Richard Begay. Creating Native American Navajo Jewelry Treasures.

[Jewelry Quest]

Richard Begay Navajo Sterling Silver Turquoise Watch.

Native American 1960's Vintage Ladies Southwest Watch Tips.

Signed RB Sterling.

Available At Jewelry Quest On Etsy

Signed by Master Navajo Silversmith Richard Begay, these Vintage Ladies Watch Tips reflect an era of Native American Jewelry Creations in Turquoise and Sterling Silver during The 1960's. Navajo Silversmiths at this time had reached a level of skill and expertise from 3 Generations of honing and passing on the Techniques and Intricate Silver Work that Navajos began in the 1800's.

The Begay Family of Navajo Silversmith's is renowned throughout the world for their Fantastic Navajo Jewelry Creations. These Watch Tips are part of a Navajo History that changed a culture and enriched the world with Great Beauty.

 

About Richard Begay ...

Richard Begay was born and raised in Navajoland, Arizona. Throughout his art classes in school, he always wanted to create the perfect shape. His first career, however, took him into the Forest Industry. He soon realized that he wanted to follow the yearnings of his heart and create beautiful jewelry.

He borrowed jewelry tools from his father-in-law and set to work, learning the demanding craft of Silversmithing. Richard was immediately drawn to the intricate inlay work, for which he is known. As he perfected his craft, Richard explored different techniques of inlaying. He was always searching for the best way, the most beautiful setting, the perfect harmony of material and craft.

He also developed an eye for choosing the best Stones for his inlay. Turquoise and Coral are his favorite, but Richard used a wide variety of stones and shells, including Malachite, Spiny Oyster, and Pacific Coral. Not limited to the usual in anything he did, he also inlaid Opals, Sugilite, Lapis and other Exotic Stones into his award-winning pieces.

The importance of harmony was echoed in his Silver Work. In his pieces, he incorporated important symbols from his culture. Corn was a significant Gift to the People by the Creator and it represents life to The Navajo. The Bear, one of the four animals given to the First People, embodies Power and Wisdom. Encircling it all is his extraordinary inlay, adding Color and Life. The beautiful things Richard looked for exist in his creations.

Richard passed away in 2013.