Pendants

Michael Horse, "I always wanted to cast an arrowhead because most of them that I saw were not very good.  I had forgotten until recently that I found a perfect arrowhead when I was a young boy in the Arizona desert.  It was made from antique blue bottle glass, and it was one of the most perfect arrowheads I had ever seen.  So, I decided to cast some  and here you go." 

We would have loved to have shown a photo of the original blue bottle arrowhead, but it crumbled from the heat of the mold during the casting process.

Size: 1.875" H x .875" W

These bear carving pendants were made by Zuni carver, Darrin Boone.  Eyes and mouth are inlaid turquoise and/or jet.  On one side, each one has a Sunface made of inlaid red spiny oyster shell, turquoise, Mother of Pearl, and jet.  The other side has an arrowhead:

Mother of Pearl -Pink Mussel Shell

Pink Mussel Shell - Mother of Pearl

They are wrapped in sterling silver wire.

Size: 1.125" 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.

Navajo jeweler, Chester Charley, made this sterling silver eagle feather.  He beautifully detailed the feather.  More about eagle feathers below. 

Size: 3" L x .75" W

The eagle flies the highest and sees the furthest of all birds.  In some tribes it is the guardian of the sky world.  Eagle feathers are held sacred because the eagle takes our prayers to the Creator.  Native American people receive eagle feathers to honor them for their accomplishments, act of courage or bravery.

David Tune is an award-winning Creek, Navajo, Hopi jeweler who was raised by his Navajo family.  He inlaid this pendant with fossilized walrus ivory, orange spiny oyster shell, natural red coral, and Sleeping Beauty turquoise.  The setting has detailed cut-outs all around the edge of the inlay, and the silver part above is stamped by hand.  It has a long, graceful bail that would fit a wide chain or 4-6mm beads.  It is stamped on the back with his sun hallmark and name.

Size: 2.6875" H x 0.3125" W

Navajo jeweler, Leon Martinez, set natural Morenci turquoise in this gorgeous sterling silver setting.  The setting includes hand-stamped rays on six small domes, four repousse drops of water, and hand-stamped details on the bottom.  Comes with 2mm sterling silver beads with a lobster claw clasp.  Both the beads and the pendant have been oxidized to give them a vintage look.  Stamped "Leon Mtz" and "STERLING" ON THE BACK.

Size: 2.5" H (with bale) x 1.125" W

Navajo jeweler, Sam Arviso, made this sterling silver pendant in the traditional style from decades ago.  Two deep blue Kingman turquoise nuggets are set on the top and bottom, with a detailed feather, vines, and a leaf.  The bale is large enough for a heavier chain and comes with an 18" sterling silver chain.  You don't see these types of pendants much anymore.  Stamped "SA" on the back.

Size: 2" L x .675" W (includes bale)

Navajo jeweler, Samuel Yellowhair, made this sterling silver pendant with natural Royston turquoise.  The color of the stone is actually a beautiful deep teal color that the camera refused to pick up.  Around the simple bezel is twisted wire, and around the wire are lovely details.  The bale is large enough for 4mm beads or a heavier chain.

Size: 2" H x .875" W - includes bale

This Navajo handmade pendant has a beautiful spiny oyster shell set in sterling silver.  The color of the shell shifts from purple to shades of yellow.  There are eight silver balls soldred onto the bottom of the bezel.  The bale is large enough for 4mm beads or a heavier chain. Chain not included.

Size: 1.875" H x .675" W

Purple, red, and orange spiny oyster shell are framed between needle thin jet by a Navajo inlay jeweler.  The setting is sterling silver and the bale is wide enough for 4mm beads. 

Size: 1.675" H x .675" W

Inlay jewelry is made by cutting the stones into the desired shape and fitting them all together like a tight puzzle.  It is an intricate process that demands focus on the part of the stone cutter.

Rosina Singer is the widow of well-known jeweler, Tommy Singer, who passed away in 2014.  She continues to honor her husband and make jewelry in his style and methods.  She signs each piece "T&R Singer" on the back.  This bear pendant has the symbols of water going down its back.  The bale is large enough for small beads or a heavier chain.  Turquoise necklace sold separately.  More about bears below.

Size: 1.25" H x 1.15 H - includes bale

Bears 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.

This Navajo handmade cobblestone inlay, sterling silver pendant is shaped like and arrow.  The stones are natural high grade Sleeping Beauty turquoise, onyx, and natural red coral.  The bale is large enough to fit a heavier chain.  Cobblestone refers to how the stones are slightly raised, like a cobblestone street.

