Jewelry

This striking sterling silver Navajo inlay ring has orange spiny oyster, natural spider web turquoise, jet, clam shell, and sugilite.  What a wonderful combination of colors!  The jewelry technique is channel inlay - more about that below.

Size: 4.5 - Setting .875 " L x .5" W

Channel inlay jewelry is a process used extensively by Native American jewelers, particularly those in Zuni Pueblo.  Many other talented jewelers from other tribes in the Southwest also make channel inlay jewelry.  The metal channel, usually silver, is soldered onto the back to create the design.  Afterward, the stones are cut to fit into each section.  It is an exacting process which shows in the beauty of the work of the finished piece(s).

Zuni jeweler, Johnson Laweka, set natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise in sterling silver.  The setting is channel inlay - more about that below.  Stamped "JL" inside.

Size: 6.5 - Band width .5", narrows to .125

Channel inlay jewelry is a process used extensively by Native American jewelers, particularly those in Zuni Pueblo.  Many other talented jewelers from other tribes in the Southwest also make channel inlay jewelry.  The metal channel, usually silver, is soldered onto the back to create the design.  Afterward, the stones are cut to fit into each section.  It is an exacting process which shows in the beauty of the work of the finished piece(s).

This sterling silver Hopi overlay ring is a figure of Knifewing, an intelligent force of nature that is a guardian and protector.  There is so much detail in this ring - more about the overlay jewelry technique below.  Hallmark on the back is "E" with an elongated bottom line.

Size 9 - Knifewing 1.5" H x 1" W

Hopi Overlay jewelry is made by sawing out two sheets of sterling silver 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.

Navajo jeweler Samuel Yellowhair created this intricate stereling silver setting and placed purple spiny oyster shell in it.  The sterling silver setting has a repousse star on the top and bottom, twisted wire around the bezel, and delicate cut outs around the bottom edge.

Size: 6.5 - Setting size 1.125" H x 1" W

A black onyx stone nestles in this sterling silver shadowbox setting made by Thomas Nez.  We love the radiating lines from the center.  "TN" is the hallmark on the back.

Size: 8.5 - Stone setting 2.25" H x .5" W

This vintage squash blossom necklace was made by Navajo jeweler, Harry Morgan.  He only uses the best stones available, and it is easy to see in this necklace.  The naja has hands on each side.  The stones include natural turquoise, and purple, red, and orange spiny oyster shell.  The naja and stones are strung on double strands of handmade silver beads which transition to a single strand after the stones.  Ends with a hook and eye clasp. What a beauty!  More about najas below.

Size: 26" Long - Naja 2" H x 2.25" 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. 

Navajo jeweler, Louise Joe, made this earrings using purple colored stone and turquoise beads.  They dangle from sterling silver wires.

Size: 2.75" H x 1" W

Navajo jeweler, Elton Cadman, made this delicate sterling silver bracelet that, depending on the size of the little one's wrist, will fit a baby or toddler.  He sent a sparkling opal in the center of the simple setting.  The silver is flexible, and can be manipulated to fit the wrist. 

Navajo jeweler, Elaine Tahe, made this simple sterling silver bracelet and hand-stamped designs that resemble the rays of the sun.

Size: 4" L  with .75" opening

Navajo jeweler, Elton Cadman, made this sweet sterling silver baby bracelet.  It has a bright blue turquoise stone set in the simple setting.  A nice, memorable gift for baby!

Size: 3.25" with 1.25" opening

Navajo jeweler, Judy Lincoln, made this delicate sterling silver bracelet that, depending on the size of the little one's wrist, will fit a baby or toddler.  There are two spirals, one on each side of the turquoise.  The silver is flexible, and can be manipulated to fit the wrist.  However, it will break after repeated times being bent, so the best bet is to fit it on the write so that is can go and off easily and not bend it again until it becomes to small.

Size: 3.5" with 1.125" opening

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  She is wearing a tablita which is worn during ceremony.  She has inlaid coral on her face and neck, and jet eyes.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She has a sterling silver lop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 2.5" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  She hs the two traditional buns on each side of her head.  There is inlaid turquoise and coral on her face and neck.  One maiden has all red coral inlaid on her face and neck.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She has a sterling silver lop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 2.5" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  There is inlaid turquoise, coral, and turquoise on her face and neck.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She is wearing a tablita, a head piece worn in ceremony.  She has a sterling silver loop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 2.25" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

These 2mm turquoise beads are shades of a healthy forest.  So many shades of green!  The beads end with handmade sterling silver beads and a hook and eye clasp.

