Collection: Hopi, Navajo, Gold and Silver Turquoise Bracelets

Hopi and Navajo Overlay Bracelets, whether silver or gold, are made by attaching layers of metal (each with a different design element) one atop another. The overlay process began in Hopi in the late 1930's early 1940's. The idea and methods are generally credited to a collaboration between Paul Saufkie and Fred Kaboutie. Usually the overlay process is a combination of two layers with the second layer having sawed out designs placed upon a complete silver bottom layer that is incised. Occasionally more then two layers are used in very complex designs, I have seen designs with as many as 5 or 6 layers one atop another. Although the process began in Hopi it gained a wide spread following and is now used by accomplished Native American silversmiths from every tribe.