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. Navajo artist Gary Custer hand crafted these wonderful Zia symbol earrings in this manner. These earrings are oxidized to give it a vintage look. Gary has accomplished many silversmithing techniques, learning the traditions from his family of silversmiths. Weighs 16 grams. Signed
With ear wires are 1 15/16” in length.
1 1/8″ x 1 5/16″
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 | 1 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
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
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
BEADED EARRINGS BY CHARLENE JACKSON NATIVE AMERICAN
These fabulous beaded earrings will make a statement! Great colors and designs. Hand made by Navajo artist Charlene Jackson. With ear wires are 3 3/4” in length. 1″ x 3 1/4″ When trade beads were introduced to Native Americans, they made these colorful glass beads part of their jewelry. Over...
Quick View
SILVER & TURQUOISE RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI
Fine channel inlay work. Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika made this exquisite ring. 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...
Quick View
MOTHER OF PEARL SHELL SEAHORSE FETISH PENDANT BY BRIAN YATSATTIE
Zuni fetish carver Brian Yatsattie created this stunning seahorse pendant. Hand carved out of Mother of Pearl Shell with Turquoise inlaid eyes. Amazing detail is carved throughout the pedant. A wonderful addition to your Native American jewelry or fetish collection. Weighs 20 grams. 2 1/4” tall x 3/4” long x...
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 JET & TURQUOISE RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA
Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created this striking ring. Hand made out of sterling silver and inlaid with turquoise and jet. Great design. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and they are known for their fine inlay work. Signed. Weighs 6 grams. Size 9. 1/2”...
Quick View
NATIVE AMERICAN ZUNI STERLING SILVER & TURQUOISE EARRINGS BY EDISON WALELA
Vibrant blue turquoise is set in sterling silver to make a fabulous design. Each turquoise stone is carved. Hand made by Zuni jeweler Edison Walela. Weighs 6 grams. Make a statement with these timeless earrings. 1/2” wide x 2” long Artist card included Zuni Pueblo is the largest pueblo in...
Quick View
JET & RED LINE OBSIDIAN CUFFLINKS BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI
Magnificent cufflinks that feature Jet and Red Line Obsidian inlaid in a sterling silver setting. Hand made with high quality craftsmanship that is a great representation of the traditional inlay work. Hand made by Zuni jewelers Nancy and Sheldon Westika. The Westikas have been making jewelry since the 1970’s and...
Quick View
NATIVE AMERICAN ZUNI TURQUOISE & JET RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA
Amazing inlay work! Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika created this magnificent ring. Made out of sterling silver and inlaid with Kingman Turquoise and Jet. 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...