Native American Jewelry

Navajo jeweler, Raylond Delgarito, made this stunning oxidized, sterling silver squash blossom necklace.  There are ten squash blossoms, each one set with six Kingman turquoise stones.  The naja has fifteen set Kingman stones.  The naja itself is not solid, and has three separate arches.  The necklace ends with 1.5" long sterling silver cones and a hook and eye clasp.  Each oxidized sterling silver bead is handmade.  The earrings match the squash blossoms and are the same size.  

Size: 35" Long.  Each squash blossom is 1.5" H x 1" W.  Naja is 3" H x 3" 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.

Thanks to Natasha Singer for modeling.

Kewa jeweler, Marcella Castillo, made these little sterling silver shield earrings with hand stamped stars in the center.  She dropped hand carved shell feathers off of each one, with a tiny bead of turquoise.

Size: 1.5" H x .5" W

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. 

This beautifully balanced sterling silver turtle pendant has a hook on the back.  As you can see, it can hook on to many different sizes of beads.  It is signed "NF" on the back.  While this is a the type of overlay jewelry technique that Hopi jewelers are famous for, we do not know if it is Hopi made.  The turquoise beads are sold separately.  More about the Hopi overlay technique and turtles below.

Size: 1.75"  x 1.25" W

Traditional Hopi overlay jewelry begins as two sheets of sterling silver.  The shape of the piece is hand sawn out.  The bottom sheet is etched by hand hand and then oxidized to make it black.  The designs on the top sheet are sawn out by hand and soldered onto the bottom.  This piece was then shaped into a slight dome.

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home.  They are associated with safety.  When attacked they retreat into their shells, although some turtles have strong enough mouths to snap a finger.  For most Native American nations in North America, turtles represent Mother Earth.  Every turtle shell has 13 sections on top which some Native Americans say represent the 13 moons of each year.

These earrings by Navajo jeweler, Pauline Armstrong, have female elements.  The concentric circles are in the shape of a crescent moon.  The eleven dangles represent rain.  The turquoise at the top is a bright spot!

Size: 3.25" H x 1" W

Women have more water in our bodies than men do, and in many tribes, women are the caretakers of the waters.  Grandmother Moon's influence creates the tides in the oceans and in women's bodies.

These earrings by Navajo jeweler, Pauline Armstrong, have female elements.  the top sterling silver dome reminds us of the moon, while the concentric circles are in the shape of a crescent moon.  The eleven dangles represent rain.  

Size: 3.25" H x 1" W

Women have more water in our bodies than men do, and in many tribes, women are the caretakers of the waters.  Grandmother Moon's influence creates the tides in the oceans and in women's bodies.

This deep sky blue turquoise (the color is deeper than in the photo) pendant was made by Navajo jeweler, L. Ramone.  It has beautiful silverwork at the top including a leaf on each side with scrolling silver wire and silver dots.  The scrolling silver wires continue at the bottom of the setting.  The bale is large enough for a medium/large chain.

Size: 1.75" H x 1" W11

This sterling silver pendant was made by Navajo jeweler, L. Ramone.  The setting has graceful silver wire spirals around the top of the bezel, and twisted silver wire around the entire bezel.  The matrix in the turquoise an interesting dark greenish brown around the islands of turquoise.  Does not come with the turquoise beads.

Size: 2" H x 1.5" W

This dragonfly in flight was made by Navajo silversmith, Joe Martinez.  It definitely appears to be enjoying time in the air!  The face and wings are stamped with nice detail on the wings.  the body is inlaid turquoise and jet, and the end part of the tail is detailed.  It has a pin back and is stamped "M" on the back.  More on dragonflies below.

Size: 1.5" H x 2" W

Dragonflies have different, yet similar meanings throughout Native America.  In Zuni, they are messengers between this world and the next and are related to the coming rains and corn.  In other tribes they are strong protectors, as dragonflies are one of the very few creatures that can fight while flying backwards.  They are known to watch our backs and offer protection.  Their symbol is a vertical line with two horizontal bars, and can be seen on war shirts, shields and painted on horses going into battle.

Navajo jeweler, Ben Begay, made this sterling silver eagle feather.  He beautifully detailed the feather.  There are two repousse domed stars under the wrapped quill.  The quill is wrapped with sterling silver wire and the end dangles onto the feather.  More about eagle feathers below. 

