Night Sky Cuff
by Alvin Yellowhorse, Navajo Nation
Micro Inlays of onyx, coral, turquoise, lapis, sugalite, and shell, sterling silver
5” around x 1.25" opening x 1.25” wide
Alvin Yellowhorse is a highly skilled and innovative Navajo jeweler. Born in 1968, Alvin comes from a long line of silversmiths. He is the older brother of Bryon Yellowhorse, and the cousin of the late Lynol Yellowhorse. Alvin learned the trade from his father, Frank Yellowhorse.
"As a young boy, I remember helping my father set up a table of jewelry along the roadside of old Route 66 located near the Arizona and New Mexico borders in Lupton, Arizona. It was in these earlier days of my life that I was inspired by my father to undertake the art of silversmithing. It’s through these experiences that these creations are made possible,” he reflects.
Since 1995, Alvin has been creating unique, cutting edge jewelry that blends modern designs with traditional techniques. Alvin has won numerous awards for his work, and he was even featured with his brother in an article on turquoise in the August 1999 edition of Smithsonian Magazine.
Alvin’s designs are inspired by drawings found on nearby cliffs in his homeland, which were left by his ancestors. There, designs are transformed through much thought into pieces of contemporary inlaid jewelry. These designs are created with the use of sterling silver and or 14k gold, along with carefully selected stones from around the world.
Alvin is the proud father of three adorable daughters.
