Jewelry

This spotted shell bear carving pendant was made by Zuni carver, Darrin Boone.  The eyes are jet and the mouth is inlaid turquoise.  On one side is an inlaid Sunface of red spiny oyster shell, turquoise, Mother of Pearl, and jet.  The other side has a jet arrowhead. It is wrapped in sterling silver wire.

Size: 1" H x 1.25" L

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This chrysocolla bear carving pendant was made by Zuni carver, Darrin Boone.  On one side is an inlaid Sunface of red spiny oyster shell, turquoise, Mother of Pearl, and jet.  The other side has a shell arrowhead. It is wrapped in sterling silver wire.

Size: 1" H x 1.25" L

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This Picasso marble bear carving pendant was made by Zuni carver, Darrin Boone.  The eyes and mouth are inlaid turquoise.  On one side is an inlaid Sunface of red spiny oyster shell, turquoise, Mother of Pearl, and jet.  The other side has a shell arrowhead. It is wrapped in sterling silver wire.

Size: 1" H x 1.25" L

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This bear carving pendant was made by Zuni carver, Darrin Boone.  The eyes and mouth are inlaid turquoise.  On one side is an inlaid Sunface of red spiny oyster shell, turquoise, Mother of Pearl, and jet.  The other side has a Mother of Pearl arrowhead. It is wrapped in sterling silver wire.

Size: 1" H x 1.25" L

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This 1940s, sterling silver Navajo squash blossom necklace has a beautiful Bisbee turquoise set in the center of the naja.  There are repousse domes on each end of the naja. The twenty squash blossoms are strung on double strands of handmade sterling silver beads.    It is strung on sterling silver chain with a hook and eye clasp.  More about najas below.

Size: 29" Long - Naja 2.5" H x 2.625" W - Squash blossoms .75" L 

Najas are a prominent symbol in Navajo jewelry and are always the center piece in squash blossom necklaces.  I was told they are a feminine symbol, and their crescent shape represents the arms of a matriarch and the generations of the past and future.  It symbolizes ease of movement, paths of least resistance for the family, even during challenging times.  There is a sense of open arms in the shape of the naja that is soothing.  Some najas have hands on each end.

The shape of these earrings is evocative of so many things.  Bryant Othole set natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise in sterling silver and added a small silver dome on the top and bottom.  Signed.

Size: 1.675" H x .675" W

The 14kt gold beads beautifully set off the natural Kingman turquoise.  The center bead is 6mm with to 1mm beads on each side.  Above, on each side of the center beads are two 4mm beads with 1mm beads on each side.  The turquoise beads are cut into squares with rounded edges.  The spring ring clasp is also 14kt gold.

Size: 19" Long

Navajo jeweler, Genevieve Francisco, made these potent sterling silver Thunderbird earrings.  Turquoise is set in sterling silver overlay with the designs cut out of the top sheet of silver.  The bottom sheet of silver was oxidized to turn it black.  They dangle from sterling silver wires.  More about Thunderbirds below.

Size: 1.5" H (includes wires) x .75" W

Thunderbirds are intelligent forces of nature with the power of thunder and storms.  They are associated with lightening and rain.

We love the graceful curve of these turquoise earrings by Kewa Pueblo jeweler, Marcella Castillo.  They dangle from sterling silver wires.

Size: 2.5" H (includes wire) x .5" W

The Thunderbird is mosaic inlay with natural turquoise, red spiny oyster shell, melon shell, serpentine, jet, and clam shell on jet.  It is strung on string with melon shell and tabs of turquoise, spiny oyster shell, melon shell, clam shell and jet inlaid onto jet.  The length can  be adjusted long by several inches.  This is an older piece.  More about Thunderbirds below.  

Size: 28" Long 

Thunderbirds are  intelligent forces of nature with the power of thunder and storms.  They are associated with lightening and rain.

We saw so many different animals in the matrix of these turquoise earrings by Marcella Castillo from Kewa Pueblo!  The color of the turquoise is more like a rich teal, turquoise blue.  The matrix is brown, golden, and light gray.  The dangle from sterling silver wires.

Size: 2.25" H x 1.5" W

Heishi and turquoise are strung together on this double strand necklace.  A sterling silver bead is at the end each strand.  The strands end in sterling silver cones and a hook and eye clasp.  This is an older necklace.

Size: 22.5" Long

These Navajo handmade sterling silver earrings each have a repousse star at the top.  Domed turquoise set in silver bezels dangle from a jump ring which allows the stones to move around on the twisted silver hoops.  They dangle from sterling silver wires.

