Navajo Bolo Ties as Fashion Accessories
Fine Navajo Bolo ties are being worn
more and more as formal wear.
So, what is the world's most expensive necktie? If you said Armani, Brioni, Hermes or Ricci you would be WRONG! Maybe these $200 plus designer ties are considered luxurious in New York, London and Paris, but if you travel to Santa Fe, New Mexico or Phoenix, Arizona any fashionably dressed resident can tell you that finely crafted, silver and turquoise embellished, handmade Navajo Bolo ties will set you back much more wampum than Italian silk neck wear. And look better, too!
It's kind of like comparing a Ferrari to a limousine. One is sleek, fast, bold and very flashy - the other is...well, just a long car. Not that those who can afford $3000 or $4000 for a Navajo bolo tie would ride around in a limo anyway; their tastes being more in line with a "bright yellow Hummer" or decked out "jet black Silverado" pickup truck.
Now maybe Navajo silversmiths did not invent the bolo tie, but they certainly are the leading design force behind the opulent high-end variety. Take for example, an opal, turquoise, and lapis lazuli adorned bolo tie by Navajo artist Jesse Lee Monongye that recently sold for $14,000. While this may not be the most expensive bolo tie ever, it surely deserves an honorable mention. Expert Navajo silversmiths seem to have a natural talent for creating beautiful works of art, and when that skill is focused toward designing "one of a kind" Navajo bolo ties, the r
esults can be breathtaking. Authentic handmade Navajo bolo ties consist of three parts. First is the thinly braided leather cord, referred to as a 'lariat'. These are generally black in color, however occasionally they can be found in dark brown and oxblood red. The second part is the decorative silver tips, called aglets or aiguillettes, which Navajo silversmiths affix on the end of the lariat. The design elements of the aglets will normally match those of the the third part of Navajo bolo ties - the clasp or 'slide'. This is the part of bolo ties where Navajo artisans have evolved into the most impressive craftsmen in the world.
Often described by fashion critics as "bold", "swank", and "dapper", the slides on Navajo bolo ties come in a variety of sizes and styles - as long as you like big and flashy. Sterling silver inlaid with large pieces of turquoise is definitely the most recognized material seen on Navajo bolo ties, however just about any other gemstone can also be found if you look for it. Designs often incorporate bear claws, buffaloes, horses, kokopelli figures, squash blossoms, conchos, and a multitude of geometric and abstract shapes. It seems that Navajo artisans never lack for new designs and materials when it comes to Navajo bolo ties. 
Authentic bolo ties made by Navajo silversmiths can now be found in fine jewelry establishments and fashionable mens western wear shops across the U.S. But, if you would like to find them in abundance and at reduced prices, the best place is the small shops and trading posts near the Navajo nation in the four corners region of New Mexico and Arizona. If you are not lucky enough to be in this area, the internet is also a great place to find exquisite examples of genuine Navajo bolo ties at huge discounts.
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