Low/High Values

One way to follow trends of what is actually selling and for how much is to follow auctions. Of course, there is no science backing up the pricing trends (except for maybe good wine + a late night = impulsive decisions). However, there are pieces that can be dissected further as to why they did bring the values they did. 

Rings:

(Images courtesy of Ebay - Ring on left sold for $120 and ring on right sold for $2,500) 

This is a bit of an obvious example but it might not be from the front so to speak. Both feature nice stones, very wearable, nice size faces of the rings. So what makes these different? What made the ring on the right sell for $2,500 on Ebay?

The ring on the left (pink background) is a sweet ring and the stone has nice colors and natural properties to it. However, this is a very common 1970s Navajo ring, these are easily accessible and were made in abundance. This ring is marked but the maker is not noted (which is a common mystery with 70s era pieces as we lost so many artists to history during this time due to the jewelry production boom). You could easily find this ring in a variety of settings, online and in person, and the commercial twist wire design with the raindrop motif is not unique to this era.

The ring on the left (dark background/sitting on a rock) features a high grade stone in a strong setting. The clue is on the back of the ring though with the hallmark - this is a Julian Lovato ring. Julian Lovato (1922-2018) was an extremely innovative and talented Kewa artist. His work is highly collectible and coveted by collectors. Lovato trained at Frank Patania’s Thunderbird Shop where he worked with the first generation of modern Native American silversmiths. His work reflected the clean modern lines of Patania’s European influence.

Cuffs:

(images courtesy of Ebay - Cuff on left sold for $250 and cuff on right sold for $3,000)

Fair Market pricing on the left cuff would be around $350 and the cuff on the right sold for over $3,000. Both have a similar look and number of nice stones. This is again a situation of age, stones, and artist hallmarks. The cuff on the left is a common 70s era piece, nice looking, but easier to find than the one on the right.

The right is by important Navajo artist Mark Chee (1914-1981). Chee is considered one of the greatest Navajo silversmiths of our time, won numerous awards, and was groundbreaking with his techniques for his time. He made his own tools and used high end stones (the stones in the above cuff are Bisbee). This is a nice example of his mid century work. 

Navajo Squash Blossoms:

(images courtesy of Ebay - Squash on left sold for $500 and squash on right sold for $2,000) 

These sure look similar! Except one sold for $500 and the other sold for over $2000! I personally think the one on the left that sold for $500 is worth more in the fair market arena ($800 zone) but one reason for the  potential low selling price is this is a very common 1970’s Navajo squash blossom. The beads are not handmade (more on that in another section) which was very common for this era. The stones are likely Kingman which were used in abundance during this time. The one on the right features handmade beads and very large cabs of brilliant light blue stones. Possibly Sleeping Beauty which adds to the value. These larger cabs with the handmade beads add to the value and aesthetic desirability. 

Zuni Squash Blossoms:

(images courtesy of Ebay - Squash on left sold for $1200 and squash on right sold for $4,000) 

The one on the left is signed but sold for a fraction of the one on the right. The needlepoint on the left (Harry Wytsalucy) is great looking and boasts wonderful needlepoint technique. The beads are not handmade but that is normal for more contemporary Zuni necklaces. The one on the right features phenomenal inlay of Blue Gem and handmade beads - but isn’t signed. Shouldn’t the signed piece bring more?

Although that can be one reason for value - older unsigned pieces can be attributed to artists based on style and technique (although it’s not always possible). In this case, we can attribute the right squash to Lambert Homer Sr (1917-1972). Considered one of the finest early inlay artists, his work is highly collectible, and getting harder to find. This necklace sold for over $4000. 

Concho Belts:

(images courtesy of Ebay - Belt on left sold for $950 and belt on right sold for $10,000)

Concho belts are a fabulous addition to any collection but values can be challenging. The one on the left sold for under $1,000 while the one on the right sold for over $10,000! Both belts appear to have age and the one with Turquoise might be expected to bring higher amounts. This is not always the case!

The belt on the left is vintage but in ‘old style’ - this belt was created in the 70s by Jack Adaki (Navajo) who was a wonderful award winning artist. It still has great age and a pleasant aesthetic and I do consider this a nice belt.

The belt on the right is a First Phase concho (1860s-1880s) by Hosteen Goodluck. These conchos were simple in design, featuring scalloped edges and diamond-shaped cutouts through which leather belts were threaded. Turquoise was not being used at this time on conchos. Goodluck was widely respected as one of the most important, early Navajo silversmiths. He was a master jeweler and active from the 1890's to 1930's. Goodluck did not sign his work so this takes a careful eye and or provenance. This belt did come with pawn tickets/information and is comparable to the one’s in the CG Wallace Sotheby's auction in 1975.