One thing I love, is when I see an artist show how talented they are through the jewelry they make.The level in which a piece is made,can show how long an artist has been at it or if the artist may be just be starting out. To do a bracelet like this, literally takes years of trial & error & doing it over & over to be at this type of master level. Navajo artisan James Toadlena is that jeweler.Having been a silversmith for just short of 50 years,it doesn't in the least surprise me to see a bracelet so technically crafted, with such precision & those years are clearly witnessed in this bracelet.

Not only is it impressive to see how he built the curved panels so it beautifully wraps around the wrist ,but the vast amount of Lapis he used as well, that evenly match in size,which gives it the incredible uniform look it has! The lapis sit secure in their serrated bezels & I might add, that when this was made,they hadn't come out with pre-made serrated bezels to save the artist time! Now an artist can buy them that way! So these were done by hand! The lapis are set atop of sheet sterling & have a wire perimeter border. The hinges were also built by hand to allow the bracelet to bend. This kind of reminds me of a southwestern watchband bracelet, but instead of a watch sitting in the center,this one is made with Lapis..

Lastly,he built the housing for the tongue clasp to slide into & comes with a security safety chain for extra security.(See photo 17) Even though this measures 7" in length, this type of bracelet is best worn where it doesn't fit too snug, but rather having a little room to breathe.This should fit up to around a 6-1/2" (Give or take) wrist comfortably.

This is one classy bracelet that deserves appreciation for all the time it took to make a bracelet like this & it's not everyday you see workmanship this good! It's a real keeper!