Robert Begay Sterling Silver Tufa Cast Bracelet

$2,200.00

Up-and-coming Navajo Jewler Robert Begay follows in the footsteps of his parents, Rebecca and Darryl Dean Begay, continuing the Navajo family tradition in metalsmithing. This is one of my favorite sterling silver tufa cast bracelets Robert has created. I love how detailed he made the pueblo landscape and the birds, which he inlaid with turquoise. This is truly a painting on your wrist!

Dimensions

1″ 1/4 W

Bracelet Size 5″ 1/2

Opening 1″

In Stock

Categories: , ,
Artist:

Robert Begay (Navajo)
Robert Whitehair Begay is a Navajo jeweler continuing the legacy of his parents, Rebecca and Darryl Dean Begay—both highly respected for their work in tufa cast jewelry. Raised in a home where art and tradition were inseparable, Robert began carving tufa stone at just four years old. By the time he was six, he had already earned recognition for his work, winning first place for a silver tufa cast seed pot and third place for a painting at the 2009 Santa Fe Indian Market.

Robert’s work reflects the deep roots of Navajo silversmithing but also shows a clear voice of his own. He uses the traditional method of tufa casting, carving each design by hand into soft volcanic stone before pouring molten silver into the mold. His jewelry often includes meaningful carved imagery—such as hand designs or animal forms—and is paired with high-grade natural stones like Lone Mountain turquoise.

In 2019, Robert received the “Best of Youth” award at both the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market for his pieces Cheii’s Land and Cheii’s Style. These early accolades speak to his talent and commitment to continuing—and evolving—his family’s legacy.

Now forging his own path as a silversmith, Robert brings forward the teachings of his parents while adding new ideas and energy to the tradition.

Tufa casting is an ancient and revered metalworking technique used predominantly by Navajo and other Southwestern Native American jewelers. The process involves carving a design into a soft, porous volcanic stone known as tufa, which is composed of compressed volcanic ash. Tufa stone is ideal for casting due to its ease of carving and ability to withstand high temperatures.

To begin, the artist cuts and sands two matching tufa stones, creating a mold by hand-carving the desired design into one half. A funnel-like channel is also carved to allow molten metal—usually sterling silver or gold—to be poured into the mold. The two stone halves are then bound together and pre-heated to remove moisture, which prevents cracking during casting. Once the molten metal is poured in and cooled, the mold is broken open, revealing a one-of-a-kind piece.

Tufa casting is prized for its texture—the stone imparts a natural, grainy surface to the metal, giving the finished jewelry a distinct organic look and feel. Many artists embrace this texture as a signature element of their work, often finishing the piece with additional hand stamping, polishing, or stone inlay.

This method allows for artistic freedom and individuality, as each mold is used only once, making every tufa cast piece truly unique. Tufa casting reflects a deep respect for tradition and craftsmanship, preserving a hands-on, ancestral approach to jewelry making that continues to inspire contemporary Native artists today.

Bracelet Sizing Guide: How to Measure Your Wrist for the Perfect Fit

Choosing the right bracelet size is essential for both comfort and style. Whether you’re purchasing a cuff or a link design, our simple guide below will help you measure your wrist accurately and find the ideal fit.

Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Wrist

You only need a flexible measuring tape, a strip of paper, or a string.

Option 1: Using a Flexible Measuring Tape

  1. Wrap the tape snugly around your wrist just above the wrist bone (the area where you would normally wear a watch).
  2. Note the measurement in inches or centimeters.
  3. This is your wrist size.

Option 2: Using a String or Strip of Paper

  1. Wrap the string or paper around your wrist in the same location (above the wrist bone).
  2. Mark the point where the string overlaps.
  3. Lay the string flat and measure it with a ruler.
  4. This is your wrist size.

Choosing the Right Fit

Different bracelet styles may fit differently. Here’s a general guideline based on the style of bracelet:

Cuff Bracelets (Non-Adjustable)

Cuffs should fit snugly but comfortably. We recommend adding 1/4″ to 1/2″ to your wrist measurement depending on your desired fit:

  • Snug Fit: Add 1/4″
  • Comfort Fit: Add 1/2″

Example: If your wrist measures 6″, a cuff bracelet that is 6 1/4″ to 6 1/2″ total (including the opening) would be ideal.

Chain or Link Bracelets

For flexible bracelets with clasps:

  • Add 1/2″ to 3/4″ to your wrist measurement for a comfortable fit.
  • A looser fit can be achieved by adding up to 1 inch.

Faust Gallery Bracelet Size Chart

Wrist Size (inches) Recommended Bracelet Size (cuff or chain)
5.5″ 6″ – 6.25″
6″ 6.5″ – 6.75″
6.5″ 7″ – 7.25″
7″ 7.5″ – 7.75″
7.5″ 8″ – 8.25″
8″ 8.5″ – 8.75″

Note: Cuff sizes include both the inner circumference and the opening.

Helpful Tips

  • If you’re in between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort.
  • Keep in mind that handmade cuffs often cannot be resized due to the materials and techniques used—accurate sizing is essential.
  • Feel free to contact us if you’re unsure. We’re happy to help you find the right fit for any piece.

Still Unsure? We’re Here to Help.

At Faust Gallery, we’re committed to ensuring your bracelet fits beautifully. If you need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at sales@faustgallery.com or visit us in Scottsdale or Santa Fe for an in-person fitting.