Size: 3" H (Includes wires) x 1.575" Diameter

This Navajo handmade, Sky Blue (natural) Turquoise pendant is set in a sterling silver shadowbox setting.  The oxidized area around the bezel dramatically frames the stone.  The stone has light gray inclusions that are reminiscent of wispy clouds in the summer sky.  18" Chain included.

Size: .75" H x 1.25" W

Simple Navajo elegance.  Can you see the butterfly in this sterling silver cuff bracelet?  The lines are sleek, smooth, and highly polished.  Stamped "Sterling" on the inside.  Rounded ends make it easy to get on and off.  

Size: 5" L x 1.25" Opening x 1.5" W

One side of this sterling silver, reversible Navajo pendant is a beautiful carnelian stone, and the other side is Wild Horse magnesite.  The carnelian is beautiful, no inclusions or fractures can be seen with the naked eye.  "Navajo", "A.Henry", and "Sterling" are stamped into the bale. 22" Chain included.  This is an older pendant in great shape that was part of a collection of estate jewelry.

Size: 1.5" H x .75" W x .675" D

What a delight to look at your watch and see it surrounded with beautiful Zuni inlay.  The stones include shimmering Mother of Pearl, natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise, natural red coral, and jet.  Even the thin black lines are cut and inlaid stone.  Comes with 4" long band.  The watch probably needs batteries.  It isn't signed, but we are pretty sure it was made by Leander Othole.  

Watch Tips: 1.5" L x 1.675" W

We love these hand-carved blue/green turquoise feather earrings.  A bright blue turquoise and orange spiny oyster bead are at the top.  They dangle from sterling silver wires.  

Size: 2.75" H x .5" W

This Navajo Stone Treasures necklace has so many goodies!  The stones include turquoise, spiny oyster shell, coral, rose quartz, black sunstone, amethyst, pearl, and more.  The clasp is sterling silver hook and eye.

Size: 18" Long - Largest bead is 1" diameter

Zuni jeweler, Leander Othole, inlaid gold lip Mother of Pearl, jet, natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise, and natural red coral into a butterfly shape in the center of this cuff bracelet.  Even the narrow black lines are cut and inlaid jet!  The golden sheen didn't show up well in the photos, but it does shimmer gold.  The sterling silver quadruple shanks end in a silver cap, making it easy to put on and take off.  Leander inscribed his name on the inside.  More about Zuni inlay below.

Size: 5.5" Long with 1.25" Opening

This type of Zuni inlay is made by sawing out two pieces of silver into the desired shape.  Thin pieces of sterling silver are soldered onto the base to create frames for the stones to be laid in.  The stones are then cut, shaped, and placed into the areas that have been framed like a puzzle to create the design.  The piece is then sanded and   polished.  This type of jewelry making is difficult and involved, which is why we do not see too many jewelers making it anymore.

Zuni jeweler, Phil Weahkee, inlaid natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise, jet, and natural red coral into sterling silver to make these half-hoop earrings.  The inlay is impeccable down to the extremely thin jet that is barely visible!  "Weahkee" inscribed inside.  More about inlay below.

Size: 1.5" L x .25" W

This type of Zuni inlay is made by sawing out two pieces of silver into the desired shape.  Thin pieces of sterling silver are soldered onto the base to create frames for the stones to be laid in.  The stones are then cut, shaped, and placed into the areas that have been framed like a puzzle to create the design.  The piece is then sanded and   polished.  This type of jewelry making is difficult and involved, which is why we do not see too many jewelers making it anymore.

Made by a member of the well known Navajo Tahe family, this copper bracelet is beautiful!  Nestled between two copper wires is twisted wire surrounding a hand-stamped center.  

Size: 5.25" L with 1" Opening

The Kingman turquoise in these earrings is bright sky blue.  Seven oxidized bench beads accent the bottom of the hoops.  They dangle from sterling silver wires.

Size: 2.5" (Includes wire) H x 1.5" W

These 5mm sterling silver beads have been oxidized to give them a vintage finish.  Wear alone or put your favorite pendant on them.  Lobster clasp.

Size: 18" Long with 2" Extender

Size: 20" Long

These oxidized, sterling silver bench bead earrings have four green turquoise beads adorning them between the beads.  Such nice spots of color.  Two of the beads at the bottom are fluted.  They dangle from sterling silver wires.

