Monongya, Jesse 14K Gold Diamond Inlaid Bracelet

$60,000.00

Monongya, Jesse (1952–2024)

This 14k gold bracelet by Jesse Monongya showcases his signature multi-stone inlay and fine diamond work. Featuring a vibrant mosaic of coral, turquoise, lapis, gaspeite, and fine-line gold bars, it’s a stunning example of contemporary Navajo jewelry. Additional inlay on the inner edge highlights Monongya’s meticulous craftsmanship. Signed with his hallmark “J Monongya” and a hand-stamped thunderbird, honoring his father Preston Monongya’s legacy.

Dimensions: 1″ 1/16th W

Bracelet Size: 5″ 1/8th

Bracelet Opening: 1″ 1/8

Jesse Monongya balanced the use of diamonds with his ability to set inlay, making this a great example of contemporary American Indian jewelry.William Faust II

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Jesse Monongya – Master Jeweler of Navajo and Hopi Heritage
1952–2024

Jesse Monongya was a celebrated Native American jeweler of Navajo and Hopi descent, widely known for his extraordinary inlay work and symbolic, sculptural designs. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1952, he was raised by Navajo relatives in the Chuska Mountains near Two Grey Hills, New Mexico, after being abandoned at a young age. His early life was shaped by deep cultural traditions and spiritual teachings, which later informed his artistry.

A turning point in his life came in 1975, when Monongya reunited with his biological father—renowned Hopi jeweler Preston Monongye. Under his father’s mentorship, Jesse began refining his craft, combining Hopi-inspired design sensibilities with Navajo symbolism and a unique vision all his own.

Monongya’s work is best known for its cosmic themes and masterful stone-to-stone inlay technique. Using materials such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, coral, opal, and fossilized ivory, he created wearable landscapes, spiritual motifs, and celestial symbols. His signature bear pendants, symbolizing strength and protection, became some of his most iconic creations. These intricately inlaid bears often featured stars and planetary elements set against jet or dark backgrounds, evoking the cosmos.

His career spanned decades, during which he earned numerous awards, including Best of Show at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup and Best of Division at Santa Fe Indian Market. His work has been collected and exhibited by leading institutions such as the Heard Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Jesse Monongya passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, on August 6, 2024, at the age of 71. He is remembered not only for his artistic mastery but also for the spiritual depth and cultural richness embedded in each of his creations. His legacy lives on through his influence on younger generations of Native American jewelers, including his own children and apprentices.

This stunning bracelet is a classic and refined example of Jesse Monongya’s masterful approach to multi-stone inlay and diamond-accented jewelry. A leading figure in contemporary Native American art, Monongya is celebrated for elevating traditional Navajo techniques into sculptural, high-design works of wearable art. His lineage is equally impressive—Jesse is the son of pioneering Navajo silversmith Preston Monongya, a central figure in the “New Indian Jewelry Movement” of the 1960s and ’70s. Building on his father’s innovative spirit, Jesse has developed a distinctive style that merges cultural storytelling with modern craftsmanship.

Handmade in 14k gold, this bracelet features an intricate mosaic of inlaid stones—coral, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and gaspeite—arranged with striking harmony and precision. Thin gold accent bars are set between the stones, creating a shimmering contrast that highlights both the bold geometry and vibrant color palette. Seamlessly integrated into the gold framework, the inlay extends around the outer edges, forming a continuous, fluid design.

In a detail rarely seen in contemporary work, Jesse has added further inlay along the inner edge of the bracelet, featuring turquoise and lapis. This subtle yet sophisticated element underscores his meticulous attention to form and finish—ensuring the bracelet is as beautiful on the inside as it is from the outside.

The piece is signed in two places with Monongya’s stylized hallmark “J Monongya,” and also bears a hand-stamped thunderbird with the initials “JM” inside—a heartfelt tribute to his father’s legacy and hallmark. Bold, elegant, and steeped in cultural meaning, this bracelet exemplifies Jesse Monongya’s enduring influence on the evolution of Navajo fine jewelry.