Jewelry

Handmade by Zuni jeweler Dorothy Natachu, a tiny red coral and an equally tiny turquoise is set in the center of the sterling silver hearts.  Perfect for any age, including babies!

Size: .125" H x .24" W

These sweet white shimmering mother of pearl heart earrings are perfect for children and adults.  The shell is set in sterling silver.  Made by a Zuni jeweler.

Size: .375" x .375"

Zuni jeweler Mary Ann Neha made these pink mussel shell earrings in sterling silver posts and backs.  The shell has a bit of shimmer to it.

Size: .25" x .25"

This bracelet was part of a collection of vintage and older Native American jewelry. It has not been cleaned or polished.  The stones look like natural, aged Sleeping Beauty turquoise with each one set into a shadowbox.  There are no stamps or initials on the back. More about tufa cast jewelry below.

Size: 5" not including 1.5" opening - .75" W

Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk and has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa in reverse to how the piece will come out.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound together tightly and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again.  This process usually makes one piece of jewelry, but sometimes the mold is good enough for more than one piece. 

This sterling silver Navajo sterling silver tufa cast bracelet was part of a collection of vintage and older Native American jewelry.  It has not been cleaned or polished.  More about tufa cast jewelry below.

Size: 4.75" not including 1.5" opening - 1.125" W

Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk and has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa in reverse to how the piece will come out.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound together tightly and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again.  This process usually makes one piece of jewelry, but sometimes the mold is good enough for more than one piece. 

This heavy gage sterling silver snake chain has a lobster clasp.  It can be viewed on a pendant below.

Size: 18" Long and 226.8 grams

The bear pendant has beautiful overlay of brass and sterling silver as well as  impeccable stamp-work. The bale is larger which can be strung on beads or multiple strands of heishi.  It was made by Rosita Singer, the wife of the late Tommy Singer who was a very well known jeweler, both Navajo.  She signs her work T&R Singer in his honor. Sterling silver chain sold separately in Miscellaneous Jewelry. More about bears below.

Size: 1.25" H x 2" W  - does not include bale of .5" Diameter 

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.

Wearing this sterling silver ring by Navajo jeweler Chris Charley is like wearing a blessing.  The eagle feather is beautifully detailed and the quill is wrapped at the bottom with the silver strand lying across the feather - just like we would wrap the quill of real eagle feather. It has a double shank band and is sterling silver. CC and Sterling are stamped inside. More about eagles below.

Size: 7.5 - Feather 1.75" L x .75" W

The eagle is the most sacred of all the raptors since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is a messenger which takes our prayers to the Creator and it is a blessing to see one.  

A sky blue natural natural Sleeping Beauty polished turquoise nugget also has dark gray matrix that is interesting.  It is set in sterling silver with twisted wire around the bezel and three silver domes at the bottom.  Sleeping Beauty turquoise is highly sought after around the world. The Sleeping Beauty mine is near Globe, Arizona and is closed to the public.  This pendant was part of a collection of Native American jewelry that we purchased in the 1990s.  It has never been worn.

Size: 1.75" H x .675" W

Navajo jeweler Lucille Platero created these sterling silver Kokopelli earrings.  The stamp-work is beautiful and the bright turquoise in the center is a lovely accent. More about Kokopelli below.

Size: 2" H (includes wires) x .75" W

Kokopelli images are on rocks along trade routes from the Southwest and into Mexico.  Many think that before he entered a village he played his flute to let people know he was arriving, and his rounded back was a pack containing the trade items.  There may have been generations of Kokopelli who traveled.

Navajo jeweler Lucille Platero made these horse earrings from sterling silver.  A dot of turquoise is in the center of the body. The eyes, mouth, mane and tail are detailed and the body is beautifully hand-stamped. They dangle from sterling silver wires. More about horses below.

Size: 1.5" H x 1.675" W

Many Native American people believe that horses were in North America before the colonizers arrived.  Many Native American people have special relationships with horses, and this was evident during the camps at Standing Rock to protect and defend the river.  They represent freedom and safety in travel.  And for those of us lucky enough to have had a powerful relationship with horses, they make wonderful friends.

Kewa Pueblo jeweler, Delbert Crespin, hand-rolled melon shell and turquoise to make this bracelet.  The beads end with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp.

Size: 7.5"

Hand-rolled beads are made by chipping out pieces of stone or shell.  A hole is drilled into the center of each chip.  The chips are strung on a wire and rolled, and rolled, and rolled until they are all the same width.  Sometimes they are graduated – a difficult task!  They are then polished until smooth.  There are hand-rolled necklaces from Kewa Pueblo that are over a thousand years old.  In the “old days”, the holes were drilled with a hand-pump drill, strung on handmade string, and rolled on sandstone.   There is nothing quite like hand-rolled Kewa beads!

Many of the Pueblos in New Mexico took on Spanish names after colonization and are now taking back their original names.  Kewa Pueblo is the traditional name of the place and the people.  It was known as Santo Domingo Pueblo for many, many years.

Kewa Pueblo jeweler, Delbert Crespin, hand-rolled clam shell and turquoise to make this bracelet.  The beads end with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp.

