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 created these six sterling silver dragonflies and naja in this manner. The necklace is strung with 8 mm turquoise beads. The necklace is finished off with tufa cast collar pieces and a hand made hook and eye. A timeless beauty that you will enjoy for years to come. Weighs 156 grams. Signed.
2 1/8” wide x 3 1/4” long- Center Naja
1 5/8” wide x 2 1/16” long- Dragonflies
28 1/2” long
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 | 8 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
VINTAGE NAVAJO SILVER & TURQUOISE CONCHO BELT BY ROGER SKEET JR.
Navajo artist Roger Skeet Jr. learned and worked with his father, renowned silversmith Roger Skeet Sr. Both artists are known for their outstanding silversmithing skills, and great stamp and repousee work. This exquisite concho belt is a good representation of Roger Skeet Jr’s excellent skills. The belt has a buckle,...
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
GARY CUSTER NAVAJO STERLING SILVER NAJA PENDANT
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...
Quick View
NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI SILVER & TURQUOISE RING
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
BUTTERFLY PENDANT BY GARY CUSTER NAVAJO SAND CAST
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...
Quick View
NATIVE AMERICAN BEADED BRACELET BY CHARLENE JACKSON
Navajo artist, Charlene Jackson hand beaded this gorgeous 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...
Quick View
STERLING SILVER & TURQUOISE BOLO TIE BY GARY CUSTER NAVAJO
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...
Quick View
HOPI/SANTO DOMINGO INLAY PENDANT BY LENORE & OWEN CHEYKAYCHI
Alluring colors! Santo Domingo/Hopi artists, Lenore and Owen Cheykaychi made this gorgeous mosaic pendant out of apple coral, turquoise, jet, lapis, serpentine, mother of pearl shell, and pipestone. Backed with shell. The bale is a nice size that will work well with silver chains or leather cords. Weighs 4 grams....
Quick View
NAVAJO STERLING SILVER FEATHER PENDANT BY GARY CUSTER
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...
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...