Vintage Single Hopi Parrot Design Earring

This single sterling silver Hopi overlay earring has a parrot design cut into the top layer.   The bottom layer is oxidized to turn it black, creating the contrast.  

Size: .425" Diameter

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.