Featured in this lot is this Navajo Melissa Yazzie Sterling Silver Mother of Pearl Channel Inlay Cuff Bracelet. The bracelet features a professionally crafted sterling silver mother of pearl tooled with sterling silver channels separating each mother of pearl section. In Navajo culture, mother of pearl (also known as "navajo pearls" when in bead form) symbolizes protection, harmony, and spiritual connection to the earth and water. It is a sacred material used for jewelry to tell stories and represent life, and when combined with turquoise, it connects the elements of the sky and water. Its beautiful, iridescent qualities also relate to the moon and divine feminine energy, bringing a sense of calm and balance. Jewelry making has long been an important part of the lives of Southwest Native peoples. During the last 50 years, Native jewelers in the Southwest—Navajos in particular—have created a contemporary aesthetic that draws on traditional materials and reflects the persistence of cultural values such as beauty, centering, and balance. The gifted Yazzie family of New Mexico is one of the most celebrated jewelry making families of our time. This cuff bracelet beautifully displays the iridescent lustre mother of pearl is known for, further enhanced by the glimmer of the sterling silver channels. Artist's hallmark is stamped on the inner rail, "M" and "Sterling". The cuff bracelet is in good condition overall, rich patina noted. Measures 6.5" circumference with 1.25" opening. Weighs 21.8 grams.