We repurposed a beautiful, sterling silver, turquoise, and coral pawn item to serve as the centerpiece of this one of a kind leather cuff bracelet. The turtle shaped centerpiece was originally a ring crafted by an unidentified Navajo silversmith, circa the mid to late 1900's. Southwest Native American culture reveres the turtle as the oldest symbol of Mother Earth that represents longevity. Featuring blue turquoise and red coral, the traditional Navajo chip inlay technique has been used to create the shell of the turtle. The sterling silver outer edge of the turtle shell has also been cleverly notched for added interest. The well crafted turtle piece has been placed on a narrow cuff that was created from a reconditioned section of vintage bridle leather full of weathered character. The black/brown leather is soft and supple with a wonderfully aged matte patina. The cuff has a button stud closure and will fit a medium wrist that measures in the 6 1/2" to 6 3/4" range. This chip inlaid cuff bracelet is a sweet, symbolic treasure!
 
Details
Leather Type: Vintage bridle leather
Original Repurposed Item: Old pawn ring - circa mid-late 1900's
Metal & Gemstone: Sterling silver, turquoise, and coral
Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
Hallmark/Signature: NA
Cuff Width: 1/2"
Dimensions of Centerpiece: 1" x 3/4"
Fits Wrist Size: 6 1/2" - 6 3/4"

Rich leathers, hand-forged sterling silver, and natural gemstones form an irresistible partnership in these extraordinary heirloom cuff bracelets! Most of the one-of-a-kind cuff centerpieces are exclusively designed and created by Jill Judd of Roca Jewelry Designs, while others feature antique, "dead pawn" jewelry pieces handcrafted by the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi Indians. We at Roca Jewelry Designs search high and low for the finest of stones to incorporate into our cuff centerpieces as well as for special, vintage Native American-made jewelry items (bolos, rings, pendants, etc.) to repurpose into unusual focal adornments.

To create the cuff portion of our bracelets, we painstakingly source, recycle, and refurbish vintage leathers from wherever we can find them! Old western belts with wonderfully worn, intricately tooled designs are used for many of the larger cuffs, while smaller bracelets are created using well-used, reconditioned reins and harness leathers. Each handmade leather cuff bracelet possesses its own distinctive character and seems to tell its own unique story - no two are alike, nor can they be replicated!