Size: 1.875" H x .375" W

Navajo jeweler, Samuel Yellowhair, made this sterling silver pendant.  The turquoise has light beige matrix that resembles clouds, or perhaps islands seen from the air.  The setting has twisted wire around the bezel and delicate cut-outs.  The bale is wide enough for 4mm beads or a thicker chain.  "SY" and "Sterling" are stamped on the back.

Size: 1.75" H x .75" W

This Navajo handmade sterling silver pendant features natural Kingman turquoise.  The color is bright blue with tiny bits of the palest green.  It reminds us of the Caribbean ocean.  The setting is simple, with a repousse star on the bottom surrounded by two silver balls on each side.  The bale is large enough for 8mm beads or any size chain.  Stamped "EA" and "Sterling" on the back.  It's a beauty!

Size: 2" H (includes bale) x 1" W

This elegantly striking Navajo channel inlay pendant is set with black onyx and shimmering blue opal.  Even the thin lines of black are cut and inlaid onyx!  Signed FT on the back with a tipi between the letters.  The bail is large enough for a thicker chain or 4mm beads.  More about channel inlay below.

Size: 1.675" L x .375" W

Channel inlay jewelry is a process used extensively by Native American jewelers, particularly those in Zuni Pueblo.  Many other talented jewelers from other tribes in the Southwest also make channel inlay jewelry.  The metal channel, usually silver, is soldered onto the back to create the design.  Afterward, the stones are cut to fit into each section.  It is an exacting process which shows in the beauty of the work of the finished piece(s).

This sterling silver bear is dressed for spring!  Natural blue and green turquoise, and red, orange, and purple spiny oyster shell are channel inlaid between thinly cut jet and sterling silver.  Designs on the back include two bear paws and a lightening shaped heartline.  More about bears and channel inlay below.  18" sterling silver chain is included.  Navajo handmade.

Size: 1" in diameter, includes bale

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.

Channel inlay jewelry is a process used extensively by Native American jewelers, particularly those in Zuni Pueblo.  Many other talented jewelers from other tribes in the Southwest also make channel inlay jewelry.  The metal channel, usually silver, is soldered onto the back to create the design.  Afterward, the stones are cut to fit into each section.  It is an exacting process which shows in the beauty of the work of the finished piece(s).

This Navajo handmade 14kt gold pendant has natural turquoise, deep purple sugilite, blue opal, salmon coral, and jet in a channel inlay setting.  The 10kt, 18" chain is complementary. 

Channel inlay jewelry is a process used extensively by Native American jewelers.  Many other talented jewelers from other tribes in the Southwest also make channel inlay jewelry.  The metal channel, usually silver, is soldered onto the back to create the design.  Afterward, the stones are cut to fit into each section.  It is an exacting process which shows in the beauty of the work of the finished piece(s).

Zuni jeweler, Pascal Natewa, made this lovely sterling silver dragonfly pendant.  Natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise, lapis, and Mother of Pearl are inlaid in the wings and body. More about dragonflies below.

Size: 1.5" H x 1.25" W

Dragonflies have different, yet similar meanings throughout Native America.  In Zuni, they are messengers between this world and the next and are related to the coming rains and corn.  In other tribes they are strong protectors as dragonflies are one of the very few creatures that can fight while flying backwards.  They are known to watch our backs and offer protection.  Their symbol is a vertical line with two horizontal bars, and can be seen on war shirts, shields and painted on horses going into battle.

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  She is wearing a tablita which is worn during ceremony.  She has inlaid coral on her face and neck, and jet eyes.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She has a sterling silver lop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 2.5" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

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.

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  She hs the two traditional buns on each side of her head.  There is inlaid turquoise and coral on her face and neck.  One maiden has all red coral inlaid on her face and neck.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She has a sterling silver lop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 2.5" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

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.

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  There is inlaid turquoise, coral, and turquoise on her face and neck.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She is wearing a tablita, a head piece worn in ceremony.  She has a sterling silver loop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 2.25" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

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.

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  There is inlaid turquoise, coral, and turquoise on her face and neck.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She has a sterling silver lop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens belowl

Size: 2.5" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

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.

Two perfect natural red coral cabochons in 14kt gold bezels nestle in a shadowbox setting.  Around the coral are four 14kt detailed leafs and a smooth section below.  The gold sits on a sterling silver center back and hook.  Navajo made, MB is stamped on the back.  We believe this piece was made in the 1960s.

