Time Dances By - Native American Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
NA111	QUILL WORK DAZZLERS ( Vintage Native American Indian Quill Work Earrings ): Increasing amounts of bead work is being produced by Navajo artists, no doubt inspired by the traditional bead work among their plains neighbors. These bold pierced earrings combine bead work with porcupine quills. (These were a gift to me in the late 70’s.) The medallion shaped circular tops are sewn onto a leather backing. The pinwheel colors are hematite (metallic gray), with iridescent beaded inner circles and accents of white. The 3 hanging loops are made of pierced quills. The silver ear wires fasten closed. Light and easy to wear, these are a wonderfully crafted pair of earrings that will bring you lots of compliments. Great with jeans and leather – a wonderful way to go native. Condition: Excellent. Size: The earrings hang 3 7/8” from the top of the ear wire. The beaded circular medallions are 1 3/4” in diameter. The quill loops are 1 1/4” long.	$75.00
NA098	SLEEK AND SUBTLE HOPI ( Vintage Native American Indian Hopi Bracelet ): I purchased this Sterling Silver satin finish Hopi bracelet in Santa Fe about 25 years ago. A complex piece that exhibits the Hopi overlay technique at its best. The general effect of Hopi overlay jewelry is one of sleek abstraction. Designs are clean and balanced; surfaces are buffed to a highly polished or satin mat finish. Notice the harmony and balance in the motif of this bracelet. One side is the exact reverse of the other. The inside of the bracelet has two hallmarks. One is the artist’s mark, a leaf (artist unknown to me) and the other is the sun face that symbolizes the Hopi Silvercraft Guild, established in 1949. Superbly crafted, this bracelet feels like silk on your wrist. Condition: Excellent. A few surface scratches from wear. Size: 3/4” wide, inner circumference 7’’ including 1” opening. My wrist is 6 1/4” over the bone and it fits me perfectly. A small / medium sized bracelet.	$175.00
NA088	KACHINA CEREMONIAL FIGURES ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Hopi Pin ): This Vintage Sterling Silver pin of two Hopi Kachina figures makes a charming duo. (c. 1950-60) The Mudhead Kachina appears to be linking arms with his fellow Kachina, perhaps in preparation for an important ceremonial event. The Sterling pin has been fashioned by hand using the overlay technique developed by the Hopi Indians. There is a whimsical quality to these 2 fellows. The casual pose is very unusual - kachinas usually appear in more formal poses with god-like qualities. These two appear to be buddies, giving this piece a light hearted touch. There is a safety clasp pin back. Condition: Excellent. Unsigned. Size: 2 1/4” high, 1 3/4” wide.	$50.00
NA099	INTENSE HUE OF BLUE ( Vintage Native American Indian Navajo Ring ): I have had this dramatic Navajo Sterling Silver and Turquoise ring in my collection since the 60’s. Bezel set, it is the most intense hue of blue turquoise. The surrounding silver work includes leaves, silver balls, silver wire work and a large flower blossom. The ring band is a split shank that balances the size of the design wonderfully well. It is a ring size 4 3/4 at present. You could have it made larger – or wear it on your little finger. It is an awesome pinky ring! A really pretty bold and striking Navajo ring to wear with jeans or out for a special evening. All eyes will be on you! Condition: Excellent. No hallmark – not uncommon. Size: 1 7/8” high, 1 1/4” wide, Turquoise stone 1” high, 1/2” wide. Ring size: 4 3/4.	$50.00
NA069	MAJESTIC MALACHITE ( Vintage Native American Indian Navajo Bracelet ): A flurry of curved feathers (or leaves) cover the surface of this extravagant Vintage Sterling Silver Navajo cuff bracelet. The silver feathers surround and provide a picture frame for the spectacular bezel set malachite stone. This is a large bracelet that looks and feels superb on your wrist. Purchased approximately 20 years ago, it will always remain a jewelry classic. Be bold and flaunt your personal fashion sense with this outstanding Navajo Bracelet. The back is hallmarked “T M”. It will fit a medium wrist. Condition: Excellent. A beautiful patina that I have not polished. Size: 2” high at center, tapering to 3/4” at ends of cuff. Malachite stone is 1 1/2” high, 1 1/8” wide. Inner circumference 6 3/8”, including the 1” opening at back. My wrist is 6 1/2” and it fits me perfectly.	$200.00
