Michael Durkee (1948-1999) Southwestern Sterling Turquoise/Ironwood/coral/Shell<br>cuff bracelet. 6.5" including the 1.25" gap 1 3/8" wide 142.5 grams.<br><br>Michael spent a year living on the Hopi Reservation in New Mexico and<br>understudied the Hopi Nation's master silversmith who was then in his 80's.<br>Durkee took that knowledge and began making collector quality jewelry using<br>silver, gold, and turquoise extensively. He was known for his daring originality<br>which blended classic design concepts with contemporary interpretations. His<br>work was featured in the most prestigious galleries of Sedona, Cottonwood,<br>Scottsdale and elsewhere and was the subject of numerous magazine and newspaper<br>articles.