Time Dances By - Native American Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
NA140	A TREASURE TO BEHOLD ( Native American Indian Jewelry Treasure Necklace ): This Treasure Necklace is a real beauty to behold! All of the elements have been gathered from cultures throughout the world. Each necklace is one of a kind and incorporates the labor and expertise of a wide variety of artists. This four-strand “Treasure Necklace” consists of a mixture of various stones, Venetian glass beads, ancient pottery shards and hand carved fetishes. Coral, lapis, opal, aquamarine and tourmaline form the background of this treasure necklace. Other natural materials include travertine, ivory, turquoise, opal, carnelian, green onyx, rose quartz, hematite and sodalite. The silver beads are Navajo and the fetish carvings are Zuni in origin. I particularly like the chunks of clear rock crystal and the fetish animals – the large white fox, birds, bears and the most charming – coral and spiny oyster shell frogs. You can spend hours looking at each element. The artistry is apparent in the choice and placement of the “treasures”. All four strands are encased in silver cones and the hook fits into the extender chain, giving you the choice of how long you want the beads to hang. You can easily slip it over your head. A lavish and show-stopping necklace for you ladies who favor the bold and dramatic look. Wear it on denim or velvet – this is a look you will treasure! Condition: Excellent. Size: From cone to cone 33” long, extender chain 4” long, hangs about 1 1/4" wide.	$200.00
NA141	ZUNI WAR GOD ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Zuni Earrings & Pin / Pendant ): This vintage set of Zuni Knife-Wing earrings and pin/pendant are part of an estate purchase that favored older jewelry pieces. This curious god, the Knife-Wing figure, is the hero of hundreds of folklore tales and the titular deity of the Zuni. He is represented as possessing a human form, furnished with knife feathered wings and tail. His dress includes the conventional terraced cap, representative of his dwelling place among the clouds. He was doubtless the original “War God” of the Zunis. I believe that these three pieces were made c. 19970-1980. The pin/pendant is hallmarked “G. B. NATACHU” and was made by Gillerimo Natachu who shared this hallmark with his wife Bernice Natachu. The Sterling Silver Knife-Wing pieces are inlaid with coral, turquoise, jet and mother-of-pearl. There is a bale for a find chain and a safety clasp pin closure on the back of the pendant. The earrings are a scarce pair of clip backs. Many ladies have asked for more clip backs since most Native American earrings are usually made for pierced ears. I am selling these pieces as a set – it takes forever to match pieces and achieve a set as beautifully compatible as this one. Zuni inlay work is highly prized for its complex and delicate craftsmanship. Go native with confidence that you are wearing “the real thing”. Condition: Excellent. Size: Pendant/Pin: 1 5/8” high, 2” wide, 3/8” deep (chain is not included). Earrings: 7/8” high, 1” wide, 1/8” deep.	$100.00 For The Set
NA142	STRIPES IN STONE ( Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Bracelet ): A captivating piece from my personal collection, this cuff bracelet (c. 1995) caught my eye because of the unusual mix of colors. Fashion designers always love black, white and red and so do I. Navajo by design, this Sterling Silver Bracelet is made of tapering, rounded inlay pieces of Jet, Red Jasper and possibly White Buffalo. (White Buffalo is not really Turquoise, but aluminite or howlite. The white inlay pieces have lovely sparkling bands of silver running through them. The impression this bracelet gives is something like corn row kernels, but much more sophisticated. Set into a silver mount, both the center top and the bottom of the band are edged with an extra band of silver with two tiny orbs at each end. The inside of the band is stamped “STERLING” and hallmarked “DD”. I believe the Navajo artists who made this elegant bracelet are Donny and Dorothy Clark. This bracelet fits a small wrist. A masterful cornucopia of exquisite color executed with Navajo skill and artistry. Not a piece that you will see again! Condition: Excellent. Size: 7/8” wide at center, tapering to 3/8” at ends, 1/4" deep. 6 1/4" inner opening including the gap. Fits a small wrist.	$200.00
