Jewelry

This sterling silver Chief head ring has inlaid turquoise and red coral chips in the headdress. The hand is textured on each side and narrows toward the back.  This sterling silver ring is casted, which means that there are many like this, and it is not Native American made.  

Size: 10 - .675" Wide

We love the tufa cast jewelry by Gary Custer, and this one is especially nice.  The naja has a crown in which a beautiful forest green natural variscite stone is nestled.  The bale hook on the back can slip over beads or it can hang on a chain.  In addition to being tufa cast, it has also been lightly oxidized to give it a depth.  This naja is fit for a queen!  The beads are sold separately.  More about najas and tufa cast jewelry below.

Size: 3" x 2.375"

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, Janice Spencer, made this sterling silver baby bracelet with a little bear paw and turquoise.  The opening is wide and can be easily adjusted for the baby's wrist.  Bears are called upon for healing at all levels and protection.  Perfect for a baby!

Size: 3.25" with 1.25" opening

This sterling silver baby bracelet was made by Navajo jeweler, Elton Cadman.  There are three turquoise stones that have twisted wire around the bezel.  What a sweet and memorable gift for baby!  We figure it would fit up to a year old child.

Size: 4" with .5" opening

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.

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. 

These gorgeous squash blossom earrings were made by Navajo jeweler, Marie Yazzie.  The posts have a flower stamped into the silver, as do the top and bottom of the top of the squash blossoms.  The blossoms are attached to the bottom.  These are very traditional Navajo squash blossom earrings.

Size: 1.375" L x .5" W

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 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

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. 

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