Size: 7"

Hand-rolled beads are made by chipping out pieces of stone or shell.  A hole is drilled into the center of each chip.  The chips are strung on a wire and rolled, and rolled, and rolled until they are all the same width.  Sometimes they are graduated – a difficult task!  They are then polished until smooth.  There are hand-rolled necklaces from Kewa Pueblo that are over a thousand years old.  In the “old days”, the holes were drilled with a hand-pump drill, strung on handmade string, and rolled on sandstone.   There is nothing quite like hand-rolled Kewa beads!

Many of the Pueblos in New Mexico took on Spanish names after colonization and are now taking back their original names.  Kewa Pueblo is the traditional name of the place and the people.  It was known as Santo Domingo Pueblo for many, many years.

The naja is set with 33 tear drop shaped red spiny oyster shell with a larger round one in the top, and a red spiny oyster shell flower with twelve spiny oyster shells that dangles in the center.  Each squash blossom has a spiny oyster shell flower on top with fifteen stones.  The squash blossoms are strung on double strands of handmade sterling silver beads that end in silver cones with a hook and eye clasp.  This necklace was part of an older collection of Native American jewelry and has been lightly polished.

Size: 29" Long - Naja 2.5" H x 2" W - Squash blossoms 1.5" H x 1" W

Najas are a prominent symbol in Navajo jewelry and are always the center piece in squash blossom necklaces.  I was told they are a feminine symbol, and their crescent shape represents the arms of a matriarch and the generations of the past and future.  It symbolizes ease of movement, paths of least resistance for the family, even during challenging times.  There is a sense of open arms in the shape of the naja that is soothing.  Some najas have hands of friendship on each end.

This Navajo handmade traditional sterling silver squash blossom necklace has sixteen beautiful squash blossoms strung on two rows of handmade sterling silver beads.  The naja in the center was tufa cast, more about that process and about najas below.  Beautiful worn or hung in a shadowbox when not being worn to enjoy every day/  The beads end with a hook and eye clasp.

Size: 30" Long - Naja 2.75" H x 2.125" W - Squash blossoms 1" Long - Weight 320 grams

Tufa Jewelry: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound tightly together and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again. 

Najas are a prominent symbol in Navajo jewelry and are always the center piece in squash blossom necklaces.  We were told they are a feminine symbol, and their crescent shape represents the arms of a matriarch and the generations of the past and future.  It symbolizes ease of movement, paths of least resistance for the family, even during challenging times.  There is a sense of open arms in the shape of the naja that is soothing.  Some najas have hands of friendship on each end.

Imagine wearing these on a breezy day and feeling the dangles sway against your skin.  dark sky blue, yellow, green, cobalt blue, and white beads made these earrings gorgeous!  They dangle from sterling silver wires.

Size: 4" L x .875" W - includes wires

Black onyx and a white stone create patterns of arrows and lines around the bold Navajo sterling silver inlay ring.  

Size 12 - Band .375" front & .25 back

Award-winning Navajo jeweler Sunshine Reeves made this fabulous sterling silver ring.  The background is oxidized black to highlight all of details.  Sunshine used repousse and impeccable stamp-work to create the designs all the way around, as well as coiled silver wire.  We especially like the coiled wire on the back and the stamped lightening design on the inside.  "Sunshine Reeves" and "Sterling" are stamped inside.

Size" 7 - Front .75" H and Back .375" H

We don't see these types of Zuni inlay rings much anymore.  This one was made by Tina Haloo who set natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise between channels of sterling silver zigzags.  

Setting Size: .25" 

Navajo jeweler Andrew Vandever set brilliant sky blue turquoise in this substantial sterling silver ring.  The turquoise is set in a shadowbox with twisted around the bezel.  Three repousse flowers grace the top and bottom.  The band is double shank.

Size: 6 - Setting: 1.25" H x 1" W

This ring by Navajo jeweler Danny Kenneth has turquoise that reminds us of the shifting blues in the Caribbean with some green islands.  The stone is set in a shadowbox that is oxidized with twisted sterling silver wire all the way around.  A much thicker twisted silver wire winds all around the small wire.  The bank is triple shank which attaches to the setting.

Size: 5.5 - Setting: .875" H x .75" W

Navajo jeweler Selena Warner set red spiny oyster shell in this sterling silver ring.  There are four round sterling silver accents on the top and bottom of the bezel.  The brushed sterling silver gives it a vintage look.  "SW" and "STERLING" stamped inside.

Size: 5.75 - Stone Setting Size: 1.125" H x .875" W

This striking and solid sterling silver band was made by Navajo jeweler Tom Hawk.  The middle of the band is oxidized dark black.  "Tom Hawk" and "Sterling" are stamped inside.

Size: 4.5 - Band .25" W

 This bracelet has the colors of fire beaded in a pale blue background.  The center row has beads of fire colors in white, yellow, and orange.  On each side are flame shapes of white, yellow, orange, red, and black beads. The beads were attached to leather which is attached to a flexible bracelet.

