Carl and Irene Clark Micro-Inlaid Silver Bolo Tie “Tree Of Life”

$22,000.00

This sterling silver bolo tie by  Navajo jewelers Carl and Irene Clark features an intricate micro-inlay design of the Navajo Tree of Life weaving. Crafted with turquoise, coral, lapis, jet, sugilite, and mother of pearl, the inlay represents the “Cosmic Tree”—a sacred symbol of harmony, balance, and the flow of life. Hand-cut stones by Carl and silverwork by Irene make this piece a masterful blend of tradition and innovation.

Dimensions: 26″ L

Silver Inlaid Bolo: 2″ 5/8th L X 2″ W taper to 1″ 11/16th

*Cord can be changed for length or color

In Stock

Carl and Irene Clark are celebrated Navajo jewelers renowned for their innovative contributions to Native American jewelry, particularly through their groundbreaking micro-fine inlay technique. As a husband-and-wife team, their work beautifully blends traditional Navajo craftsmanship with contemporary design, setting them apart in the world of Native American art.

Carl Clark, a master silversmith, is known for his skillful use of silver, often incorporating stones like turquoise, coral, and onyx that hold deep cultural significance to the Navajo people. His intricate designs often feature Navajo symbols such as the Yei, spiritual figures representing the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Irene Clark complements his work with her own expertise in design and inlay, contributing to the unique pieces they create together.

What truly sets the Clarks apart, however, is their pioneering work with *micro-fine inlay*. This technique involves the use of extremely small, precisely cut pieces of stone, meticulously set into sterling silver and gold. The inlays are so fine that they appear almost seamless, creating a smooth, continuous flow of color and texture. Their attention to detail and the precision required to craft these tiny inlay has garnered them widespread recognition.

The Clarks’ micro-fine inlay often incorporates geometric patterns, nature-inspired motifs, and traditional Navajo symbols, all of which are rendered with extraordinary skill and care. This technique elevates their jewelry, blending modern aesthetics with the cultural significance of their heritage. Their work pushes the boundaries of traditional Navajo inlaid jewelry, achieving a level of sophistication that has earned them a prominent place in the Native American art community.

Through their mastery of this delicate technique, Carl and Irene Clark have not only preserved and honored their Navajo roots but have also pushed the art form to new heights, creating jewelry that is both technically impressive and artistically exceptional.

Sterling Silver Navajo Tree of Life Bolo Tie by Carl & Irene Clark
This exceptional sterling silver bolo tie is a masterwork by renowned Navajo jewelers Carl and Irene Clark, celebrated for their unparalleled micro-inlay craftsmanship. The centerpiece showcases a meticulously detailed depiction of the Navajo Tree of Life—also known as the “Cosmic Tree”—a sacred design symbolizing life’s journey, spiritual balance, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

At the heart of the design is a corn stalk emerging from a traditional Navajo wedding basket, surrounded by birds—each element carefully inlaid using hundreds of hand-cut stones. The inlay incorporates turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, jet, sugilite, and mother of pearl, arranged in perfect harmony to evoke the visual language of Navajo weaving through stone. This transformation of textile symbolism into stonework is a signature innovation of the Clarks, setting them apart in the world of contemporary Native American jewelry.

Carl Clark is responsible for the precise micro-inlay work, where each stone is cut and set with remarkable accuracy under magnification. Irene Clark, his wife and creative partner, fabricates the sterling silver components entirely by hand, including the bolo setting, custom tips, and accent spacers, all of which are mounted on a high-quality braided black leather cord.

More than a piece of jewelry, this bolo tie is a wearable narrative of Navajo artistic excellence. It embodies the Clarks’ lifelong dedication to preserving cultural tradition while pushing the boundaries of Native design. Ideal for collectors of fine Native American art, this piece is both a technical marvel and a profound cultural statement.