Here is a vintage museum quality Native American heirloom turquoise cluster bracelet, handmade by Zuni silversmiths, Doris & Warren Ondelacy. The Ondelacys were active 1940-1960's. They specialized in large Zuni clusterwork jewelry. Warren was considered a master silversmith along with his wife Doris. The recognizable techniques of silver repousse work often accompanied their designs along with the consistent use of high quality turquoise. Trader C.G. Wallace, retained many of the Ondelacy's pieces for his private collection.
This huge bracelet displays 80 hand cut natural turquoise cabochons that are carefully set in fine hand crafted saw tooth bezels. Silver twist wire and an open repousse design, creates a beautiful frame around the center turquoise cluster of stones. The outer edges have silver rain drop beads between each stone.
The total weight of the bracelet is 116.7 grams and the bracelet measures approximately 6 inside end-to-end plus a 1-1/4 gap. The oval face is 3-3/4 long and 3-1/4 in width and the chevron side bars are 2-1/2 long. The face and side bars are mounted on a sturdy three half-round wire shank.
The artists' hallmark D & W is stamped on a rectangular silver plaque on the inside of the bracelet. As is the case more often that not with the earlier Native American jewelry, this piece is not marked for silver content or maker. However, it has been tested for silver content and I guarantee that it is coin silver (.900/90%) or sterling silver (.925/92.5%).
Excellent condition. circa 1950-60's. A very good museum piece to add to your Native American art collection.
Warren & Doris Ondelacy are members of a prolific Zuni silversmith family. Bernice Leekya (spouse of Robert Leekya) was Doris's sister. Alice Quam is their daughter, and Lorraine Waatsa is their granddaughter.