THE ARTIST:

Navajo/Zuni artist Al Jake's work demands a higher price than most & it's pretty obvious why...I don't care whether it's his 'more than perfectly made-well executed' cuffs,his rings or his pendants,he will always pour his soul into the piece in order to make sure they have the cleanest workmanship & they're 'done right, no matter how long it takes to make the piece..

He is a the epitome of a true artist who knows the "why's",the "what's" & the "how's" of what he's doing & why he's doing it & never do you have to question how long he's has been at it,because you will see it in his work..His trained eye for form & balance can be witnessed throughout anything he makes!

We that know Al,know that he consistently creates some of the finest Navajo jewelry & never fails us when we want to own & wear the best.He is a "Above Average" artist that offers "Above Average" jewelry. All you need to see is that hallmark of his,to know you'll be owning a piece that can be cherished a lifetime,be made with the highest grade stone available & a piece that is made to perfection.

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THE CUFF:

WOW! Does this have some of THE prettiest Kingman turquoise or what!!?? Even a beginning collector will be able to see what makes this cuff stand apart from the rest & it doesn't in the least surprise me, since Al comes from an era when only using natural-gem grade turquoise is a top priority & at the top of his list..

Their blue coloring is amazing,where the turquoise has a background of lighter blues,with these gorgeous deeper blues flowing through the stone which is very signature to Waterweb Kingman..(See all photos) All have a glossy appearance which you'll find in premium grade turquoise since the turquoise is harder,and which equates with 'quality'. The 5 stone span, lay in a 'row' style & sit atop of a heavy non adjustable 12 gauge shank..For about 1 year now,Al dropped his gauge from a 14 to a 12 gauge which gives his cuffs more weight & durability.

The shank is corrugated & stamped along the perimeter & is left oxidized,where as the beads that sit in between each stone & the bezels are lighter, which gives this a 'Chiaroscuro' feel of contrast that really brings out the beauty of the sterling.

You can never go wrong with anything you get made by this incredible artist since he is highly collectible!