12 Days of Christmas - 2 Turquoise Bracelets by two Native craftsmen.

#1  Kingman Turquoise by Cooper Willie.

The Willie clan was introduced to silversmithing when the oldest son, Lonnie, attended the Albuquerque Indian School in the early 70s and began developing  his own designs. Lonnie showed his parents Andy and May Willie what he was learning.  They in turn shared techniques with other relatives and neighbors in To’hajilee.  Styles began to develop and mature.  Lonnie became highly-recognized and received numerous awards in the 80s and beyond.  He and brother Rudy taught their younger siblings. The Willies are well-known for their own hand-made stamps  used to create bold designs. Their stamping designs include stars, chevrons, balls, ovals, diamonds, hearts, Greek crosses and many others. Their stamping is clean, crisp and deep. They use heavy-gauge (16) for their bracelets and pendants. Some are hammered; others, not. The current silversmith-clan members are Laura, Melissa, Ronnie, Rudy (and wife Happy), Juan and the younger generation – Dakota, Cooper, Tawney and Allen, and Davana.

#2 Kingman Turquoise by Aaron Toadlena 

Aaron Toadlena is a Navajo silversmith who lives in Arizona with his wife, Eve, and his four children and grandson.  Growing up, Aaron would watch his brother and other silversmiths at Gallup Indian Trading Company.  This is how he learned the art.  Aaron has worked for many shops and artist during his life including Ray Tracy.  All of the jewelry made by Aaron are stamped with a hand print, which is symbolic of the creators five finger clan.