Heart of the Dragonfly Number 8 Turquoise Cross Cuff by Aaron Anderson

This one-of-a-kind gallery-style cuff is a masterwork by multi-award-winning Navajo artist Aaron Anderson, renowned for his innovative use of tufa casting, a traditional technique where molten silver is poured into hand-carved volcanic stone molds. The result is a richly textured surface that gives each piece a distinct, organic character; no two are ever alike.

At the center of this cuff is the Isleta Puebloan Cross, also known as the Heart of the Dragonfly, a sacred symbol representing transformation, protection, and spiritual guidance. In Pueblo culture, the dragonfly is a messenger between worlds, and its cross form is a powerful emblem of life and renewal.

Set above the cross is a stunning piece of Number 8 Turquoise, easily identified by its bright powder blue and green hues and golden brown to black spiderweb matrix. Mined in Eureka County, Nevada, the Number 8 mine was discovered in 1925 and ceased production in 1976. With the mine now absorbed by gold operations, this turquoise is no longer actively mined, making it a rare and highly collectible gemstone. The stone used in this cuff comes from the last known stockpile curated by Dowell Ward, the mine’s final owner.

Measuring 2 3/4" wide, 2 1/4" high, with a 1" opening at the back, this cuff is a bold statement of heritage, craftsmanship, and spiritual symbolism. It is not just jewelry, it is a piece of living history, forged by a master and imbued with the legacy of the land and people it honors.