commission pieces from the top artists using gem quality materials and turquoise.” The gallery website notes that “thanks to its long association with turquoise mining and marketing, the family has access to the finest stones. Gene is a leading expert in the turquoise trade and has been an owner of the Lone Mountain Turquoise Mine since 1979.”
Harvey Begay (Navajo, 1939-2009), hand-rolled, high-grade Lone Mountain bead necklace with a gold Yei, the tubular pieces of gold on the opposite side represent the legendary First Man and First Woman
Show attendees this year will find astonishing jewelry pieces like a 14k gold bracelet by the famed Hopi jeweler Charles Loloma (1921-1991). Charles was a good friend of Gene’s and was a customer of “great turquoise,” the Waddell’s explain. “The designs and inspirations for his pieces came from his cultural Hopi heritage.” The cuff bracelet has a mosaic inlay made of Mediterranean coral, turquoise, lapis and sugilite.
The show will also feature spectacular necklace pieces like a one-of-a-kind Charles Supplee (Hopi) piece. “[The artist] hand-picked the deep red Mediterranean coral and hand carved each bead and bear pendant adding gold accents,” says Gene and Mike. “Supplee had a brilliant mind and didn’t make many pieces, but the ones he made were exquisite and highly collectable. [He’s] noted for his innovative contemporary jewelry with simplicity and elegance.”
Charles Supplee (Hopi), Mediterranean coral necklace with bear pendant and 14k gold accents. The deep red Mediterranean coral is hand carved and perfectly matched.
In addition, find a Harvey Begay (Navajo, 1939-2009) necklace with hand rolled, high-grade Lone Mountain Turquoise beads graced by a gold Yei. “The gold tubular pieces on the opposite side represent the legendary First Man and First Woman,” notes the Waddell’s. “Harvey was also an amazing jeweler, and like Supplee and Loloma, was a master of designs and inspiration of his Navajo heritage. Harvey [was the] son of renowned silversmith, Kenneth Begay, [and] blended old and new to create contemporary designs in his jewelry. Kenneth Begay, Harvey’s father, was a teacher and a leader among Navajo silversmiths in the early 1940s and 50s. He was noted for introducing a new style that led away from the massive jewelry of that era. This gave him the title of The Father of Modern Navajo Jewelry.”
Charles Loloma (Hopi, 1921-1991), 14k gold bolo inlaid with high-grade Nevada Blue turquoise, fossil ivory, ironwood and Mediterranean coral
The show opening day, on Thursday, February 29, will also have a reception from 5 to 9 p.m. All works will remain on view for the Heard Indian Market weekend through Sunday, March 3. Please visit the gallery website for hours of operation.
Waddell Gallery
February 29-March 3
7144 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85249 (480) 755-8080, www.waddellgallery.com
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