NA139	WINGS OF FIRE ( Mary Carter Hancock Jewelry Raven Pendant ): This dramatic Black Raven Pendant is from the “The Wings of Fire” collection by Mary Carter Hancock. Native American mythology gives great spiritual importance to these large black birds. The raven (like the coyote) obtained mythic status because he was a mediator animal between life and death. In these stories he is responsible for the creation of the world and bringing important foodstuffs such as salmon into the world. Other legends portray him as a trickster god, childish, selfish, sly and cunning. In this pendant the soaring raven itself is made of molded black horn – all horn items are made by this process. The large beaten Sterling Silver shape may represent the moon. The faceted stone is a padparadscha, a rare pink-orange variety of corundum. These gems are mined in Sri Lanka and the name comes from the Sinhalese word for lotus flower. There is a generous pendant hook on the back. (Chain is not included.) Wear this magical and mystical pendant and you will get lots of attention! Condition: Excellent. “Wings of Fire” card is included. Chain is not included. Size: 2” high, 2 1/8” wide, 1/4" deep.	$55.00
NA067	SHELL SHADOW BOX ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Ring ): Beautifully skilled stamp work decorates this Sterling Silver ring. Three stones are deeply bezel set into the “shadow box” cutout. The unusual colors were what drew me to purchase this ring. They are cabochon ovals of orange spiny oyster, purple spiny oyster and green turquoise. A very contemporary color mix that you will not see again. It was purchased in Tucson in 1987. The split shank ring band is a size 5 3/4. It makes a wonderful pinky ring if you have larger fingers. The back is hallmarked with the initials “J.R.D.” & “STERLING”. A ring that successfully combines traditional and contemporary styles. Condition: Excellent. Size: 1 7/8” long, 3/4” wide & 1/4” deep. Ring size is 5 3/4.	$25.00
NA138	MYSTICAL MOSAIC ( Native American Indian Jewelry Zuni Bear Pendant ): Highly detailed, filled with symbolism and rich with colored stone inlay, this Zuni Bear Pendant is a feast for your eyes. I purchased this sumptuous piece when I was in Sedona, knowing that I have a lot of buyers who love bears. Set in Sterling Silver, this lovely example of mosaic inlay combines turquoise, orange spiny oyster shell, lapis and two colors of mother-of-pearl (both white and yellow) – all set into a jet bear. The work is fine and precise, accented with silver dots and a silver ring for the bear’s eye. The back of this piece is hallmarked “MY” and “Sterling”. The mosaic design is of Yei figures. Please notice the large vibrant colored bail – a work of art it its own right. This bail can be used with a thick chain, a wide silver neck collar or you can slide it onto black or silver beads. The Sterling Silver chain that the bear is photographed on (marked “925”) is available for an additional price. This eye-dazzling bear pendant, encrusted with silver and stone inlay, will quickly become one of your favorite pendants. Just think of what a great gift this would make – then keep it for yourself! It’s simply too exciting to share. Condition: Excellent. Size: With bale 2 1/4" high, 2 1/4" wide, 1/8” deep. Bale has 3/8” opening. Sterling chain is 22” long with a lobster claw closure.	$325.00 Pendant $25.00 Chain
NA137	VITAL SYMBOLS OF LIFE ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Claw Ring ): The rage for claw and tooth jewelry has once again become popular with costume jewelry designers. Representation of animal and spirit guides has always been a trademark of Native American cultures. Exotic and powerful, this large Vintage Navajo ring features a black claw, an oval of black matrix turquoise and a nice piece of Mediterranean coral. (c. 1980) All of the pieces are bezel set in Sterling Silver. A decorative band of twisted wire work, along with silver loops and balls, finish off this striking ring. The silver band anchoring the claw has star shaped stampwork on it. I believe that the claw itself may be horn. There is a split shank ring band and the ring is currently a size 5 1/2. (Can be made larger by a jeweler.) Not for the timid, this bold Vintage Navajo ring represents animal, sky and water symbols – all vital to the life of the tribes. Always a superb fashion statement, this is a killer combination. Designers favor gray – picture this with other Indian pieces as you flaunt your individual style. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2” high, 1 1/2" wide, 1/8” deep. Ring size 5 1/2.	$90.00
NA135	DESERT ABLOOM ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Santo Domingo Necklace ): I love the way that the colors of the desert – brown, beige, black and orange – mix with the turquoise sky in this colorful and appealing Vintage Santo Domingo necklace. (c. 1970’s) There are 10 strands of brown olive shell heishi, coral and jet beads (not seed beads) accented with small turquoise nuggets that combine to hang gracefully from Sterling Silver cones. You may wear this pretty piece hanging in 10 strands or twist them together to produce a swirled effect. They work wonderfully with other beads – nuggets for instance – or if the bale is large enough, you can hang a pendant at the bottom. I have also used a pin over the beads to add an accent at the right or left side. Often I wore them doubled around my neck like a collar with other necklaces hanging below. (Photos show both full length and doubled.) There is a hook and eye catch at the back. You can’t find a more versatile necklace abloom with the colors of the Southwest than this one. This Santo Domingo Pueblo necklace is a delight to wear anytime, anyplace. You will find yourself reaching into your jewelry box time after time for this captivating necklace. Condition: Excellent. Size: 10 strands 30” long. When wearing 1/2” to 3/4" wide.	$200.00
