Unisex Combination 14k Gold and Silver Yin Yang Native American Eagles Bracelet

Description

This jaw-dropping cuff by First Nations jeweler Kelvin Thompson has a lot going on...even more than you think! First, the design is sketched onto a sterling silver blank. Second, the basic design is lined with a steel graver. Third, an 'Eagle' head in solid 14k gold and an 'Eagle' head in sterling are cut out and hand-engraved, and then soldered onto the original sterling bracelet. Next, all of the painstaking hatching is completed to fill in the negative space. Lastly, the entire bracelet is chemically oxidized to darken the sterling silver and to make the design POP!
This particular cuff is 1" wide and 6" long, which will fit a wrist between 6 1/4" and 6 1/2" in circumference. However, custom lengths can be created on request. Please note that this piece is made to order and may differ slightly from the image(s) depicted here. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery.
This design is titled 'Reverse Eagles' and it represents the cycle of life. Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology. It is respected for its intelligence and power, as well as its extraordinary vision, in both the literal and figurative senses. In many regions, Eagle clan families are traditionally the most prominent, and Eagle chiefs the most powerful. Eagles in myth are, likewise, usually noble characters. Eagle spirits are associated with lofty ideals and the pursuit of freedom. Eagle is revered as a powerful hunter. Groups of mythical Eagles may gather for co-operative whale hunting expeditions, since, unlike the giant Thunderbird, Eagle is not strong enough to hunt whales alone.  Eagle may often be depicted with Salmon, one of its favorite foods. Eagle feathers and down are sacred: traditionally, shamans believed in their healing powers and used them in a variety of ceremonial and ritual contexts, such as honouring a respected guest.
Kelvin carves jewellery in silver and gold, but also creates bowls and masks from alder, maple and cedar. In 1979, he studied under and worked with Barry and Derek Wilson at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and in 1980 carved a totem pole with Henry Robinson for the Friendship Centre. He has been adopted into Henry's Haisla family. From oxidizing to intricate cut-out work, Kelvin is always experimenting and trying new things with his jewellery. In addition, he has taught many artists how to carve in silver and gold, and he is passionate about passing skills and information on to younger carvers. From September, 2007 to February, 2008 Kelvin aided Kwakwaka’wakw/Haida artist Dan Wallace in teaching the first annual Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts Program, which was held at Vancouver’s Native Education College. In 2009, Kelvin was commissioned to engrave five cuff bracelets for James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Elton John, and Vicki Gabereau for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation fundraiser 'An Evening with Diana Krall'.
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