Did Calvin Begay create turquoise beaded necklaces? I have seen his inlay work but I am looking at a beaded necklace with a kingman pendant on it attributed to him. The only silver is a small band around the pendant. I cannot get a good picture until next Thursday. Thanks
I’m not familiar enough with Calvin’s work to speak with any authority. I took a look in Hougart’s book, which states that he did sandcasting, mosaic and channel inlay, cobblestone, jewelry boxes. Hopefully someone who knows his work can chime in. If someone here has the Indian Jewelry Artists Biographies book (I only own M-Z, so I can’t look up Begay), that might confirm his techniques.
Is it possible that someone added the pendant to the necklace? There is no picture, so I’m playing jazz here. You said the only silver is around the pendant. Does that mean that the beaded necklace is finished with a cotton wrap, or does not have silver findings?
Thanks for the info. I will have pictures Thursday when I see it in person. It is so hard to make informed decisions when my knowledge is so limited. I will post more when I get the pictures. Thanks again
I once had a conversation with a representative of the Federal Indian Arts and Crafts Board regarding putative works by Calvin Begay which weren’t actually his work. Apparently Mr. Begay at some point may have signed a licensing agreement with a third party who then had the legal right to use his name and in fact may still be doing so in conjunction with the the vendor’s own products, or products sourced elsewhere and sold under Mr. Begay’s name. Tragic situation.
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Thank you for that info. I didn’t know anything specific, just that I have seen so many fakes (or wrongly attributed - not always sure which) that I don’t know if I could ever feel comfortable buying something that was supposed to be made by him.
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When I saw this piece I had some questions…until I personally can see it I will have no idea…if it is a beautiful piece and reasonably priced I may still buy it….this is jewelry you love…regardless of artist….i really appreciate your knowledge and willingness to teach us……
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We’ve had some chat here before on the Calvin Begay situation in resale.
https://forum.turquoisepeople.com/t/calvin-begay-question/12922/2
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Thanks for the link, I had forgotten that thread.
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This is what Grok has to say about CB. “ Calvin Begay is a renowned Navajo (Diné) artist, jeweler, designer, and master craftsman born in 1965 in Gallup, New Mexico, and raised in Tohatchi, northwestern New Mexico. He began designing jewelry at age 10, learning traditional Navajo silversmithing techniques from his mother and uncle. With over 20 years of experience, Begay has mastered every aspect of jewelry design and production, creating intricate inlay pieces that blend traditional Navajo methods with modern aesthetics. His work often features vibrant gemstones like turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, opal, and jet, set in sterling silver or gold, reflecting the landscapes, stories, and symbolism of the Southwest.Begay’s jewelry, including pendants, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings, is celebrated for its clean lines, bold shapes, and impeccable craftsmanship. His designs, such as the “Starry Night Collection,” use hand-cut stones like picture jasper to depict Southwestern motifs, creating wearable art that connects Navajo heritage with contemporary flair. He has won numerous awards, including Best of Show at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial in 1989, and his work has been featured in Arizona Highways, Southwest Art, and Cowboys and Indians magazines. His pieces are prized by collectors worldwide and are available through galleries like Treasures of the Southwest, Lantern Dancer Gallery, and his official website.Begay also runs a shop employing other Native American artisans, expanding his reach while maintaining high-quality standards. His work is hallmarked with his signature in script letters, sometimes including “TSF” from his time with A Touch of Santa Fe.”
Any artist of his stature is susceptible to fakes. There are quality artists from TSF. I also have a bracelet from Earl Plummer who does great work. Here is my Calvin Begay bracelet. I love the colors. Jasper, spiny and onyx.
Thanks. That will help tomorrow when I see the necklace…
Sadly, most of what was stated is simply scraped from the internet and repeated verbatim. Most of it is made up and outright fabrication designed to promote and sell products which are anything other than as represented.
I can’t speak for others but knowing what I do about the origins of the items represented, and where and to whom the money actually goes, I’d stay as far away as possible from anything to do with any of this.
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I respect you opinion and knowledge…I have bought a lot of turquoise and silver over the years…I have made many many mistakes…I do have a few good pieces you have helped me with…I will post a photo on Thursday…. I am in no way committed to buy…
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Are most Calvin Begays fake? I thought mine had some nice work. 
I certainly won’t be buying anymore with TSF hallmark.
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Nothing at all wrong with the work or materials on your bracelet @nanc9354. It’s well made from quality materials. Is it as represented? My best guess is probably not.
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Thanks Mike. I didn’t spend much. I will only spend a lot if I get something new from a reputable dealer, Hopefully a cuff will find me when I visit Santa Fe.
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A tip for anyone considering purchasing from stores who carry imports proffered as something else, and there are many.
Much of this type of merchandise is marked up 8X-10X, and even more from the ‘jobber’ price the merchants paid for the goods, which the merchants often get on credit or extended terms, and many of the stores are fully or partially owned by the importers themselves.
Oftentimes you’ll see deep discounts — up to 50%, 60% or even more offered on these goods. When you’re buying bear in mind that even at 50% off, you’re often paying a 4X or 5X markup from acquisition cost, so don’t hesitate for a minute to drive a very hard bargain, and walk if you don’t get it. Discount anything they say about origin or authenticity, because 9 times out of 10, they’re lying through their teeth, and none of it has any bearing on what they’ll accept.
Remember when you walk in the door of that establishment, they see you as ‘marks’, ‘patsies’ and easy prey because you walk in conditioned to accept what the person behind the counter, or website tells you at face value, and they’re going to take every advantage of that.
If you think I’m exaggerating or being unfair, think again. Forewarned is forearmed.
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Totally understand those points…usually I buy something I like, that can be good or bad….lol……I don’t even know if it is real turquoise….no clear picture of the makers mark….i will heed your warnings……Thanks
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Thanks for your help….the piece I looked at today …even to my untrained eye…was not Calvin Begay…it was not even close…signed just Begay with a copyright symbol under the stamp…the turquoise was not even real…they are putting it at auction today……I noticed in the write up that they just titled the lot Calvin Begay……three pieces…but never really attributed it to him direct…
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