NA134	CHALMERS DAY HOPI MASTERWORK ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Chalmers Day Hopi Belt Buckle ): I am addicted to the work of multi-award winning Hopi artist Chalmers Day. It is like pulling teeth to part with a piece, but here goes! This exquisite Sterling Silver Hopi Belt Buckle by Chalmers Day is very sophisticated with detailed overlay work. The quality of his artistry is exceptional, as seen in this buckle which combines rain, water, planting and pueblo scenes in one piece. (c. 1985) The most complex Hopi designer, his work is often identified by the tiny round circles seen at all four corners of this piece. Chalmers Day’s jewelry takes one on a journey into the spiritual world of the Hopi. He is recognized as one of the greatest overlay jewelers in history. (See “American Indian Jewelry I – 1200 Artist Biographies”, page 133.) The design of this buckle is very unusual, slightly arched on the top and bottom with “stair step” cut work at each side. There is a belt slide and hook on the back as well as the Chalmers Day hallmark of a cloud. This spectacular belt buckle takes the normal 1 1/2" Western leather belt. I remember standing in line at 7 AM at the Santa Fe Indian Market to be able to purchase one of the 7 or 8 pieces that Day had made – this is one of them! I have noticed that his early work is much more complex than his newer work – if you can find it at all. This is the finest Hopi work available. It is an outstanding addition to any collection – appropriate for wear by man or woman. Don’t let it get away! Condition: Excellent. A few light scratches that can be buffed out by a jeweler if you like. Size: 3 1/4" wide, 2” high, 1/8” deep. Takes the normal 1 1/2" Western leather belt.	$600.00
NA132	DYNAMITE GREEN CARICO LAKE ( Native American Indian Jewelry Zuni Ring ): Carico Lake Turquoise from Nevada is in very high demand and its price has continued to rise over the last 5 years. This wonderful asymmetrical ring shows the influence of contemporary design. The green stone is bezel set high above the sleek setting. (The photos can’t capture the spring green color well. It is green all over.) Each side of the ring has a different cut away design that shows the work of a skilled and original silversmith. (c. 1990) One side of the ring band overlaps the other side under the Carico Lake stone so that you may resize the ring by gently pushing it closed or pulling it open. The current ring size is a 6 1/2. (I think that you can size it about 1 size up or down.) The inside of the ring band is hallmarked by the artist “Lee Nieto”, “Sterling” and 2 small marks that I believe to be animal hooves. Outstanding in its entirety, this is a ring that any sophisticated jewelry buyer will covet. It makes a brilliant design statement that conveys the essence of chic! Condition: Excellent. Size: The green turquoise stone is 7/8” at it highest point and 1/2" at its widest point, 1/4" deep. The adjustable ring band is 1” under the flat side of the stone, 3/4" on the other side & 3/8” at the back. Very comfortable. The current ring size is 6 1/2.	$225.00
NA104	SPECTACULAR SCRIMSHAW ( Native American Indian Jewelry Scrimshaw Pendant ): Extravagant in size and remarkable in quality – are phrases that only begin to describe this rare and spectacular scrimshaw pendant. (An estate purchase. Crafted c. 1960.) It appears to be the work of 2 different artists. The Sterling Silver mount is signed by Navajo silversmith “R. Bennett” and the colorful scrimshaw design work has the initials “JMT” engraved near the bottom. The subject of the scene is definitely Hopi, so it is probably a Hopi/Navajo collaboration. Scrimshaw work is engraved on a surface and then usually highlighted with black, but in this case colorful, pigment. The precision and delicacy of the work produce a striking visual effect – clearly the work of a master craftsman. (You can see the fine etched marks in the close-up photos and that of the initials.) The colorful scene is rich in symbolism. The Tewa sun face at the top surveys the Hopi dancer, as a trio of mudheads appears at the left. I am uncertain about the material that is used as the base of this miniature work of art. It is not ivory. It could be bone or possibly “Vegetable Ivory” – a nut palm which polishes to an incredible likeness of ivory and whose hardness and durability rival that of ivory. There is a pendant hook on the back side. This is a rare, one-of-a-kind, piece of Native American jewelry. It will linger in your memory. Condition: Excellent. Size: 3 1/8” long, 2” wide, 3/8” deep.	$500.00
