Skip to product information
1 of 4

SKU:

Vintage Effie Calavaza Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Cuff Bracelet - Circa 1970s

Vintage Effie Calavaza Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Cuff Bracelet - Circa 1970s

Regular price $ 1,200.00
Sale price $ 1,200.00 Regular price
Note: All vintage/estate jewelry sales are final. No returns or exchanges will be accepted.

1 in stock

  • Free Shipping On orders over $500
  • Handcrafted Southwest America
  • Immediate Delivery Ships within 1–3 business days
  • High Quality Material Quality Commitment
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • JCB
  • Maestro
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Union Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa

A rare and exquisite vintage cuff bracelet by legendary Zuni master jeweler Effie Calavaza, featuring stunning Sleeping Beauty turquoise in her signature refined style. This exceptional piece from the 1970s represents the artistry of one of the most celebrated Native American silversmiths of the 20th century.

Master Artisan Legacy:
Effie Calavaza (1928-2015) is revered as one of the finest Zuni jewelers, known for her impeccable craftsmanship, innovative designs, and masterful stonework. Her pieces are highly collectible and sought after by museums and serious collectors worldwide. Calavaza's work bridges traditional Zuni techniques with contemporary elegance, creating timeless pieces that transcend trends.

Design Details:
This elegant cuff showcases Calavaza's refined aesthetic and expert eye for stone selection. The bracelet features premium Sleeping Beauty turquoise, prized for its pure robin's egg blue color without matrix—considered the finest turquoise in the world. The clean lines and sophisticated design exemplify her modernist approach while honoring traditional silversmithing.

Specifications:

  • Artist: Effie Calavaza (Zuni)
  • Era: Circa 1970s
  • Fits wrist: 6 inches
  • Width: 5/8 inch
  • Stone: Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
  • Material: Sterling silver
  • Condition: Vintage, excellent for age

Collectibility:
Effie Calavaza's work is featured in prestigious collections including the Smithsonian Institution and the Heard Museum. Her pieces consistently appreciate in value and are considered important examples of 20th-century Native American jewelry. This bracelet represents an opportunity to own a museum-quality piece by one of the most important Native American artists.

Authenticated vintage piece from Black Arrow Gallery's curated collection of museum-quality Native American jewelry.

About the Artist: Effie Calavaza

Effie Calavaza – Zuni Silversmith & Iconic Snake Motif Artist

Effie Calavaza (1928–2019) was a celebrated Zuni silversmith whose work became instantly recognizable for her signature snake designs entwined with turquoise and coral stones. As one of the few female jewelers of her generation, Effie broke ground not only with her artistry but also with her influence on the Native American jewelry world.

Effie began silversmithing in the 1950s, learning from her husband Juan Calavaza and continuing their work after his passing. Her distinctive use of the snake—a symbol of fertility, rebirth, and protection in Zuni culture—became her hallmark. Each piece, often set in sterling silver and featuring natural stones, carries a strong spiritual presence.

Today, Effie’s legacy lives on through her daughters and granddaughters, who continue to create in her style under the family hallmark. Her work is widely collected and remains a powerful symbol of Zuni identity, resilience, and artistry.

View full details
Vintage Effie Calavaza Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Cuff Bracelet - Circa 1970s

Vintage Effie Calavaza Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Cuff Bracelet - Circa 1970s

$ 1,200.00

  • Questions & Special Orders

  • Visit Us in Downtown Prescott, AZ

  • Excellent Customer Reviews

Authenticity guarantee

Native American Made

At Black Arrow Native American Jewelry & Art, we are proud to certify that all pieces labeled as Native American made are handcrafted by enrolled members of federally recognized tribes or certified Native artisans. We strictly adhere to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (IACA), a federal law that prohibits the misrepresentation of products as Native American made unless they truly are.

By working directly with Native artists and reputable trading partners, we ensure every piece we represent is a genuine expression of Native American culture and artistry.

When you purchase from Black Arrow, you are investing in authentic craftsmanship and helping to sustain Indigenous traditions.

Genuine Materials

Turquoise Quality Commitment

We take great pride in the turquoise featured in our jewelry. Every stone is hand-selected for its authenticity, visual quality, and origin.

Our turquoise is:

  • Genuine, never plastic or imitation
  • Stabilized only when necessary for durability (and always disclosed)
  • Often sourced from renowned mines such as Kingman, Golden Hill, Sleeping Beauty, Dry Creek, Sonoran Gold, and more.

    We maintain transparency about stone treatments and origins, and our team is trained to answer your questions with honesty and care.
Google Reviews
G
G
G
G
G
G
  • Trusted Online Store

  • Fast & Secure Checkout

  • Quality Guaranteed

  • 100% Genuine Materials