ABOUT THE ARTIST:

TOMMY SINGER: b.1940-d.2014

Tommy was best known for being the innovator of what became known as "Chip Inlay," a technique that rose to popularity in the early 1970s. The idea began quite practically: after spending money on turquoise and coral, he noticed the leftover chips and dust scattered on the floor from cutting and shaping stones. Unwilling to see what he considered still-valuable material swept up and thrown away, he devised a clever solution by gathering the chips, mixing them with epoxy, and using the resulting mixture to fill and enhance his designs. That inventive approach transformed scrap into striking inlay work. Although the method has since been adopted and copied by artisans around the world, credit for originating this technique rightly belongs to Tommy. He is also credited with many other styles and innovations; a great deal more information about his life and work can be found by searching his name.

CUFF PROVENANCE:

This very well-made cuff came from a lady who walked into my store carrying jewelry she had purchased in the early 1970s. Now, more than 50 years later, her taste and styles have changed, and she no longer wore any of the pieces, so I purchased what she brought with her, including this cuff. I should note that before she brought it in, she had polished the cuff, and after so many years a bit of the original patina had likely developed — which is why this piece presents with a somewhat shinier/contemporary appearance.

THE CUFF:

Designed in an understated 5/8” width, this cuff subtly showcases Tommy’s signature style in every carefully finished detail. Within the deep perimeter lines that frame the cuff, you’ll notice Tommy’s chip inlay design running along the center. The turquoise section features a distinctive “Kiva Step” motif, while the Italian coral elements are arranged to suggest a small arrow pattern.

ADDING A SAFETY CHAIN:

Near the gap are loops on each end where you can have a jeweler add a safety chain & then add either a spring ring closure hooked to the chain or a lobster clasp closure. However, it can be worn with or without one.. This is your preference.(See photo 8)

HALLMARK ON CUFF:

Navajo silversmith Tommy Singer used the 'T with crescent moon' primarily during the 1970’s. This hallmark is widely recognized by collectors as one of his earliest and most highly collectible signature marks.

SIZING:

Made to fit a 6-3/8" wrist , this is made for a smaller size wrist that’s on the ‘smaller side of medium/average”. (between a 6-1/4” to a 6-1/2” wrist). If the gap doesn’t quite measure to be the perfect size to fit your wrist, you can either adjust the gap opening yourself or I would recommend taking it to a reputable jeweler who knows how to adjust cuffs to either open the gap up more or close it down some. But regardless of who adjusts it, the one thing  that you have to be careful of, is loosening up & popping the chip inlay out! So this does take one who knows how to adjust a cuff with stones.

Also be aware that the only thing that can be changed when adjusting, is the gap and does not change the “Interior” 5.25” measurement. It's of extreme importance that you know your wrist size and what gap opening works best for it to comfortably fit over the arm before purchasing.

Cuff's are one of the only bracelets that HAVE to fit properly, so If you're unsure, click on this link: How To Fit A Cuff  And while there, be sure to copy/paste the You Tube link, which shows you the “Proper” way to put a cuff on! I am an email away, so don't hesitate in getting in touch with me if you need!.

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ARTIST: Tommy Singer

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Navajo

CIRCA: Purchased in EARLY 1970's

WIDTH: 5/8"

WEIGHT: 1.02 Ounces -29.2 Grams

METAL: Sterling Silver-Tested

LEFT TO RIGHT MEASUREMENT: 2-1/4" (This is measured from the left to right on the inside at the curvature while cuff is laying flat atop of a paper measuring tape. (This is a different measurement from ‘interior’ measurement)See photo 9)

INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS: 5-1/4"

GAP MEASUREMENT: 1-1/8"

TOTAL CIRCUMFERENCE: 6-3/8” (For a smaller side of an average wrist size

ADJUSTABLE: Yes- By a Reputable Jeweler or with know how.

HALLMARK: ”T with crescent moon” symbol "

CONDITION: Like New-Very well kept condition-Shank is in same rounded shape as when made. No Stone Loss-No Safety Chain, but can be worn with or without one

Comes Gift Boxed

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PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING:
*****In order to show all the fine detail, close up photos tend to make the item look GIGANTIC & everything also is more magnified .So to get an accurate idea of how big this is, please view photos or you can pull out a tape measure & compare to my given measurements listed above.

I do not consider myself a 'professional photographer" but I do try to give you photos that are 'realistic" in color. Please understand also that each monitor varies and also plays an important role in how vibrant or less vibrant as something appears.*****