Size: 16" or 15"

Navajo jeweler, Louise Joe, strung this turquoise nugget necklace.  The clasp is a sterling silver hook and eye clasp.  Wearing this necklace is like wearing a bit of spring blue sky!

Size: 18" Long

Two perfect natural red coral cabochons in 14kt gold bezels nestle in a shadowbox setting.  Around the coral are four 14kt detailed leafs and a smooth section below.  The gold sits on a sterling silver center back and hook.  Navajo made, MB is stamped on the back.  We believe this piece was made in the 1960s.

Size: 2" H x 1.5" W x .375" D - Coral 1" H x .5" W  &  .675" H x .375" W

This lovely Navajo tufa cast bracelet has a natural Morenci turquoise stone set in the center.  The stone sits in the middle of a sunburst with "wings" on each side.  This bracelet was part of a collection of older Native American jewelry.  We estimate that it was made in the 1950s or 1960s.  More about the process of tufa cast jewelry making below.

Size: 5" Long with 1.5" Opening x 1.5" Wide - Stone .5" x .25"

Seventeen inlaid Thunderbirds grace this vintage, sterling silver Zuni necklace.  Five Thunderbirds are inlayed onto the naja, with six stamped suns.  Twelve Thunderbirds attach to the double strands of handmade sterling silver beads.  The Thunderbirds are inlaid with jet, Mother of Pearl, natural red coral, and turquoise.  The beads end with a hook and eye clasp.  We think this was made around the 1960s.  It has been lightly polished to maintain the patina that comes with age. 

Size: 17" Long - Naja 2.5" H x 2.25" W - Thunderbirds 1" H x .75" W

This vintage flock of Waterbirds are inlaid with natural turquoise and red coral chips.  Each Thunderbird, including the matching earrings, also has a natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochon in the center.  There is a larger Waterbird in the center, with five smaller ones on each side.  They are strung on double strands of handmade sterling silver beads.  The double strand becomes a single strand on each side which ends with a hook and eye clasp.  The sterling silver the stones are inlaid into is in excellent shape with very few scratches which is rare.  We estimate this necklaces was made in the 1970s.

Size: 27.5" L - Center Waterbird 2" G x 1.675" W - Smaller Waterbird 1.75" H x 1.25" W

This vintage inlaid Shalako katsina necklace set was made by well known jeweler, Beverly Etsate.  The set includes the three piece necklace on a handmade chain, with matching earrings and bracelet.  The stones are jet, turquoise, natural red coral, and Mother of Pearl, all set on jet.  The silverwork is very fine and we especially like the dangles on the central pendant and earrings.  What a find!

Necklace Size: 17.5" Long - Center Pendant 2.5" H (includes dangles) x 1.25" W - Smaller Pendants 1.5" H x 1" W - Earrings 2" H (includes wire) x .5" W - Ring Size 7.25, 1.5" H x 1" W

This Navajo sterling silver, vintage necklace has a tufa cast naja of double Rainbow Men. There are three natural red coral cabochons set in the naja.  There are twelve crosses, each one with beautiful stamp work and a natural red coral cabochon.  The beads are all handmade and end with a hook and eye clasp.  We think this was made between the 1950s and 1970s.  It has been lightly polished to maintain the patina that comes with age.  More about the process of tufa cast jewelry and najas below.

Size: 26" Long - Naja 2.25" H x 2" W - Crosses 2" H (includes bale) x 1.5" W

Tufa Cast Process: 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. 

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.

This vintage sterling silver, tufa cast bracelet has a natural Morenci or Lone Mountain turquoise set in the center (according to our resident turquoise expert).  It was definitely made for a small wrist.  It is stamped EA on the back and we think it might have been made by Navajo jeweler, Evelyn Abeita, in the 1960s or 1970s.  It has been very lightly polished to maintain the patina that comes with age. 

Size: 5" L with 1.125" Opening x 1.125" W - Stone .675" Diameter

This glorious Sunface necklace comes from a collection of older Native American jewelry.  We think they it was made in the 1980s or 1990s.  There are seven inlaid Sunfaces.  The stones are jet, Mother of Pearl, green turquoise, and red coral.  The chain sterling silver with what appears to be a handmade clasp.

Size: 20.5" L - Large Sunface 1.5" H x 1.75" W - Small Sunfaces 1.25" H x 1.5" W

Wear Sunfaces around your neck on any cloudy day...or anytime!  This vintage sterling silver Zuni necklace was made by Ashberry Gasper.  The feathers around the faces are inlaid pink mussel shell, the faces are inlaid with Sleeping Beauty turquoise, natural red coral (more red than the photos show), Mother of Pearl, and jet.  There are twelve smaller Sunfaces..  The beads are all handmade and end in a hook and eye clasp.  We estimate this necklace was made in 1960s to 1970s. What a beauty!

