Sterling Silver Turquoise Petit Point Cluster Alice Quam Zuni Cuff Bracelet

Alice Quam is one of the most celebrated among Zuni silversmiths. Look at each piece of turquoise and you'll observe the highest level of precision. That took skill and lots of time. A machine couldn't accomplish this level of artistry.

The artistic legacy of Alice Quam, intertwined with the beauty of the natural world, has left an indelible mark on the world of jewelry-making. It is without a doubt that her creations, infused with passion and skill, deserve to be treasured and celebrated.

Alice Quam was not merely a silversmith, but a master storyteller, translating her deep connection to nature into exquisite pieces of wearable art. Her turquoise jewelry, in particular, stands as a testament to her profound understanding of the stone's spiritual significance. Each piece she crafted reflects a sense of reverence and harmony. Her pieces reflect the natural bond between humanity and the natural world.

What sets Alice Quam's turquoise jewelry apart is her technical expertise and ability to breathe life into each piece. She possessed an extraordinary talent for selecting gemstones with unique colors, patterns, and textures, transforming them into captivating works of art. Her meticulous attention to detail and innovative designs capture the essence of the Southwest's vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

To possess a piece of Alice Quam's turquoise jewelry is to carry a tangible piece of art, history, and spirituality. The importance of her work extends beyond mere adornment; it is a symbol of identity, a celebration of heritage, and a bridge connecting past, present, and future.

In a world that often moves too quickly, we should take the time to honor and treasure the gifts left behind by artists like Alice Quam. By wearing her turquoise jewelry, we pay homage to her creative spirit and the generations of artisans who have woven their stories into each piece. Let us cherish these treasures and allow them to inspire us, reminding us of the profound beauty that lies within the artistic expression of us all.

[Size]
Bracelet Length: 5.25 in.
Gap Width: 0.75 in.
Total Size: 6 in.


Alice Quam (collaborates with Duane Quam), (stamps A & D.Q, A.Q., Q)
(Zuni, active 1945-present: cluster, petitpoint jewelry, fetishes)
FAMID: daughter of Doris Ondelacy & Wayne Ondelacy, wife of Duane Quam, mother of Lorraine Waatsa, Alvina Quam, Shirley Quam, Wayne Quam, Elgin Quam
TEACHERS: Doris Ondelacy & Wayne Ondelacy, her parents
AWARDS: 1994, 2nd; matched sets, 2002. 2nd. 3rd, cluster buckles, Ist, cluster rings.
2nd, cluster necklaces: 2nd, matched sets, Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial, Gallup COLLECTIONS: Peabody Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; Fabrizia
FORMS: bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, pins, more
GALLERIES: Cameron Trading Post, Cameron, AZ, Richardson Trading Co., Gallup, PUBLICATIONS: Four Winds Summer 1982:31: Bassman 1992:18, 37, 52. 59: 1996:32, 40, 52: Penny 1994:285; Ostler Rodee & Nahohai 1996:79; American Indian Art Magazine Aug. 1996:38; Capone 1998:142; Wright 2000:141.
For over 50 years, collectors looking for the best cluster jewelry have beaten a path to the home of Alice Quam. She selects only the best natural turquoise and coral. Her stones are shaped to perfec tion. Her settings are clean and precise, often spaced with twist wire and silver balls.