NA126	GEOMETRIC INLAY ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Coral Ring ): I have had several requests for more coral Native American pieces. Please understand that Mediterranean red coral is one of the most expensive stones that Navajo jewelers work with. (The photo with the white background shows the coral's truest deep red color.) This striking and multi-tiered ring is an excellent example of one of the more contemporary designer’s work. (c. 1988) Very labor intensive, the top coral stone is hand inlayed with a Sterling Silver stripe accented by lines of jet. It is mounted in a square cut bezel setting. The bottom tier – around the edges – is hand inlayed with a matching red coral, jet and opal. The Sterling Silver ring band is wide at the shank and tapers to a thinner comfortable back. The current ring size is a 7. Because of the wide shank it will fit a 6 ½ just fine. The shank can be made larger by a good jeweler. The ring is hallmarked, but the maker is unknown to me. This ring is a marvel of skill and artistry - the detail is a pleasure to sturdy. Coral is flattering to all skin tones and the proportions are elegant. An inspired gift giving idea! Condition: Excellent. Size: 1 1/8” high, 7/8” wide, tapering to 3/4” wide, 3/8” deep. Ring band is 3/8” at shank tapering to 1/4” at the center back.	$250.00
NA119	SHELL QUACKERS ( Vintage Native American Indian Zuni Duck Fetish Necklace ): Now, you don’t see this every day! I am parting with my Vintage (c. 1976) duck fetish necklace to make room for new pieces in my jewelry collection. The Zuni people are famous for their animal carvings, often arranged in what are known as fetish necklaces. At its most fundamental level, a fetish is “an object natural or man made in which the spirit is thought to reside and can be used for good or evil”. The fetish necklaces are designed to display the carver’s work while providing a vibrant representation of nature. This charming necklace is comprised of 11 ducks. Their bodies are made of shell, tipped with jet. Pipestone forms the neck, the duck heads are made of turquoise with golden mother-of-pearl beaks and tiny jet eyes. There are 5 ducks on each side with a bottom duck strung head up to form the centerpiece of the necklace. Tiny olive shell heishi beads are strung between the ducks with a Sterling Silver cone hook and eye closure. These delightful ducks are beautifully executed adding a touch of whimsy to any collection. Condition: Excellent. There is an extra bit of string at the top of each side. This is done so that the necklace retains its flexibility when wearing. Size: 24” long. Each duck is 1 3/4” long, 3/4” high, 7/8” wide.	$200.00
NA117	GREEK KEY AND TEAR DROP ( Vintage Native American Indian Navajo Ring ): An estate piece, I believe that this Greek Key and large teardrop turquoise ring was purchased in the 1980’s. The Navajo were quick to appropriate designs from many sources and adapt them to their own classical style. This regal ring features a key design outlining one edge of the magnificently black veined large stone. The workmanship is creative and highly skilled. Turquoise symbolizes the sky and water; it is also associated with healing and protection. The ring band is ¼” wide with a 4 part split shank and is signed “Jackson” and “Sterling”. This Jackson ring is a ring size 9 ¼, but it fits a smaller finger because the ring band is wide. (The ring band can be sized.) I wore it on my largest finger, rather than change the size. Classic in its simplicity, striking in its size, this is a ring that you will want to treasure for a lifetime. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2” long, 1” wide. Ring size 9 ¼.	$150.00
NA108	STRIPES IN STONE ( Native American Indian Zuni Channel Inlay Bracelet ): Zuni jewelers are well known for their spectacular work setting cut stones in mosaic designs, both stone-to-stone inlay and channel inlay, where a thin channel of silver separates the individual stones. This stunning inlay Zuni bracelet unites turquoise, sugilite and deep blue lapis to produce a dynamite combination. The superbly crafted design of the inlay uses the intense colors of the stones to create a small masterpiece of the jeweler’s art. (Each stone has been hand cut and fitted into the channel inlay stripes and then polished.) The inside of this bracelet bears the hallmark “RC” (artist unknown to me) and is stamped “Sterling”. This is a bracelet of solid weight and has a safety chain attached. A symphony in color to please your eye and captivate your imagination. Condition: Excellent. Size: Curved bracelet is 1 1/8” wide, 1/4” deep. Inner circumference is 5” plus a 1” opening. Fits a small wrist only. Cannot be sized.	$200.00
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