Large: 3" H (Includes wire) x 1.75" W - 2mm Beads - 2 Fluted beads at bottom

Small: 2.25" H (Includes wire) x 1.25" W - 3mm Beads - 1 Fluted bead at bottom

These delicate, 4mm sterling silver beads have been oxidized to give them a vintage finish.  with 3" extender.  Wear alone or put your favorite pendant on them.

Size: 18" Long with 3" Extender

Simple and elegant, these sterling silver bench beads have been oxidized to give them a vintage finish.  Five fluted beads grace the bottom.  So nice for everyday wear!  They dangle from sterling silver wires.

Size: 2.25" L (includes wires) x 1.25" W

These delicate, 3mm sterling silver beads have been oxidized to give them a vintage finish.  They are 18" long with an additional 1.75" extender.  Wear alone or put your favorite pendant on them.

Size: 18" Long

This vintage, sterling silver bracelet was included in a collection of vintage and antique Native American jewelry.  We aren't sure if it was Native American made or not, but we estimate it was made between 1950 and 1980.  The silverwork is beautiful with many creative details, including twisted wire and stamp work.  The petrified wood stone has depth, making it very interesting.  It was made for a smaller wrist.  Since we aren't sure who made it, we've priced it low.  It is a beauty!

Size: 5.125" L x .875" Opening

Kewa Pueblo jeweler, Ella Mae Garcia, made these bright blue turquoise earrings.  They are truly a gorgeous color!  They are strung on sterling silver wires.  Perfect to brighten up any outfit.

Size: 2.125" H x .75" W

These lovely, small, post earrings were made by Navajo jeweler, Rita Largo.  Sterling silver leaves dangle from red coral posts.

Size: .75" H x .5" W

Zuni jewelers, Anson and Leticia Wallace, inlaid a rainbow of  natural stones into this thin bracelet.  The stones include Mother of Pearl, natural red coral, natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise, jet, gold lip Mother of Pearl, lapis, and abalone.  "ALW" and "Sterling" are stamped on the inside.

Size: 5.75" with 1.25" opening

Turquoise beads are the primary stone in this Rainbow of Stones necklace.  Other stones include quartz, amethyst, garnet, lapis, carnelian, and jasper.  The last 3.25" on each side are pen shell heishi beads.  The beads end with a sterling silver hook and eye clasp.

Size: 17.5" L

Zuni jeweler, Cleo Kallestewa, made this elegant inlaid, sterling silver pendant.  The stones include gold lip mother of pearl, jet, natural turquoise, Mother of Pearl, and natural red coral.  "E.C.K." and "Sterling" are stamped on the back.  More about Zuni inlay below.

Size: 2" H x .5" W

This type of Zuni inlay is made by sawing out two pieces of silver into the desired shape.  Thin pieces of sterling silver are soldered onto the base to create frames for the stones to be laid in.  The stones are then cut, shaped, and placed into the areas that have been framed like a puzzle to create the design.  The piece is then sanded and   polished.  This type of jewelry making is difficult and involved, which is why we do not see too many jewelers making it anymore.

Marcello Castillo from Kewa Pueblo made these shield earrings from shimmering Mother of Pearl with inlaid turquoise at the top.  Three carved Mother of Pearl feathers dangle from the bottom with turquoise nugget beads on top.  They dangle from sterling silver wires. Protection in style!

Size: 2" H x .75" W

Many of the Pueblos in New Mexico took on Spanish names after colonization and are now taking back their original names.  Kewa Pueblo is the traditional name of the place and the people.  It was known as Santo Domingo Pueblo for many, many years. 

It's like getting two sterling silver pendants in one!  On one side is a beautiful Wild Horse magnesite stone set in a simple saw tooth bezel.  On the other side is midnight blue lapis set in a simple saw tooth bezel surrounded by gleaming sterling silver.  The bezel is hand-stamped at the top.  Stamped into the bale: "Navajo", "A.Henry", "Sterling". 

Size: 1.5" H x .875" W

Kewa Pueblo jeweler, Lupita Calabaza, used elements from the sea, and sky to create these earrings.  Shimmering Mother of Pearl from the sea and turquoise the color of the sky is inlaid onto shells the color of burnt orange.  There is a sterling silver turquoise strip below the inlaid stones.  They dangle from sterling silver wires.

Size: 2.25" H (includes wires) x 1" W

The people of Kewa Pueblo in New Mexico have been making these types of earrings for hundreds of years.  They would chip out the stone and shape it by rubbing it on sandstone for many hours and use tree pitch as an adhesive.  The shells were traded for by people living along the Sea of Cortez.