Item Description

This stunning, bracelet, handmade by one of the famous Cadman brothers, features traditional Navajo design elements, including rope twists, bead borders, and stunning insets of turqouise, onyx, and opal. 

The focal point of the bracelet is a set of gemstones, arranged symmetrically. In the center is a larger, rectangular turquoise stone with a black matrix and an opal inlay forming a diamond shape within it. This central stone is flanked on either side by smaller, round onyx stones, followed by smaller turquoise cabochons at the ends. The mix of the vibrant blue-green turquoise against the deep black of the onyx creates a striking contrast, and the addition of the opal inlay adds a unique reflective iridescence.

The interior bracelet cuff is stamped with "Sterling" and the artist's signature, "D Cadman", indicating that the bracelet was made by either Darrell Cadman or possibly his equally esteemed brother, Donovan Cadman. 

About the Artists:

Darrell Cadman
 

(Navajo    b. 1969 – present)

The Cadman and Reeves brothers are known for their outstanding silverwork, bringing traditional Navajo styles into the contemporary forefront by way of excellent craftsmanship and detail.  Darell is willing to tackle some of the more unusual forms, such as boxes, a type of Navajo silver artistry which, in recent times, has become more difficult to find, especially executed in such a masterful way.

Darell Cadman was born in 1969.  Silversmithing not only runs in his family, but the highest quality and classic work is found not only in the work Darrell creates, but that of his brothers, Donovan and Andy as well as his half- brothers, Gary and Sunshine Reeves.  Each of them learned from Gary and Sunshine’s brother, David, an artist now deceased who nonetheless passed on a tremendous legacy of outstanding Navajo silver and turquoise jewelry artistry.

This group of relatively young smiths, having all learned much of their trade from David Reeves, the Cadman brothers and the Reeves brothers, therefore, share a common element of apprenticeship and exhibit certain similarities in their work. Darell has been smithing and selling silver pieces since 1992.

Darell has perfected the traditional art of cluster work. His most popular work is this style, made from heavy silver and lots of stones. The silver is filled with his traditional Navajo techniques consisting of distinctive deep stamping in traditional cultural patterns. Darell consistently focuses on texture and depth:  some pieces are highly adorned while others have a clean and simple line.  

Donovan Cadman

(Navajo b. 1968 – present)

Born in 1968 Gallup New Mexico, Navajo silversmith Donovan Cadman started making jewelry in 1991. Donovan is the brother of renowned silversmiths Darell and Andy Cadman, and half-brother of Gary and Sunshine Reeves. Anderson Cadman is his father.

Though wholly accomplished in his own right as a silversmith, he only smiths silver on a part-time basis and his pieces, therefore, are not always available. His stampwork and repousse jewelry is known for their unique designs.

He often integrates hummingbirds, dragonflies, and other insects into his artwork.  His repousse silver work symbolizes butterflies, which are symbols for transformation and rebirth.  

He also uses the double arrow that symbolize friendship. 

Item Special Note

This item will be available for pickup at the Catamount Arts Box Office (currently located at 457 Railroad St. in St. Johnsbury)  during business hours following the Auction. Shipping is available for this item upon request and at the winning bidder's expense; contact samos@catamountarts.org to arrange.