Description
In the mid 1800s, Navajo silversmiths started to use sand casting as one of their silversmithing techniques. Today, silversmiths still use this technique by carving a design in tufa stone (a porous limestone) and then placing another stone against it. The two pieces are fastened together and molten silver is poured in. Once it has cooled, the artist takes the piece out and finishes it. Gary Custer made this gorgeous dragonfly pendant in this manner. It has an open shepherd’s hook, allowing you to wear it as a pendant over your favorite chains or silver bead necklaces. (Chain not included) Weighs 26 grams. Signed
2 1/8” wide x 2 3/8” long
Artist card included
The Navajos began working with silver in the 19th century, and began making things like buckles, bridles, buttons, rings, canteens, hollow beads, earrings, crescent-shaped pendants (called “najas”), bracelets, crosses, powder chargers, tobacco canteens, and conchos (for belts). Their silversmithing skills has evolved and changed throughout the years, and in about 1880 Navajo silversmiths started to set turquoise in their silver work. Traditionally, Navajo artists worked with jewelry techniques like repousee and stamp work, but today they explored in other Native American jewelry making techniques like Zuni inlay work and Hopi overlay work.
Additional information
| Weight | 2 lbs |
|---|
Returns and Exchanges
There are a few important things to keep in mind when returning a product you purchased.You can return unwanted items by post within 7 working days of receipt of your goods.- You have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.
- Only items that have been purchased directly from Us.
- Please ensure that the item you are returning is repackaged with all elements.
Ship your item back to Us
Firstly Print and return this Returns Form to: Po Box 33114 Santa Fe, NM 87594 Please remember to ensure that the item you are returning is repackaged with all elements. For more information, view our full Returns and Exchanges information.Related Products
Quick View
NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI SILVER & TURQUOISE RING
Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created this stunning ring. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with natural turquoise. Zuni artists are known for their lapidary work. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known for their fine inlay work. Signed. Weighs 4...
Quick View
TURQUOISE & HENNA LIMESTONE EARRINGS BY NANCY AND SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI
Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created these stunning earrings. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with Henna Limestone and Turquoise. Zuni artists are known for their lapidary work. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known for their fine inlay work. Weighs...
Quick View
NATIVE AMERICAN NAVAJO BEADED BRACELET BY CHARLENE JACKSON
Navajo artist, Charlene Jackson made this fabulous beaded bracelet. Great colors and patterns. The bracelet is backed with a soft leather and brass is on the inside, so you can adjust the size. The entire inner circumference is about 7 1/4”, including 1” opening. 1 1/4” wide When trade beads...
Quick View
GLENDIS TSADIASI ZUNI INLAY BRACELET NATIVE AMERICAN
A fabulous combination of mother of pearl shell, jet, coral and turquoise stones inlaid into a sterling silver setting. Hand made by Zuni jeweler Glendis Tsadiasi This attractive bracelet would make a great addition to your Native American jewelry collection. Weighs 10 grams. Signed. The entire inner circumference is about...
Quick View
TURQUOISE & MOTHER OF PEARL RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI
Amazing inlay work! Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created this stunning ring. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with Kingman Turquoise and Mother of Pearl Shell. Zuni artists are known for their lapidary work. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known...
Quick View
NAVAJO STERLING SILVER PENDANT BY MANUEL JOHNSON
Fabulous design! Navajo silversmith Manuel Johnson hand crafted this beautiful sterling silver pendant. A timeless beauty that you will enjoy for years to come. Weighs 10 grams. Signed 3/4” wide x 1 3/4” long The Navajos began working with silver in the 19th century, and began making things like buckles,...
Quick View
ZUNI SILVER & TURQUOISE RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA
Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created this gorgeous ring. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with natural turquoise. Zuni artists are known for their lapidary work. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known for their fine inlay work. Signed. Weighs 4...
Quick View
NATIVE AMERICAN ZUNI STERLING SILVER & TURQUOISE BRACELET
This extraordinary bracelet showcases great channel inlay work. Sterling silver with vivid blue turquoise inlay. This stunnning braclet will compliment any outfit. Weighs 20 grams. Signed. The entire inner circumference is about 6 1/4”, including 1 1/16” opening. (this bracelet cannot be bent to fit your wrist) 3/8” wide Zuni...
Quick View
NAVAJO STERLING SILVER BEAR PENDANT BY ROBERT GENE
Navajo silversmith Robert Gene created this marvelous bear pendant through the overlay technique. Hopi overlay is constructed from two layers of sterling silver. A design is cut out with a jeweler’s saw by hand. This top design layer is then silver soldered to another sheet, the bottom layer, of silver. ...
Quick View
TURQUOISE SLAB EARRINGS BY LENORE & OWEN CHEYKAYCHI HOPI/SANTO DOMINGO
Besides their beautiful heishi jewelry, Santo Domingo artists are known for their slab stone earrings. Slab earrings are hand-cut from rough rock, shaped, and polished. There is little or no silver work, so the beauty of the stone stands out. Traditionally, slab earrings were made out of shell or turquoise,...