Size: 5.5" long with 1.75" opening - 2.125" W

Navajo Jeweler, Tom Hawk, made this sterling silver ring.  The space between the five raised parts is oxidized to turn it black which gives it a striking appearance.  It tapers toward the back, making it very comfortable to wear.  It is stamped "sterling" and 'Tom Hawk" on the inside. 

Size: 13 - .675" W

Navajo jeweler Amanda Larry crafted this tower of oxidized sterling silver bead earrings.  They dangle from sterling silver wires and would go perfect with any jewelry that has a vintage patina, is oxidized silver, or to wear simply alone.

Size: 2.5" L x .5" (largest bead)

Navajo jeweler Leonard Maloney crafted this impressive sterling silver ring.  The band is wide all the way around with the exception of the very back.  There is something soothing about running a finger across the raised half-domes.

Size: 6

There are so many details in this sterling silver cigar band ring by Richard Jim!  The background has been oxidized black and is much darker than the photos represent.  The black background highlights the silver hearts, scrolls, and shiny parts that were soldered onto it.  "Richard C Jim" and "Sterling" are stamped inside the band.

Size: 7.5 - Widest part of band .875" - Narrowest part of band .375" 

The stamp-work on this sterling silver cigar band ring reminds us of ripples on the water.  It was made by Navajo jeweler Douglas Etcitty of sterling silver.

Size: 13 - Band is .75 at the widest and .25 at the narrowest

Navajo jeweler Thomas Charlie crafted this impressive sterling silver ring.  The band is narrower than similar rings and there is something soothing about running a finger across the raised half-domes.

Size: 5.5

Navajo jeweler Annie Spencer made these oxidized sterling silver rings which gives them an antique look.  There is a stamp-work flower at the top and bottom, and the rised center is made using the repousse technique.  The band is triple shank.  

Keep your money in style with this sterling silver money clip.  Navajo jeweler Shirley Skeets hand-stamped beautiful designs into the silver and set turquoise in a shadowbox in the center.  Just fold your bills and tuck them in to keep your money from getting crumpled.

Size: 1.75" L x .75" W

What a wonderful way to celebrate baby while adding an heirloom to the family!  Turquoise, black, red, orange, and white beads were woven together by a Navajo artisan to create this bracelet with an eagle feather on each side.  The band is flexible to easily go on baby's wrist.  Native American people use eagle feathers to send our prayers to the Creator.

Size: 4.5" L with 1.125 - opening .325" W

Natural polished Kingman turquoise nuggets and natural red coral are set in sterling silver in this Navajo handmade, vintage squash blossom necklace.  The naja is tufa cast - more about najas and the process of tufa cast jewelry below.  Each of the six blossoms have a red coral and turquoise are set in shadowboxes above the blossoms. Each of the set stones have leaves on one side and vines on the other.  The blossoms are strung on double strands of sterling silver beads and end with a silver hook and eye clasp.  This was part of a collection of older Native American jewelry and was possible made in the 1950s to 1970s.  There is no hallmark or name attributed to this necklace.  It has been cleaned and polished.

Size: 22.5" Long - Naja: 2.25" H x 2.5" W - Blossoms: 1.5" L x .75" W

Najas are a prominent symbol in Navajo jewelry and are always the center piece in squash blossom necklaces.  I was told they are a feminine symbol, and their crescent shape represents the arms of a matriarch and the generations of the past and future.  It symbolizes ease of movement, paths of least resistance for the family, even during challenging times.  There is a sense of open arms in the shape of the naja that is soothing.  Some najas have hands on each end.

Tufa Cast Jewelry: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound together tightly and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again. 

What a wonderful keepsake this would be.  Handmade by the wonderful Navajo jeweler Elaine Tahe it is sterling silver twisted wire with no sharp or rough edges.  Want to see more baby bracelets?  It's easy, just search "baby bracelet" on our site.

Size: 3.5" with .75" opening

These Yummy Turquoise Earrings were made by Navajo jeweler Rita Largo.  For some reason they remind us of yummy candy!  Oval turquoise that are a bit darker than sky blue is set into a bezel surrounded by twisted wire and wider sterling silver.  The posts are repousse sterling silver stars.  Nice and light!

Size: 1" H x .5" W

The Pilot Mountain turquoise in this sterling silver bracelet includes small bits of pyrite. It is a beautiful dark teal color that was impossible to capture in the photos.  Handmade by Navajo jeweler Shirley Henry, it has a large stone in the center with eight smaller stones around the outside.  The smaller stones have a repousse star in between each one.  On each side of the stones are hand-stamped leaves.  The cuff is tufa cast. Stamped "SH" and "STERLING" inside. More about the process of tufa cast jewelry making below.

Size: 5.25" Long with 1" Opening

Tufa Jewelry: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound tightly together and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again. Most of the time only one piece of jewelry can be made from each piece of tufa.

These Navajo handmade denim lapis watch tips are so detailed!  Two denim lapis stones are in a natural setting of spirals and eagle feathers.  A sterling silver border is cut and stamped in an elongated feather pattern.  The watch doesn't work and probably needs a battery.  Price only includes watch tips, but watch will also be sent.

Size with watch: 3.75" - Size of each tip: 1.25" L x 1.125" W