Help identifying the maker and how old my bracelet might be

I have a bracelet that was passed down to me, I have scoured the internet on the maker there are many people with his last name I’ve even seen jewelry on other sites of his but for the life of me the man does not exist on the internet, so my question is how do you think my bracelet may be, there’s an engraved signature on the back it’s 36 Stones 3 and 1/2 of them are missing, the name that is engraved on the back is Jonah Nez however I’m wondering if that short for Jonathan nez but here are some pictures any information would be appreciated. Jerry if it was was Jonathan nez he’s too young he was born in 1975 so that can’t be it I think this bracelet is way older I’m not sure how old it is





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60’s or 70’s would be a fair bet. The larger stones look like medium grade Persian, which was circulating quite a bit in the early to mid 70s. I wholesaled a fair amount of Persian Turquoise that looks just like it consigned to the trading company I was working for at the time, by the Levian family (same family who now sells “chocolate diamonds), back in the early-mid 70’s

Your bracelet is an interesting mix of stones and styles, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if one of the gallup traders from that period handed a bunch of Levian sourced Persian cabs to a Native craftsman and had him make a bunch of these mixed style bracelets.,

Not familiar with the craftsperson but Nez is a Navajo name (meaning big or heavy), The cab work looks like Navajo cluster work, and the needle/pettit point work looks Zuni. People were making all kinds of stuff back then, and anything that was attractive and a bit unusual would usually bring a premium.

Found this reference for Jonah Nez: Jack's Antique | Art decorates life | Fine Art | Collectibles | Funiture

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Jonah & Johnathan signatures don’t match

Johnathan Nez is listed in Hougarts 5th edition

Jonah Nez not listed. 2 other examples found

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You

do you have a bio for Navajo silversmith jonah nez

Copilot

Certainly! Jonathan Nez, a talented Navajo silversmith, creates exquisite pieces of silver jewelry. Let me share some details about him:

  • Background: Jonathan Nez hails from a family of skilled silversmiths. His older brother, the renowned jewelry artist Leonard Nez, served as Jonathan’s mentor for many years.
  • Craftsmanship: Jonathan specializes in crafting bracelets using heavy-gauge sterling silver. His distinctive pieces feature deep-set stamping, combining traditional Navajo stamp work with horizontal or vertical lines. This blend of classic and modern aesthetics makes his jewelry truly unique.

Each piece of Jonathan Nez’s jewelry is expertly crafted and makes for a lasting treasure. :star2::fire:

You

Jonah &Jonathan are 2 different people

Copilot

I apologize for the oversight. Thank you for clarifying! Let’s focus on Jonah Nez, the Navajo silversmith.

  • Jonah Nez: A skilled artist in his own right, Jonah Nez creates stunning silver jewelry that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo people. His work is characterized by intricate stamp work, delicate designs, and a deep appreciation for tradition.
  • Craftsmanship: Jonah Nez’s pieces often feature turquoise stones, which hold great significance in Navajo culture. He skillfully combines silver and stone to create elegant bracelets, rings, and necklaces. His attention to detail and commitment to quality make his jewelry stand out.
  • Legacy: Jonah Nez continues the legacy of Navajo silversmithing, paying homage to the techniques passed down through generations. His work is a testament to the enduring beauty of Navajo artistry.

If you’re interested in acquiring one of Jonah Nez’s exquisite pieces, I recommend exploring galleries or online platforms that specialize in Native American jewelry. :star2::fire:

You

How long has Jonah Nez been making jewelry?

Copilot

Jonah Nez, the talented Navajo silversmith, has been honing his craft for approximately 20 years. During this time, he has mastered the art of creating exquisite silver jewelry, blending tradition with innovation. His dedication to quality and attention to detail shine through in every piece he produces. :star2:

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I’d take the “bio” with a healthy helping of skepticism in this case. Everyone wants the story of their pieces and unfortunately NA jewelry is one of those industries where vendors often make things up and create or embellish histories when historical data isn’t available.

Not saying that is, or isn’t what’s happening here, but the historical timeframe represented by Copilot looks suspect to me.

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the AI copilot really tap danced around those answers to my questions :rofl:

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Makes sense, @Steve. AI can only gather and reference whatever information is being presented by various sellers, and when that information is fundamentally flawed or inaccurate, it’s simply going to return inaccurate or flawed information. “Garbage in, garbage out”.

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I haven’t used AI much, it creeps me out.

This article is kind of a long read but wild if you have the time:

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new york times paywall roadblock

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I agree. I keep thinking of Hal in 2001 space Odyssey…"I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that…":flushed:

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Ahh, sorry. I don’t know how to fix that.

No way to fix it except subscribing. I can’t get through either.

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This link will also work (useful archive site!):
https://archive.is/BxHNJ