Vintage Agate Bolo Tie James Shay Navajo Sterling Silver Turquoise Red Coral

Description & Materials

Large, hand-forged sterling silver bolo tie featuring a dramatic banded agate cabochon at center, accented by turquoise and coral clusters in a classic Navajo layout. The silverwork displays precise file edging, chisel stamping, and a raised applique border, demonstrating the fine craftsmanship typical of most likely, James Shay.

Center Stone: Natural banded agate, gray to brown with cream veining
Accents: Two turquoise cabochons (likely Kingman) and two red coral cabochons
Silverwork: Heavy-gauge sterling, deep hand-stamped texturing, scalloped form, and distinct raised border

Cord & Tips: Brown braided leather cord with long, conical tips and hand-forged arrowhead dangles.

Weight: 109 grams total (with cord)

Agate measures 3" tall X 2" wide

Slide Size: Approximately  2 1/2 " × 1"

Artist Attribution

Stamped with a partial “J” and 1/2 "S" hallmark consistent in shape, depth, and placement with documented James Shay's silverwork from the 1980's The combination of hallmark style, construction technique, and arrowhead dangles strongly supports the Shay's attribution.

James Shay (Navajo) was an active silversmith during the mid-to-late 20th century, known for his bold overlays, precise stampwork, and integration of contrasting stones such as agate, turquoise, and coral.

Design & Symbolism

This bolo’s banded agate centerpiece represents grounding and stability, while turquoise and coral symbolize sky and blood, embodying the balance of life and earth within Navajo cosmology. The arrowhead dangles are emblematic of protection, strength, and direction, a hallmark of Shay's spiritual motifs.

Construction & Technique
Hand-forged sterling silver base
Stone bezels hand-soldered and polished to high relief

Bennett-style clasp (mid-century tension type)
Textured and oxidized background for contrast
Domed concho body for dimensional presence

Condition

Excellent vintage condition. Minor oxidation and light surface wear consistent with age. All stones secure. It appears the leather cord and arrowhead tips are tight and intact. No structural repairs or replacements noted. Slight cracks noted in the inside center of stone. Visable under my 10 X loupe. Possibly due to age and wear under normal use.

Restoration or Repolish Recommendation: None — natural patina enhances authenticity.

Notes

This piece exemplifies the refined, confident silversmithing of James Shay's era, merging natural stone elegance with classic Navajo form and cultural symbolism. The use of banded agate—rare among Navajo bolos—makes this example particularly distinctive and desirable among collectors of 20th-century Native American silverwork.

James Shay — overview

James Shay is a Navajo silversmith known for traditional stamped sterling work and turquoise cluster pieces. He has been an active maker since about 1989 and is associated with the Lukachukai area of the Navajo Nation.

Hallmark and identifying features

               Style: traditional Navajo stampwork, heavy use of sterling silver, multi-stone turquoise clusters and cuff/bracelet forms; workmanship emphasizes classic stamping and silver shaping rather than contemporary sculptural technique.

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Wado!