Sterling & turquoise
Vintage
Signed LB - Les Baker’s Shop
Les was born in 1935 and when he was older joined the Navy. He lied about his age to get into the Navy and became one of the youngest Navy pilots ever. After the Korean War he headed back to New Mexico and became interested in American Indian jewelry. His wife at the time (ex-wife now) wanted a Navajo squash blossom necklace but Les couldn’t afford it. Since Les didn’t have the money to purchase the squash blossom he figured he would try making one himself. It turned out so nice that when Les’ wife was at a party with Edith Maisel, the “Queen of Indian Jewelry” was so impressed that she offered Les a job. This was Les’ big break and he later also learned from the great Native American artist Carl Louthy.
Eventually Les opened his own shop and was at the right time and the right place when the great “Indian Jewelry” boom in the 1970’s hit. Everybody wanted this turquoise Indian jewelry, from celebrities to the common man and woman. Les teamed up for a while with Bing Crosby (not the singer but the Indian Trader) and at one time had around 50 Native Americans working for him at his jewelry shop.
Sterling & turquoise
Vintage
Signed LB - Les Baker’s Shop
Les was born in 1935 and when he was older joined the Navy. He lied about his age to get into the Navy and became one of the youngest Navy pilots ever. After the Korean War he headed back to New Mexico and became interested in American Indian jewelry. His wife at the time (ex-wife now) wanted a Navajo squash blossom necklace but Les couldn’t afford it. Since Les didn’t have the money to purchase the squash blossom he figured he would try making one himself. It turned out so nice that when Les’ wife was at a party with Edith Maisel, the “Queen of Indian Jewelry” was so impressed that she offered Les a job. This was Les’ big break and he later also learned from the great Native American artist Carl Louthy.
Eventually Les opened his own shop and was at the right time and the right place when the great “Indian Jewelry” boom in the 1970’s hit. Everybody wanted this turquoise Indian jewelry, from celebrities to the common man and woman. Les teamed up for a while with Bing Crosby (not the singer but the Indian Trader) and at one time had around 50 Native Americans working for him at his jewelry shop.
