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 fabulous Zia symbol pendant in this manner. For the Zia, the Zia sun symbol represents the Circle of Life: four winds, four seasons, four directions, and four sacred obligations. (Chain not included) Weighs 12 grams. Signed.
1 3/16” wide x 1 7/16” 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 | 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
NAVAJO STERLING SILVER & TURQUOISE BRACELET 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
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,...
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
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
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
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
TURQUOISE & JET & RING BY NANCY & SHELDON WESTIKA ZUNI
Amazing inlay work! Zuni jewelry makers, Nancy and Sheldon Westika made this stunning 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...
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
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 TURQUOISE EARRINGS BY LENORE & OWEN CHEYKAYCHI
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,...