Size: 3.5" L x 2.5" W

The eagle flies the highest and sees the furthest of all birds.  In some tribes it is the guardian of the sky world.  Eagle feathers are held sacred because the eagle takes our prayers to the Creator.  Native American people receive eagle feathers to honor them for their accomplishments, act of courage or bravery.

Do you love turtles?  Then you will love this sterling silver pin by Navajo silversmith, S. Yazzie!  The eyes are stamped, and the feet and tail are detailed.  Our favorite part is the eight repousse crescent moons on the shell, the turquoise in the center, and the detailed stamp work that remind us of moon rays in front of each moon.  The piece is slightly domed and has a pin back.  

Size: 1.875" H x 1.375" W

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home.  They are associated with safety.  When attacked they retreat into their shells, although some turtles have strong enough mouths to snap a finger.  For most Native American nations in North America, turtles represent Mother Earth.  Every turtle shell has 13 sections on top which some Native Americans say represent the 13 moons of each year.

This tufa cast naja was made by Navajo silversmith Kevin Yazzie.  It has graceful, yet strong lines.  The three arrow points at the top are polished to a high sheen and make a very cool contrast to the organic texture of the organic texture from the tufa.  The hook on the back cannot be seen from the front, and can be hooked onto your favorite necklace or chain.  The beads do not come with it.  This is one of the most beautiful tufa cast najas we've ever seen!   Najas are worn by women and men.  More about najas and tufa cast jewelry below.

Size: 3" H x 2" 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 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. 

This sterling silver eagle feather pendant was made by Navajo silversmith, Jane Delfinita.  The details on the feather perfect, and we especially like the cords on each side of the bright blue Sleeping Beauty cabochon.  The top part of the feather is slightly domed which gives it even more character. The bale is large enough for a medium to large size chain.  More about eagle feathers below.

Size: 2.875" H x .875" W

The eagle flies the highest and sees the furthest of all birds.  In some tribes it is the guardian of the sky world.  Eagle feathers are held sacred because the eagle takes our prayers to the Creator.  Native American people receive eagle feathers to honor them for their accomplishments, act of courage or bravery.

Navajo jeweler, Chester Charley, made this sterling silver eagle feather.  He beautifully detailed the feather.  More about eagle feathers below. 

Size: 3" L x .75" W

The eagle flies the highest and sees the furthest of all birds.  In some tribes it is the guardian of the sky world.  Eagle feathers are held sacred because the eagle takes our prayers to the Creator.  Native American people receive eagle feathers to honor them for their accomplishments, act of courage or bravery.

Zuni jeweler, Emma Edaakie, created this bright and shiny Sleeping Beauty turquoise and natural red coral pen/pendant.  The wings are surrounded by sterling silver stars.  The antenna have a graceful sweep that ends in a spiral.  Stunning!

Size: 1.5" H x 1.5" W

Navajo jeweler, Mike Smith, made this sterling silver pendant and set a bright Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochon in it.  It has some weight for a smaller pendant that comes from the repousse suns, and nine silver balls soldered around the bezel.  The bale is large enough for a small to medium chain, and comes with an 18" sterling silver chain.

Size: 1.125" H x .5" W

Award-winning Creek, Navajo, and Hopi, jeweler, David Tune, uses the highest grade stones and coral available.  He set green and turquoise turquoise,  red coral, and lapis into the graceful setting.  The sterling silver setting has delicate cut outs all around the edge.  the band is tufa cast with stamp work all around.  The band has "David Tune" stamped on the inside of the band.

Size: 9.5 - adjustable one size up or down.  Setting is 2" H x ,75" W

This hand-stamped sterling silver ring is one large show stopper!  Award-winning Creek, Navajo, and Hopi jeweler, David Tune, set this gorgeous natural Cripple Creek turquoise stone in a hand-stamped setting.  The stamp work has four bear paws, four sunrises or sunsets, and rays all around.  The band is tufa cast with stamp work all around, and has "David Tune" stamped on the inside.

Size: 9 - adjustable one size up or down

David Tune is an award-winning Creek, Navajo, Hopi jeweler.  He set a large stone of natural Bisbee turquoise in this ring - it is gorgeous.  The setting has detailed cut-outs all around the setting.  The band is tufa cast with detailed stamp-work all around.  Like much of David's jewelry, this is a real statement piece!

