Navajo Sterling Silver Chip Inlay Cuff Bracelet By Wilson and Carolyn Begay

ca. 1970

5.375" + 1.0625" Gap x .8125" W

Hand Crafted from Sterling Silver with Inlay Turquoise and Coral Stones Makers Mark W.C.B

Excellent Condition

A very early work with a rarely seen hallmark. Wilson is better known for the WB hallmark. 

Wilson and Carolyn Begay are renowned Navajo silversmiths who have been creating traditional Native American jewelry since 1969. They are a husband-and-wife team from Gallup, New Mexico, known for their mastery of the tufa casting (also referred to as sand casting) technique, a traditional Navajo method of jewelry making. This bracelet though is an early Chip Inlay style typical of the late 1960s-1980 era. 

Wilson is responsible for the silver work, the casting and building the foundational structures of their pieces, while Carolyn handles the stone setting and finishing work. Their collaborative process involves designing each piece together, resulting in a wide variety of styles including bracelets, concho belts, rings, bolo ties, and belt buckles.