Navajo Cuff Bracelet, Hallmarked: HC by Hyson Craig

ca 1975
Fine Turquoise Setting
(5 1/4" + 1" gap)
A superior cuff in craftsmanship and execution.
Hyson Craig is a renowned Navajo silversmith known for his exceptional craftsmanship in Native American jewelry, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Gallup, New Mexico, he learned the art of silversmithing from his mother, Marie Craig, a skilled jeweler herself. His brother, Wesley Craig, is also a notable Navajo jeweler, indicating a strong family tradition in the craft.

Craig’s work is characterized by intricate silver overlay techniques, shadowbox settings, and the use of high-quality stones like Sleeping Beauty and Red Mountain turquoise, often showcasing deep blue colors with spiderweb matrix patterns. His designs frequently incorporate traditional Navajo motifs, such as rug weaving patterns, storytelling elements, and symbols like Kokopelli, hummingbirds, and kachinas. Pieces like squash blossom necklaces, concha belts, and cuffs are marked by detailed stamp work, channeled patterns, and occasionally inlays of coral, opal, or agate. His jewelry is often signed “Hyson Craig” or “HC,” sometimes with “IHMSS” (Indian Handmade Sterling Silver) to denote authenticity.

Active primarily in Gallup, a hub for Navajo artistry, Craig’s creations are celebrated for their solid construction and artistic innovation, with some collectors noting that his style influenced other jewelers.

Sterling Silver and Turquoise