This necklace came from a vintage collection of Native American jewelry we purchased. It has been lightly polished.

Size: 28.25" L (could easily be shorted by take some beads off the end) - Naja 2" H x 2" W - Sunfaces 1" Diameter

Sunface is a representation of the Sun Katsina, an intelligent force of nature.

The naja is a prominent symbol in Navajo and Zuni jewelry and is 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.

The sterling silver, tufa cast naja depicts two Rainbow Men with big smiles on their faces.  There are two smaller Rainbow Men najas on each side between two squash blossoms.  The squash blossoms and Rainbow Men are strung on double strands of hand-made sterling silver beads which transition to single strands near the end.  The beads end with a hook and eye clasp.  Our estimate is that this lovely sterling silver vintage squash blossom necklace was made in the late 1960s or early 1970s and comes from a collection that we purchased with jewelry from the 1950s to 1980s.

Rainbow Man is an intelligent force of nature which Navajo people have relationships with.  It is a symbol of harmony that facilitates attention to the Grandfather intelligent force of nature.  The curve of Rainbow Man represents the rainbow which it is responsible for.

Size: 26" L - Naja 2.125" H x 2" W - Smaller Najas 1.75" H x 1.5" W

The naja is a prominent symbol in Navajo and Zuni jewelry and is 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.

Zuni elder, Ola Eriacho, has been making jewelry for decades.  As you can see in this ring, she is a master!  This ring is inlaid with lapis, mother of pearl, jet, and turquoise.  Even the thin black lines are cut and inlaid jet.  The inlaid stones are set in a sterling silver bezel surrounded by a wider "shelf" with three silver rosettes on each side.  The band is a split shank.  Her hallmark and "Ola Eriacho" is stamped into the back.

Size: 9

Navajo jeweler, Geraldine Yazzie, created this beautiful sterling silver necklace and earrings set.  There are thirteen pendants which are reminiscent of blossoms.  The top of each blossom has engraved lines which end in a half-round bead.  The sterling silver beads are also handmade, and the beads and pendants are strung on a sterling silver chain.  The earrings are blossoms that match the necklace.  The entire set has been oxidized to give it a vintage finish.

Size: 15.75" L with 2.5" chain extender

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!

This striking pin/pendant is mosaic inlay made by Mary Louise Tafoya.  Like so much of Mary Louise's jewelry, it reminds us of so much of what we see in nature, waves, clouds, mountains, snow, and sunsets.  Her creations are definite conversation starters!

Size: 1.5" H x 2.5" W

The natural Candelaria turquoise stones in this bracelet are the colors of the Caribbean sea with stunning with golden matrix.  It was made in the 1960s or 1970s and has the patina that comes with older silver jewelry. The three stones are set in bezels that are beautifully detailed with oxidized parts that set off of the twisted silver wire, and are set on triple split shank cuff.  "JJ" and "Sterling" are stamped behind the largest stone.

Size: 5" Long with 1" Opening - Largest stone setting is 1.75" H x 1.25" W

Navajo jeweler, Judy Lincoln, made this delicate sterling silver bracelet that, depending on the size of the little one's wrist, will fit a baby or toddler.  There are two spirals, one on each side of the sparkling blue opal.  The silver is flexible, and can be manipulated to fit the wrist.  However, it will break after repeated times being bent, so the best bet is to fit it on the write so that is can go and off easily and not bend it again until it becomes to small.

Size: 3.5" with 1.125" opening

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

This natural Morenci turquoise pendant is absolutely gorgeous!  The color is a deep teal turquoise with small areas of grey and green.  It was made by Navajo jeweler, LaRosa Ganadonegro and the setting is impeccable.  The bale is large enough for 30mm beads or several strands of smaller beads.  

Size: 3.5" Long with bale, pendant is 2.625" L x 1.75" W

Navajo jeweler, Thomas Yazzie, made this beautiful sterling silver band and set five turquoise stones around the front.  

This sterling silver band by Navajo jeweler, Tom Lewis, has beautiful design elements.  The band itself is oxidized to turn it black, then the fun starts!  Nine sterling silver domes are soldered onto the front of the band, with many more small domes soldered all around the top and bottom, all around the ring.  

This is one gorgeous ring by Navajo jeweler, La Rose Ganadonegro!  The stones seem to glow with depth and are brilliant sky blue natural Kingman turquoise.  The setting is simple, with twisted wire around the bezels, and two sterling domes soldered between the two settings.  The band is a triple split shank.  "L. Ganado" and "sterling" stamped on the back.

Size 9.5