Sterling Silver Bracelet with Two Coiled Wire Strips

Connie Gaussoin: A Legacy of Diné Silversmithing and the Art of Silver Transformation

Connie Gaussoin, a matriarch in a lineage of gifted Native American artists, has crafted an exquisite piece that is a testament to the rich tradition of Diné silversmithing. This bracelet, designed with two strips of twisted, coiled silver wires running its length, is a remarkable example of her artistry.

The bracelet features three sleek silver bands, separated by the two coiled wire bands, creating a harmonious balance between smooth and textured elements. Its design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also considerate of the wearer, making it an ideal choice for those with smaller wrists.

The journey of silver from its raw form to a beautiful piece of jewelry is a fascinating process. In the early days, smiths would melt down silver coins and mold them into jewelry. Today, artists typically purchase sheet silver and various pre-formed wires from supply houses.

When artists find themselves with leftover scraps, they have options. They can either sell these remnants back to the supply house or transform them into ingot pieces. These ingots can then serve as the raw material for new creations, continuing the cycle of transformation that is at the heart of silversmithing.

This bracelet by Connie Gaussoin is more than a piece of jewelry; it's a symbol of the enduring legacy of Diné craftsmanship and the transformative power of art.

Connie Tsosie-Gaussoin has won numerous awards for her incredible jewelry which honors both her Navajo as well as her Picuris Pueblo heritage. She has exhibited at over a dozen shows and museums and has been a judge at many Native American art shows including the Santa Fe Indian Market. Her work is included in the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (Santa Fe), the School for Advanced Research (Santa Fe), the Millicent Rogers Museum (El Prado, New Mexico), and the San Diego Museum of Man.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WRIST FOR BRACELET SIZE

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Sterling Silver Bracelet with Two Coiled Wire Strips is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery who purchased it directly from the artist aound 1973

Recommended Reading: CONTEMPORARY SOUTHWESTERN JEWELRY by Diana Pardue

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo Nation, Connie Gaussoin