Gary Custer

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      Tufa Cast Dragonfly Ring - Size 7.5
      Gary Custer
      $120.00
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      Tufa Cast Naja with Variscite
      Gary Custer
      $295.00
      Tufa Cast Dragonfly Ring - Size 7.5
      Tufa Cast Dragonfly Ring - Size 7.5
      Tufa Cast Dragonfly Ring - Size 7.5
      Tufa Cast Dragonfly Ring - Size 7.5
      Tufa Cast Dragonfly Ring - Size 7.5
      Tufa Cast Dragonfly Ring - Size 7.5
      Gary Custer

      Tufa Cast Dragonfly Ring - Size 7.5

      na001131

      $120.00 Save $-120.00
      /
      Shipping calculated at checkout.

      Gary Custer, Navajo, created this delicate dragonfly ring.  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.

      Size: 7.5

      Tufa Cast Naja with Variscite
      Tufa Cast Naja with Variscite
      Tufa Cast Naja with Variscite
      Tufa Cast Naja with Variscite
      Gary Custer

      Tufa Cast Naja with Variscite

      na000811

      $295.00 Save $-295.00
      /
      Shipping calculated at checkout.

      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.