In medieval times a masterpiece was a work that an apprentice would submit that proves that they’ve “mastered” the art. From there, an apprentice became a master and could go out and take on their own apprentices, start their business, etc. They’d say they apprenticed under such-and-such and they’d be asked “where’s your masterpiece”. That piece would often be used as reference that other apprentices would work on to prove they’re mastered the art/science. It would be a work that’s to be copied so someone working to become a master had a reference.

Later, it came to mean a work done by a master that others would use as a point of reference. How do I paint a fresco? The Sistine Chapel. How do I paint a portrait? The Mona Lisa. You get the picture. Masters would create new masterpieces that apprentices -- and even other masters -- could look at for reference. I say all of this to say that this piece by Michael and Rosita Calladitto is a masterpiece.

The Calladittos are a husband and wife team out of New Mexico that’s known for their intricate pieces. Oftentimes there’s a lot of stampwork, repousse work, and other common Navajo motifs. But this one is something else. I count 25 hogans. If you told me you had a cuff with 25 hogans, I’d struggle to figure out where they’d all be. But there are 25 of them on this cuff and not a single one is out of place. There is a gorgeous piece of deep, electric blue Kingman water-web turquoise. Looking into it is like looking into the ocean.

Then there’s the gauge of the terminals. It’s 2.7mm, which is around 10 gauge. That’s really heavy considering that most half-round wire on cuffs is often about 16 gauge and 12 gauge is considered substantial. Huge 10 gauge square terminals are sturdy and give the piece some heft that you don’t get in bracelets this compact. To get 116 grams out of a silver cuff usually means it takes over some part of your arm. This piece is awesome because it pushes that heft into the 3rd dimension and looks really good and “meaty” without taking up too much space on the x and y axes.

That’s it, really. If it did anything else it would load a dishwasher. It’s here to make you look good, and there’s no one who looked at your arm that wouldn’t wonder if you just won the lottery. Yes I have less ostentatious pieces, but some jewelry in your collection needs to be bold. Some pieces need to be “the thing” in your outfit. The Calladitos make pieces like that, and wardrobe is glad they do.