Size: 2" H x 1.5" W x .375" D - Coral 1" H x .5" W  &  .675" H x .375" W

Knifewing in a is a protector being that Zuni people have maintained a relationship with eons.  This Knifewing pendant is inlaid with natural turquoise, red coral, jet, Mother of Pearl, and opal on sterling silver.  This piece was part of a collection of older Native American jewelry that we purchased.  It is stamped "Sterling" on the back which means that it was probably made after the mid-1970s.

Size: 2" H x 1.75" W

This Zuni Feather Spirit pendant is also a pin!  The channel inlay is lapis, spiny oyster shell, natural domestic turquoise, and coral - more about channel inlay below.  The stones are set in a sterling silver overlay shaped feather with spirals and symbols sawed out of the top sheet of silver.  The set turquoise on top of the head has five silver feathers above.  The hallmark on the back is CA. So special!

Size: 2.25" H x .5" W

Channel inlay jewelry is a process used extensively by Native American jewelers, particularly those in Zuni Pueblo.  Many other talented jewelers from other tribes in the Southwest also make channel inlay jewelry.  The metal channel, usually silver, is soldered onto the back to create the design.  Afterward, the stones are cut to fit into each section.  It is an exacting process which shows in the beauty of the work of the finished piece(s).

This lovely hummingbird pin/pendant has a pin back and a loop to be worn either way.  The hummingbird is inlaid with jet, turquoise, red coral, gold lip Mother of Pearl, pink mussel shell, and Mother of Pearl.  The flower is inlaid with red coral, gold lip Mother of Pearl, turquoise and jet.  It is set in sterling sliver.   More about hummingbirds below

Size: 1" H x 1.675" L

Hummingbirds are fierce defenders of their families.  Many Indigenous people consider them to be messengers between this world and the spirit world.  And, in some tribes they are considered to be “love medicine”.

This natural Morenci turquoise pendant is absolutely gorgeous!  The color is a deep teal turquoise with small areas of grey and green.  It was made by Navajo jeweler, LaRosa Ganadonegro and the setting is impeccable.  The bale is large enough for 30mm beads or several strands of smaller beads.  

Size: 3.5" Long with bale, pendant is 2.625" L x 1.75" W

This sterling silver overlay Butterfly Maiden was made by Hopi jeweler, Frank Lahaleon.  She is so beautiful!  She has a feather tied into her hair, face paint, and is holding a bow with two ears of corn.  Her dress has traditional designs and she is wearing mocassins with leg wraps.  Her butterfly wings have traditional designs which include water, lightening, mountains, snow, and whirlwinds.  It has a 1.25" pin on the back, as well as a loop for a chain.  More about the overlay technique below.

Size: 3" H x 1.5" W

Hopi Overlay  Overlay jewelry is made by sawing out two sheets of sterling silver or gold the same size.  Hopi jewelers texture the bottom sheet with hatch marks.  It is then oxidized to turn it black.  The design is drawn on to the top sheet of silver which is then carefully sawed out with a fine jeweler's saw. The edges are filed smooth.  The top piece is soldered on to the bottom piece.  Sometimes, there are many small pieces that are also soldered on to the bottom sheet of silver.  It is then polished to a high sheen.  Overlay is very labor intensive!

This sterling silver bold arrowhead has a turquoise nugget set in the center.  The silver has been textured they that flint or obsidian arrowheads are textured in the making.  The bale is large enough for a cord or chain.

Size: 1.75" H x 1" W

This stone is so beautiful!  The natural sugilite has specks of blue richterite.  The rich royal purple color looks different in sunlight as seen in the first photo.  The second photo was taken inside.  The brushed and oxidized sterling silver setting was made by Navajo jeweler, Thomas Francisco.  The stamp work and repousse is impeccable.  The bale is large enough for 6mm beads.  Navajo pearl beads not available and price is for pendant only.

We've been holding on to a bit of sugilite jewelry for years and now it's time to share it with you!  Sugilite is a gorgeous royal purple gemstone.  It is rare, especially in this beautiful purple color.  

Size: 3" H x 1.125" W

Navajo jeweler, Sharon Francisco, set a beautiful stone of natural Pilot Mountain turquoise in this sterling silver dragonfly.  The stamp work is impeccable,  It is stamped "sterling" and "SF" on the back.  More about dragonflies below.

Size: 1.25" L x 1.25" W

Dragonflies have different, yet similar meanings throughout Native America.  In Zuni, they are messengers between this world and the next and are related to the coming rains and corn.  In other tribes they are strong protectors, as dragonflies are one of the very few creatures that can fight while flying backwards.  They are known to watch our backs and offer protection.  Their symbol is a vertical line with two horizontal bars, and can be seen on war shirts, shields and painted on horses going into battle.

