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 48 grams. Signed
2 7/16” wide x 3” 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 | 4 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
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
INLAY EARRINGS BY JASON BOBELU ZUNI NATIVE AMERICAN
Beautifully crafted out of sterling silver with turquoise, purple spiny oyster, jet, and mother of pearl shell inlay by Zuni jeweler Jason Bobelu. Exquisite design that will make a statement. Weighs 15 grams. Signed 1 1/8” wide x 1 3/8” long 2″ long (including ear wire) Artist card included Zuni...
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
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
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
NATIVE AMERICAN NAVAJO STERLING SILVER & TURQUOISE BOLO TIE 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 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 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
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
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...