JSW759 Sandcast Cuff

Sterling silver cuff by Navajo silversmith Alvin Thompson. The 3/4” sandcast cuff with a wave pattern is 5 1/2” with a 1” gap.   

With sandcasting technique, a mold for jewelry is created out of sand. The Navajo were the first to adapt this technique for silversmithing. Sand casting creates a matte finish with an antique feel as opposed to a more high-shine finish. Every piece of Navajo Indian jewelry created by sand casting is truly a one-of-a-kind piece — the mold is destroyed by the molten silver.

Alvin Thompson is number 5 out of 7 children in his family.  His oldest sister Lula, who taught him the art of sandcasting, was the major influence of his traditional jewelry.  He currently works closely with his sisters Frida, Lucy and Marie who also make sand-cast jewelry.