We love the tufa cast jewelry by Gary Custer, and this one is especially nice.  The naja has a crown in which a beautiful forest green natural variscite stone is nestled.  The bale hook on the back can slip over beads or it can hang on a chain.  In addition to being tufa cast, it has also been lightly oxidized to give it a depth.  This naja is fit for a queen!  The beads are sold separately.  More about najas and tufa cast jewelry below.

Size: 3" x 2.375"

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.

Tufa Cast Jewelry: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound together tightly and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again. 

Harrison Bitsue made this traditional Navajo naja using the tufa cast technique.  He hand-stamped the designs near the top that appear to be the rays of the sun with tassles on each each end.  A bright blue turquoise stone is set in the center.  The naja has been oxidized to give it a vintage appearance.  The hook on the back can slip over just about any size necklace.  It does not come with the necklace shown.  More about najas and the tufa cast technique.

Size: 2.5" H x 2.375" W

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.

Tufa Jewelry: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound together tightly and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again. 

This beautifully balanced sterling silver turtle pendant has a hook on the back.  As you can see, it can hook on to many different sizes of beads.  It is signed "NF" on the back.  While this is a the type of overlay jewelry technique that Hopi jewelers are famous for, we do not know if it is Hopi made.  The turquoise beads are sold separately.  More about the Hopi overlay technique and turtles below.

Size: 1.75"  x 1.25" W

Traditional Hopi overlay jewelry begins as two sheets of sterling silver.  The shape of the piece is hand sawn out.  The bottom sheet is etched by hand hand and then oxidized to make it black.  The designs on the top sheet are sawn out by hand and soldered onto the bottom.  This piece was then shaped into a slight dome.

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home.  They are associated with safety.  When attacked they retreat into their shells, although some turtles have strong enough mouths to snap a finger.  For most Native American nations in North America, turtles represent Mother Earth.  Every turtle shell has 13 sections on top which some Native Americans say represent the 13 moons of each year.

This deep sky blue turquoise (the color is deeper than in the photo) pendant was made by Navajo jeweler, L. Ramone.  It has beautiful silverwork at the top including a leaf on each side with scrolling silver wire and silver dots.  The scrolling silver wires continue at the bottom of the setting.  The bale is large enough for a medium/large chain.

Size: 1.75" H x 1" W11

This sterling silver pendant was made by Navajo jeweler, L. Ramone.  The setting has graceful silver wire spirals around the top of the bezel, and twisted silver wire around the entire bezel.  The matrix in the turquoise an interesting dark greenish brown around the islands of turquoise.  Does not come with the turquoise beads.

Size: 2" H x 1.5" W

Navajo jeweler, Ben Begay, made this sterling silver eagle feather.  He beautifully detailed the feather.  There are two repousse domed stars under the wrapped quill.  The quill is wrapped with sterling silver wire and the end dangles onto the feather.  More about eagle feathers below. 

Size: 3.5" L x 2.5" W

The eagle flies the highest and sees the furthest of all birds.  In some tribes it is the guardian of the sky world.  Eagle feathers are held sacred because the eagle takes our prayers to the Creator.  Native American people receive eagle feathers to honor them for their accomplishments, act of courage or bravery.

This tufa cast naja was made by Navajo silversmith Kevin Yazzie.  It has graceful, yet strong lines.  The three arrow points at the top are polished to a high sheen and make a very cool contrast to the organic texture of the organic texture from the tufa.  The hook on the back cannot be seen from the front, and can be hooked onto your favorite necklace or chain.  The beads do not come with it.  This is one of the most beautiful tufa cast najas we've ever seen!   Najas are worn by women and men.  More about najas and tufa cast jewelry below.

Size: 3" H x 2" W

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.

Tufa Jewelry: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound tightly together and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again. 

This sterling silver eagle feather pendant was made by Navajo silversmith, Jane Delfinita.  The details on the feather perfect, and we especially like the cords on each side of the bright blue Sleeping Beauty cabochon.  The top part of the feather is slightly domed which gives it even more character. The bale is large enough for a medium to large size chain.  More about eagle feathers below.

Size: 2.875" H x .875" W

The eagle flies the highest and sees the furthest of all birds.  In some tribes it is the guardian of the sky world.  Eagle feathers are held sacred because the eagle takes our prayers to the Creator.  Native American people receive eagle feathers to honor them for their accomplishments, act of courage or bravery.