Miscellaneous Jewelry

Zuni jewelers Delbert and Carol Seciwa inlaid natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise, gold lip mother of pearch and mother of pearl, natural red coral and clam shell on black het to create this strong Zuni bear. A Sunface is in the center above the mother of pear. This pin/pendant was part of a collection purchased in the early 2000s. Signed the back.

Size: 1.25" H x 1.75" W

This Peyote Bird pin has so much going on! The stones are natural domestic turquoise, probably from the Sleeping Beauty mine and natural red coral inlaid chips on the wings and tail. The stones are set in sterling silver. At the top is the sunrise/altar that is part of the peyote ceremony of the Native American Church. Below the head and neck is a heart with a flame at the top. There is a hallmark on the back left. This pin is probably from the 1970s. 

Size: 3" H x 1.5" W

Navajo jeweler Lucille Platero made this well detailed Kokopelli pin with a 1" pin back.  It has a bright turquoise stone set at the waist.

Size: 1.75" H x .75" W

This Navajo handmade shadowbox bolo tie has two sky blue natural Kingman turquoise stones set in the palm of the paw.  The back of the sterling silver shadow box has been oxidized which turns it black and dramatically sets off the stones.  The tips are sterling silver and the braided black leather is 42" long.  Imagine wearing it to all the events this year!  TN" and "Sterling" stamped on the back.  More about bears below.

Size: 2" H x 1.5" W - Braided leather 42"

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

This sterling silver overlay Butterfly Maiden was made by Hopi jeweler, Frank Lahaleon.  She is so beautiful!  She has a feather tied into her hair, face paint, and is holding a bow with two ears of corn.  Her dress has traditional designs and she is wearing mocassins with leg wraps.  Her butterfly wings have traditional designs which include water, lightening, mountains, snow, and whirlwinds.  It has a 1.25" pin on the back, as well as a loop for a chain.  More about the overlay technique below.

Size: 3" H x 1.5" W

Hopi Overlay  Overlay jewelry is made by sawing out two sheets of sterling silver or gold the same size.  Hopi jewelers texture the bottom sheet with hatch marks.  It is then oxidized to turn it black.  The design is drawn on to the top sheet of silver which is then carefully sawed out with a fine jeweler's saw. The edges are filed smooth.  The top piece is soldered on to the bottom piece.  Sometimes, there are many small pieces that are also soldered on to the bottom sheet of silver.  It is then polished to a high sheen.  Overlay is very labor intensive!

These sterling silver Navajo handmade watch tips are beautifully made with two denim lapis stones set on each side.  This watch is included, but we aren't sure if it works.  It may just need a new battery.  And, the buyer would also want to get a band which is easy to purchase from a watch shop.  It is hallmarked on the back with an A.

Watch Tips Size: 1.5" L x 1.125" W