Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bolo Tie

Navajo Handmade

2.25″ x 3″ silverwork

Sterling Silver, Black Genuine Leather Hand-braided

The Sleeping Beauty mine is named after the range of mountains which look like a maiden in slumber. They are located in Miami, Arizona, near Globe. The Sleeping Beauty mine produces light to dark blue turquoise with no to black matrix. It is usually found in granite and is very easy to work with. Silversmiths in the Southwest commonly use it in inlay jewelry especially the Zuni Indians who also incorporate it into their petit point and needle point jewelry. It is one of the largest mines in America and is generally affordable.

Initials: RJ

Full Leather Length: 44 Inches, 22 Inches from back of neck to tip of tie

Handmade by Richard John

Richard was born in 1956 in Winslow, AZ. He is full blooded Navajo and belongs to the salt clan. Richard had to help the family heard sheep and never had the opportunity to go to school and still can’t read or write. Richard has been making jewelry for over 40 years. He was taught by his brother Charlie John and his famous uncle Tommy Singer whom he worked with for many years. Richard is known for his beautiful silver overlay technique and uses only natural stones.