Vintage Native American & Southwestern | Silver Cactus Jewelry

At a Glance:

Vintage Native American turquoise & bear claw bolo tie
Design and construction aligned with Navajo work
Cabochon consistent with Kingman material
Compact traditional-scale slide with strong symbolic presence

Bolo Tie Features:

• .925 sterling silver (unmarked)
• Genuine bear claw
• Hand-chased appliqués
• Clip-style clasp
  
• Unsigned
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bolo Tie Specifications:

• Wear scale: small-medium scale - traditional bolo slide size
• Turquoise stone: 3/4" x 11/16" (bezel to bezel)
• Slide: 2 1/4" x 1 1/2"
• Total length (including tips): 45" 
• Cord condition: like-new, with light marks on the leather due to the installation of the cord through the slide clip
• Tips condition: gently worn with light patina
• Weight: 51.1 grams
  

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This handcrafted Native American bolo tie is unsigned, which is not unusual for vintage examples, yet its construction, materials, and overall design reflect Navajo silversmithing traditions. The pairing of turquoise and bear claw has a long history in Diné jewelry-making, most often seen in vintage work, while later revival pieces continue to reference that enduring design lineage.

That heritage is expressed through the material choices and the piece's decorative restraint. The rich blue turquoise cabochon presents visual characteristics of Kingman, one of Arizona’s most legendary mines. Raised leaf appliqués frame the central elements with restraint, allowing the natural materials to remain the focus of the composition.

Finished with a black braided leather cord and silver tips, this bolo tie carries presence without excess—a grounded, symbolic piece for collectors drawn to Navajo work that balances tradition, material presence, and clarity of design.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of authentic Native American jewelry
  
• Southwestern and Boho style enthusiasts who enjoy a unique look over tees or button-down shirts
• Wearers who favor Navajo design in a classic Western format.
• Those seeking compact bolos with strong visual impact and cultural significance
• Admirers of unique artisan bear-themed accessories
  

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance:

Signed Navajo turquoise & coral bear-themed bolo tie by Elaine Sam
Sculptural bear-centered design with two genuine claws
Turquoise cabochon consistent with Sleeping Beauty material, accented by red coral
Substantial statement slide with strong symbolism and collector appeal

Bolo Tie Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Turquoise cabochon consistent with Sleeping Beauty material
• Red coral accent with warm orange overtones
• Chased silverwork on slide and appliqués
• Signed by the artisan
• Two genuine bear claws
• Rigid double-ring cord clasp
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bolo Tie Specifications:

• Wear scale: medium-large slide with strong visual presence
• Turquoise: 5/16" x 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
• Coral: 1/4" x 1/2"
• Slide: 3" x 2 5/8"
  
• Total length (including tips): 45"
• Cord condition: minor signs of wear
  
• Tips condition: gently worn with light patina
• Weight: 69.2 grams
  

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This signed bolo tie by the late Navajo silversmith Elaine Sam centers on a fully dimensional bear, a recurring motif in her work. Richly textured and sculpturally rendered, the dominant figure projects forward with convincing movement, giving the form vitality rather than a flat ornamental presence. A chased silver leaf rises along each side, introducing lift and contour. Framed within a sweeping double-claw crescent, the composition carries an undercurrent of protection and cohesion, an arrangement that feels intentional and grounded.

The turquoise character aligns with Sleeping Beauty examples, one of Arizona’s most celebrated mines. The cabochon exhibits a clear sky-blue tone with minimal matrix, complemented by a red-orange coral that adds warmth and contrast to the ensemble. The dynamic combination of turquoise and coral reflects a longstanding material pairing deeply rooted in Native American silverwork and favored by Sam.

Finished with a classic black braided leather cord and silver tips, this piece exemplifies Elaine Sam’s confident approach to form, symbolism, and wearability. It stands as a strong representative example of her work and her enduring contribution to contemporary Navajo jewelry—an authentic, collectible piece valued for craftsmanship, material integrity, and cultural resonance.

ARTISAN NOTE:

Hallmarked "E S," this bolo tie is the work of Navajo silversmith Elaine Sam (circa 1955–2020). Her fuller stamp, "NAVAJO HANDMADE ES," is documented in published hallmark reference books and recognized in trading post records.

Elaine Sam is noted for set-stone jewelry featuring dimensional silverwork and applied elements, particularly bear claw necklaces, bracelets, watches, and pendants. Her designs are recognized for bold symbolism, strong construction, and balanced use of turquoise and coral.

Signed works by Sam are collected for their craftsmanship, material quality, and clear artistic identity within contemporary Navajo jewelry.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of documented Navajo silversmiths
• Enthusiasts of bear and claw symbolism
• Western formalwear and elevated ranch styling
• Those who appreciate statement bolo ties
• Admirers of sandcast silver and sculptural Native design

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance:

Native American bear claw pendant with turquoise and coral
Design, materials, and construction aligned with Navajo work
Cabochon consistent with Kingman material
Compact yet visually bold and rooted in tradition

Pendant Features:

• .925 sterling silver 
• Genuine bear claw
• Saturated sky-blue turquoise with minimal matrix 
• Red-orange coral accents
• Layered silver appliqué framework
• Partially faded hallmark - artisan under active research
• Compact bail (best suited for fine to medium weight chain)
• Pendant only (chain not included)
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Pendant Specifications:

• Wear scale: mid-size pendant
• Turquoise: 5/16" x 5/16" (bezel to bezel)
• Width:  1 1/4"
• Total length (including the bail): 2 1/4"
  
• Weight: 13.1 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This Native American bear claw pendant brings together symbolic strength and detailed silverwork in a compact yet commanding form. A vivid sky-blue turquoise cabochon anchors the upper center, framed by curling wirework and layered sterling appliqué. Two coral accents introduce warmth beneath the stone, creating the classic turquoise-and-coral contrast long favored in Navajo jewelry.

The reverse carries a partially faded hallmark that is difficult to identify conclusively due to wear. The construction techniques, materials, and traditional design elements align with Navajo silverwork.

This compact statement piece is mid-size in scale yet bold in impact, symbolism, and heritage.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of authentic Native American jewelry
• Southwestern style enthusiasts
  
• Those seeking Navajo motifs with strong cultural significance
• Admirers of bear-themed jewelry

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase.