ABOUT THE ARTIST:

29 year old Navajo artisan SHAMENIKA WILLIE shares her blood lines with one of the industries most recognizable Navajo names--The "Willie's".. Melissa Willie (see cuff listings) is Shamenika's mother & Ronnie,Lonnie,Rudy Willie happen to be Shamenika's uncle's. Cooper, Tawney & Dakota Willie are just a few of her cousins,but there are MANY more! It is however, Shamenika's mother Melissa who taught the ropes of metalsmithing to not only her, but to Shamenika's younger brother Micah who also is an up & coming artist! There's not too many in this family who don't make jewelry & not too many who aren't good if not excellent at what they do.. This whole family has made a reputable name off their gifted talents..(All these names can be found throughout my site!)

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THE CUFF:

Designed with lots of triangular shapes, this beautifully made cuff is designed in a 1-5/8" wide setting on a 14 gauge sterling,which is what gives the cuff its durability & weight . This was designed by using both repousse/stamping techniques in the full entirety of the cuff. The repousse is precisely pounded through the backside of the cuff (See photos 7,11) Repousse can be somewhat of a tricky technique & takes one who is a skilled metalsmith to do it accurately, since any little mistake can throw the whole design off on the frontside.As you can see,there are NO mistakes! This alone validates the level of artistry Shamenika is at.

It has an undeniable & very traditional Navajo vibe & is lightly oxidized throughout, while the stamp work was left darkened in all the crevices to accentuate the tool design.

This is a "one of a kind-artisan made" cuff that definitely stands appreciation for the impeccable skill & design behind it. It would make the perfect 'Go-To" cuff that literally can be worn with anything!! An all sterling cuff allows you to wear it with all your other 'all sterling' pieces OR with colored stone jewelry!

**Cuffs are one of the only bracelets that have to fit just right,so it's important you know what wrist size you have & what gap measurement works best.. Click: How To Fit A Cuff

In the last 2 photos is another cuff Shamenika made for the store.. It can be found under this same category. Sale however, is for the cuff shown throughout all the rest of the photos