Size: 8 and is easily adjustable to one size up or down

David Tune is an award-winning Creek, Navajo, Hopi jeweler.  We love David's jewelry that resemble spirit people like this one.  He placed a beautiful cabochon of natural Kingman turquoise at the top.  He inlaid the "body" with turquoise, lapis, sugilite, gaspeite, and red and orange coral.  The setting has detailed cut-outs all around the edge of the inlay.  The band is tufa cast with detailed stamp-work.  It is stamped inside the band with "David Tune".

Size: 10 - Adjustable to one size up or one size down

The silver setting of this Navajo inlaid pendant has delicate cut outs on the left and right, showcasing the inlay.  The stones are gaspeite on top, followed by sterling silver, jet, white clam shell, turquoise, and spiny oyster shell.  The bale is large enough for a medium size chain or cord.  Stamped "PLL" on the back.

Size: 1.75" H x .625" W

The silver setting of this Navajo inlaid pendant has delicate cut outs on the left and right, showcasing the inlay.  The stones are spiny oyster shell on top, followed by sterling silver, jet, white clam shell, turquoise, and lapis.  The bale is large enough for a medium size chain or cord.  Stamped "PLL" on the back.

Size: 1.75" H x .625" W

Looking for a stunning handmade necklace that will get you noticed?  This might do the trick!  This five turquoise stone necklace has a lot of detail: tiny silver beads around each stone setting, silver repousse pieces that are reminiscent of butterflies or dragonflies, and handmade silver beads which end with silver cones.  Definitely a statement piece by Raymond Delgarito!  Maybe fit for a queen?

Size:  20.5" long, center stone in setting is 2.5" L x 1" W  

David Tune is an award-winning Creek, Navajo, Hopi jeweler.  He inlaid this ring with  natural red coral, fossilized walrus ivory, sugilite, and Sleeping Beauty turquoise.  The setting has detailed cut-outs all around the edge, and the band is tufa cast (see below). 

Size: 7.5, can be adjusted half a size up or down.  Setting is 1' H x 0.4375 W

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 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. 

David Tune is an award-winning Creek, Navajo, Hopi jeweler who was raised by his Navajo family.  He inlaid this pendant with fossilized walrus ivory, orange spiny oyster shell, natural red coral, and Sleeping Beauty turquoise.  The setting has detailed cut-outs all around the edge of the inlay, and the silver part above is stamped by hand.  It has a long, graceful bail that would fit a wide chain or 4-6mm beads.  It is stamped on the back with his sun hallmark and name.

Size: 2.6875" H x 0.3125" W

David Tune is an award-winning Creek , Navajo, Hopi jeweler who was raised by his Navajo family.  He inlaid this ring with red spiny oyster shell, natural red coral, sugilite, gaspeite, fossilized walrus ivory, and Sleeping Beauty turquoise.  The setting has detailed cut-outs all around the edge, and the band is tufa cast (see below).  It is stamped on the back with his sun hallmark.

Size 9.5, adjustable by half a size up or down, 1.75" L x .5" W

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 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. 

David Tune is an award-winning Creek, Navajo, Hopi jeweler.  He inlaid this ring with orange spiny oyster shell, natural red coral, and Sleeping Beauty turquoise.  The setting has detailed cut-outs all around the edge, and the band is tufa cast (see below).  It is stamped on the back with his sun hallmark.

Size 7.5, adjustable by half a size up or down

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 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. 

These shield earrings were made by Kewa Pueblo jeweler, Marcella Castillo.  The pink mussel shell shield are inlaid with turquoise.  The feathers are hand carved of pink mussel shell and dangle on silver wire with turquoise accents.  The ear wires are sterling silver.  These are very light!

Size: 1.5" H x .5" W

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. 

This very traditional Zuni Pueblo pendant is signed by TJ.  The traditional stones are used: red coral, Sleeping Beauty turquoise, jet and mother of pearl.  The stones are set in sterling silver with braided silver wire all around the stones.  The bale would fit a thick silver chain or 4mm beads.  Price reduced from $290 to $250!

Size: 2.875" H x 1.625" W 

Each stone is cut to fit exactly into the other like a puzzle.  Even the thin black jet lines are cut to size and inlaid.

This stunning pendant has red, purple and pink spiny oyster shell with splashes of Sleeping Beauty turquoise set in brushed sterling silver.  The bale is large enough for two or three strands of 4mm beads, a thick chain, or 8-10mm beads.  This pendant is a reminder to the wearer of the vitality of water...water is life!  Price drop from $490 to $420!

Size: 3.75" H x 1.25" W