Navajo Bolo Tie By R. Platero

Late 20th Century

47" L x 2" L x 1.3125" W

Hand Crafted from Sterling Silver and Two Turquoise Settings and a Leaf Matrix Design

In Very Good Condition

Navajo (Diné) bolo ties by R. Platero refer primarily to work by Ramone (also spelled Ramon) Platero (c. 1929/1930–2003), a respected silversmith known for leaf motifs (especially holly-leaf designs) in sterling silver jewelry, often with turquoise.  He was the son of noted silversmith Pablo Platero, brother of Dan Platero, and husband of Louise Platero (also a silversmith; they are grandparents to later jewelers such as Melvin and Samantha Platero). He was active from the mid-20th century (with some sources noting early work from the 1950s and stronger recognition from the 1970s onward), handmade many of his own tools, and is credited as one of the first (or the first) Navajo artists to incorporate leaf designs in silverwork.