"I call myself a silversmith, not a jeweler, because when I started making jewelry, I learned technique. In other words, I can make anything that I need to make. I don't depend on someone else to cut my silver for me, melt my silver, make my castings, or cut my stones. I do all myself. "Mike Bird-Romero"

****************************

THE ARTIST: MIKE BIRD ROMERO: (b.1946- Ohkey Owingeh (Formally known as San Juan Pueblo, NM)-Taos Pueblo

Master New Mexican artisan Mike Bird Romero is widely known for jewelry that is totally hand wrought, as well as for doing Tufa casting.. He works in both gold and sterling & always incorporates high grade materials into his pieces. He has gone as far as making purses, spurs, silverware, but he is highly recognized in the industry for his "Isleta Pueblo Dragonfly" cross jewelry where he has gone on to make 140 versions of this NM symbol that were actually derived from a large variety of Pueblo and Navajo jewelry. In 1990, Mike and his now late wife Allison researched this southwestern cress that Allison then went on to publish a documentary book, "Heart of the Dragonfly".

Although coming from a family rich in artistry, where his grandmother Luteria Atencio was a respected potter (whose works are in the Smithsonian Institution) & his mother Lorencita Bird was an accomplished and well-known Pueblo textile artist and educator, Mike happened to be greatly influenced early on by artisans such as Mark Chee & Julian Lovato. He later moved on from the contemporary styles that were closely associated with Charles Loloma, to a classic style reflective of traditional imagery & stamp work. He is a NUMEROUS award winner, with many awards coming from our "Santa Fe Indian Market" yearly event.

****************************

CUFF PROVENANCE:

This cuff came was apart of Federico's "Private Collection"

****************************

WRIST SIZE:

Because of the hefty metal gauge , this cannot be adjusted, so it's of extreme importance that you know your wrist size and what gap opening you need for it to comfortably fit over the arm. This is made for an average-medium sized wrist and with it's 1.25" gap opening, helps with a wrist that's a tad more fleshy & one that needs a little bit of a opening to easily go over the arm...If you are unsure of your wrist size,I suggest you click this link: "How To Fit A Cuff" and also I suggest you copy/paste the YouTube link I have there, that shows the right way, you should put a cuff on! If you are not sure of your size, please go over this before purchasing & or contact me.

***************************

ARTIST: Mike Bird-Romero

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: San Juan/Taos Pueblo

CIRCA MADE: 1990's (give or take)

WEIGHT: (Heavy!) 5.91 OUNCES (167.7 Grams)

METAL: Sterling Silver

METAL FINISHING: Lightly Oxidized-Warm Patina

MATERIALS: Lapis-Orange Spiny Oyster

LAPIS & OYSTER CUTS: Rectangular & Ovals

LAPIS GRADE: Premium-AAAAA

LAPIS SIZE: 13.5 mm X 9.5 mm (1/2 " x 3/8")

OYSTER SIZE: 13.7 mm x 7 mm (About 1/2" X 1/4")

SHANK WIDTH: 1-7/8"

INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS: 5-3/8"

GAP OPENING: 1.25"

(For a Average/Medium size 6-5/8" Wrist)

INNER ACROSS MEASUREMENT: 2-3/8" (This is measured while cuff is laying flat from left to right on the inside on top of a paper tape measurer. This measurement is a different measurement from the interior)

ADJUSTABLE: NO

HALLMARK: 2 "Birds"(See last photo)

CONDITION: Used & in perfect vintage condition! No loose, cracked, chipped stones, shank has the same shape as when it was made. I have no idea what type of household this came from.

Comes Gift Boxed.

********************************

SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT:

Anything with this kind of price tag, will have a mandatory signature confirmation requirement & will come insured.(This is reflected in the shipping price) . If you're not home in the day & need it shipped where it can be signed for,please change that in your "Ship To" section before I create the shipping label***I'm sorry if this may be an inconvenience, but I do not ship expensive pieces without one. This is for your safety & mine.