Stragglers

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 shadowbox bolo tie has two sky blue natural Kingman turquoise stones set in the palm of the paw.  The back of the sterling silver shadow box has been oxidized which turns it black and dramatically sets off the stones.  The tips are sterling silver and the braided black leather is 42" long.  Imagine wearing it to all the events this year!  TN" and "Sterling" stamped on the back.  More about bears below.

Size: 2" H x 1.5" W - Braided leather 42"

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.

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

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

This gorgeous cigar band ring was made Navajo jeweler, Richard Jim.  It has so many wonderful details, including how the front of the band has four points on the top and bottom.  The large radiating star in the center and the two smaller stars on each side are made by the repousse technique.  The twisted wire on the top and bottom of the stars are coiled into spirals on each end, and the stamp work on each side and around the back is beautiful.  "Richard Jim" and "Sterling" stamped inside. We love Richard Jim's rings!

Size: 7.25

This striking sterling silver Navajo inlay ring has orange spiny oyster, natural spider web turquoise, jet, clam shell, and sugilite.  What a wonderful combination of colors!  The jewelry technique is channel inlay - more about that below.

Size: 4.5 - Setting .875 " L 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 sterling silver Hopi overlay ring is a figure of Knifewing, an intelligent force of nature that is a guardian and protector.  There is so much detail in this ring - more about the overlay jewelry technique below.  Hallmark on the back is "E" with an elongated bottom line.

Size 9 - Knifewing 1.5" H x 1" W

Hopi Overlay jewelry is made by sawing out two sheets of sterling silver 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.

This vintage squash blossom necklace was made by Navajo jeweler, Harry Morgan.  He only uses the best stones available, and it is easy to see in this necklace.  The naja has hands on each side.  The stones include natural turquoise, and purple, red, and orange spiny oyster shell.  The naja and stones are strung on double strands of handmade silver beads which transition to a single strand after the stones.  Ends with a hook and eye clasp. What a beauty!  More about najas below.

Size: 26" Long - Naja 2" H x 2.25" 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 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. 

Navajo jeweler, Elton Cadman, made this sweet sterling silver baby bracelet.  It has a bright blue turquoise stone set in the simple setting.  A nice, memorable gift for baby!

Size: 3.25" with 1.25" opening

Navajo jeweler, Judy Lincoln, made this delicate sterling silver bracelet that, depending on the size of the little one's wrist, will fit a baby or toddler.  There are two spirals, one on each side of the turquoise.  The silver is flexible, and can be manipulated to fit the wrist.  However, it will break after repeated times being bent, so the best bet is to fit it on the write so that is can go and off easily and not bend it again until it becomes to small.

Size: 3.5" with 1.125" opening

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.

Navajo jeweler, Louise Joe, strung this turquoise nugget necklace.  The clasp is a sterling silver hook and eye clasp.  Wearing this necklace is like wearing a bit of spring blue sky!

Size: 18" Long

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

This Navajo sterling silver, vintage necklace has a tufa cast naja of double Rainbow Men. There are three natural red coral cabochons set in the naja.  There are twelve crosses, each one with beautiful stamp work and a natural red coral cabochon.  The beads are all handmade and end with a hook and eye clasp.  We think this was made between the 1950s and 1970s.  It has been lightly polished to maintain the patina that comes with age.  More about the process of tufa cast jewelry and najas below.

Size: 26" Long - Naja 2.25" H x 2" W - Crosses 2" H (includes bale) x 1.5" W

Tufa Cast Process: 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. 

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.

This sterling silver tufa cast ring by Michael Horse is set with natural Pixie turquoise.  The turquoise is a lovely shade of green and is set in 14kt gold.  "Michael Horse" is engraved on the inside.  As with all of Michael's jewelry, this is made" to last generations.

Size: 11 - Bear Paw is 1.375" H x 1 W - Band is .375" W

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 tufa cast band made by Michael Horse is set with natural Red Mountain turquoise in a 14kt gold bezel.  "Michael Horse" is engraved on the inside.  As with all of Michael's jewelry, this is made to last generations.

Size: 11, 1" wide in the front, .25' wide in the back

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. 

Wear Sunfaces around your neck on any cloudy day...or anytime!  This vintage sterling silver Zuni necklace was made by Ashberry Gasper.  The feathers around the faces are inlaid pink mussel shell, the faces are inlaid with Sleeping Beauty turquoise, natural red coral (more red than the photos show), Mother of Pearl, and jet.  There are twelve smaller Sunfaces..  The beads are all handmade and end in a hook and eye clasp.  We estimate this necklace was made in 1960s to 1970s. What a beauty!

This necklace came from a vintage collection of Native American jewelry we purchased. It has been lightly polished.

Size: 28.25" L (could easily be shorted by take some beads off the end) - Naja 2" H x 2" W - Sunfaces 1" Diameter

Sunface is a representation of the Sun Katsina, an intelligent force of nature.

The naja is a prominent symbol in Navajo and Zuni jewelry and is 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.

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!

These sterling silver Navajo handmade watch tips are beautifully made with two denim lapis stones set on each side.  This watch is included, but we aren't sure if it works.  It may just need a new battery.  And, the buyer would also want to get a band which is easy to purchase from a watch shop.  It is hallmarked on the back with an A.

Watch Tips Size: 1.5" L x 1.125" W

This sterling silver Chief head ring has inlaid turquoise and red coral chips in the headdress. The hand is textured on each side and narrows toward the back.  This sterling silver ring is casted, which means that there are many like this, and it is not Native American made.  

Size: 10 - .675" Wide

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. 

David Tune is an award-winning Creek, Navajo, Hopi jeweler.  He inlaid this ring with  natural red coral, fossilized walrus ivory, sugilite, and Sleeping Beauty turquoise.  The setting has detailed cut-outs all around the edge, and the band is tufa cast (see below). 

Size: 7.5, can be adjusted half a size up or down.  Setting is 1' H x 0.4375 W

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 stunning pendant has red, purple and pink spiny oyster shell with splashes of Sleeping Beauty turquoise set in brushed sterling silver.  The bale is large enough for two or three strands of 4mm beads, a thick chain, or 8-10mm beads.  This pendant is a reminder to the wearer of the vitality of water...water is life!  Price drop from $490 to $420!

Size: 3.75" H x 1.25" W

Cherokee jeweler, Michael Anthony Cheatham made this slightly domed sterling silver pendant. The design represents whirling water.   A wonderful gift for yourself or a friend as a reminder that water is life.

Size: 1.875" including bale, pendant is 1.25" diameter

Michael Anthony Cheatham is an enrolled member of the Echota Cherokee of Alabama.  He is an award-winning, self-taught jeweler who has a Gemologist Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America.  We are happy to be the only online representative of his work and hope you enjoy the treasures he creates.

Cherokee jeweler, Michael Anthony Cheatham made these triple domed sterling silver earrings that dangle from sterling wires.  The design represents snowfall.  A wonderful reminder of the beauty of winter.

Size: 3.75" including wire, domes are .75", .875" and 1.125" diameter

Michael Anthony Cheatham is an enrolled member of the Echota Cherokee of Alabama.  He is an award-winning, self-taught jeweler who has a Gemologist Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America.  We are happy to be the only online representative of his work and hope you enjoy the treasures he creates.

This fabulous pendant with a large natural Carico Lake turquoise was made by award-winning Yaqui jeweler Michael Horse.  The sterling silver setting is beautiful with twisted wire around the bezel and delicate cut-outs around the outside.  The handmade sterling silver heavy duty chain comes with it and is 26" long.

Pendant Size: 4.25" L x 2" W

More about Michael Horse here.