This exceptional sterling silver cuff by the late Navajo silversmith Darryl Becenti features a prominent square Royston Turquoise cabochon as its commanding centerpiece. The stone displays the vivid coloration and distinctive natural matrix for which Royston turquoise is highly regarded. Set within a clean, understated silver bezel, the turquoise remains the focal point of the design while highlighting the natural beauty of the stone.
Crafted from substantial sterling silver, the cuff is deeply hand-stamped with dynamic flared motifs that showcase Becenti’s remarkable precision and mastery of traditional Navajo silverwork. The bold stamp work and heavy-gauge construction reflect the influence of the celebrated Reeves and Cadman family tradition, while maintaining Darryl Becenti’s own distinctive artistic style. Elegant in composition yet powerful in presence, this cuff exemplifies the craftsmanship and authenticity for which his work is admired.
Dimensions
• Width: 7/8"
• Stone: 5/8" x 9/16"
• Gap: 1 1/16"
• Inside Measurement: 5 3/8"
• Total Inner Circumference: 6 7/16"
• Weight: 1.7 oz
• Signed: Yes
About the Stone — Royston Turquoise
Royston turquoise is celebrated for its distinctive range of colours, spanning from deep greens to rich sky blues, often accented by a natural brown matrix. The Royston mining district in Nevada encompasses several small mines, including Bunker Hill and Oscar Wehrend, with the Royal Blue claim regarded as one of the most notable producers.
Although Royston turquoise is still mined today, production remains limited and small in scale, making high-quality material increasingly sought after. Its organic variation and unique colour palette have made it highly prized among collectors, lapidaries, and Native American jewelry artists alike.
About the Artist
Darryl Becenti (1957–2020) was born in Gallup, New Mexico, and learned silversmithing from his brothers-in-law, David Reeves and Leroy Reeves. He was also closely connected to the renowned Reeves and Cadman family of Navajo silversmiths, including Sunshine Reeves, Gary Reeves, Andy Cadman, and Darrell Cadman.
Before beginning his jewelry career in 1988, Becenti worked as a sand painter and was also an accomplished pencil-and-ink artist, often creating highly detailed wildlife scenes. His artistic background strongly informed his jewelry designs, which are admired for their balance, detail, and expressive stamp work.
Becenti became especially known for his deep hand-stamped Navajo patterns, repoussé silverwork, and heavy-gauge sterling silver construction. Using stamps and dies he often made himself, he incorporated stars, fans, scallops, shells, and elaborate appliqués into his jewelry, creating pieces with exceptional texture and dimensionality. He consistently used fine natural stones in his work, carefully selecting turquoise of outstanding quality.
Because Darryl Becenti worked geographically apart from many of his well-known relatives, his jewelry was produced in smaller quantities and is increasingly difficult to find. His work remains highly prized by collectors for its craftsmanship, traditional integrity, and strong artistic identity.