NA070	MALACHITE MARVEL ( Vintage Native American Indian Navajo Pendant / Necklace ): Navajo Silversmith, Cindy Piaso, designed this marvelous malachite pendant. (Purchased in the 1980’s.) The depth and pattern in this stone are quite remarkable. Marked “130 CT”, this huge oval piece of malachite is bezel set in a framework of Sterling Silver leaves and wire twist scallops. The removable pendant is suspended from a necklace of oval and round silver beads with a hook and eye closure. Back is Hallmarked “CIP” (Cindy Piaso) and marked “130 CT”. The color of the malachite is so rich and elegant. This pendant is an excellent match to NA069 – Majestic Malachite Navajo Bracelet and NA071 – Malachite Leaf and Vine Navajo Ring. Condition: Excellent. Natural inclusions remain in this polished stone. Size: Pendant 3 1/4” long, 1 1/2” wide, 1/4”deep. Bead Necklace is 16 1/2” long when clasped.	$200.00
NA051	SYMBOLIC BELT LINKS ( Native American Indian Navajo Belt ): Sterling Silver Medallions, each with symbolic Hopi designs, are linked together in this wonderful vintage link belt. Each polished round disk is crafted in the overlay technique. The belt is made up of a central disk and 12 smaller ones, each with a different design. The center "Buckle" disk, an Eagle Dancer, has a hook on the back that can attach to any link depending on how large or small you want the belt to be. The design motifs include a feathered Tewa, bear paw, buffalo, multiple Yei figures, thunderbird, corn plant, pottery, feathers and a lovely butterfly. This belt has been in my collection for thirty years. Although the belt uses the Hopi overlay technique and symbols, I believe that it is a Navajo piece, probably designed by Willie Yazzie, Jr. or Sr. Both men used the stamped representation of a medicine man’s dipper and both specialized in the overlay technique. Unlike Hopi overlay, this belt does not have the tiny etched marks in the cut out areas. A link belt like this one is pictured in Peter N. Shiffers book: Indian Jewelry on the Market, page 22. A beautiful belt that brought me years of compliments. Condition: Excellent. Some surface scratches, not visible to the eye. Size: Central medallion 2" in diameter. Other disks 1 1/2" in diameter. Total belt length 32 1/2".	$200.00
NA076	NUGGETS OF SKY & WATER ( Vintage Native American Santo Domingo Indian Necklace ): Considered a good luck stone, turquoise symbolizes the sky and water. This pair of Vintage Santo Domingo nugget necklaces is a rich and sumptuous hue of blue turquoise. (c. 1970’s) Mined in the Southwest and strung with fine Heishi beads, the cone clasps (hook & eye) are Sterling Silver. Heishi is the Santo Domingo word for “shell”. I have always worn these as a pair, because the colors are such a fantastic match. Designer Ralph Lauren loves the look and casual elegance of these necklaces. Turquoise is perfection. Condition: Excellent. Size: Longer strand is 30” long. Shorter strand is 26” long. Sold as a set only.	$150.00 For The Set
NA019	CRESCENT MOONS SHINE BRIGHTLY OVER TURQUOISE TEARDROPS ( Native American Indian Turquoise Ring ): This cluster work sterling ring has two large blue turquoise stones and five smaller ones. Crescent moons encircle the center stone, with lovely turquoise teardrop pieces at the top and bottom. Twisted wirework forms the shank, ring size 6 1/2". Condition: Excellent - one of the small stones has turned a bit green. As an explanation some Native Americans believe that these stones absorb illness from the body. 1 1/2" high, 3/4" wide. Ring matches bracelet NA018.	$85.00
NA018	TURQUOISE FLOWERS AND STERLING CRESCENT MOONS ( Native American Indian Turquoise Bracelet ): This turquoise cluster work bracelet showcases sterling wirework details, with raised crescent moons outlining the whole central motif. Nineteen very blue pieces of turquoise make up the floral decorative motif. Side pieces are two silver wires that meet to hug the wrist. Fits a medium wrist. Though unsigned, the feel of the piece speaks of the artist. I believe it is Navajo, but it might well be Zuni cluster-work that began in the 1920's. Condition: Excellent. Central motif - 3 1/4" wide & 1 3/4" high. The inside circumference of the bracelet measures 5 3/8". (This bracelet matches NA019.)	$200.00
NA053	STUNNING SUNFACE ( Native American Indian Zuni Inlay Pin / Pendant ): This old (1950’s) Zuni Sunface Pin is a fine example of traditional channel inlay work. A thin "channel" of silver separates the individual stones. The central "face" is set with turquoise, coral, jet and mother-of-pearl. The beautiful " feather" sunrays are mother-of-pearl tipped in jet. Hallmarked "LG" (artist unknown to me), the entire pin / pendant is domed and smooth to the touch. An identical pin appears on page 111 of Nancy Shiffer’s book - "Jewelry by Southwest American Indians: EVOLVING DESIGNS". The back seems to indicate a history of change. It appears that the original pin back went up and down. That has been changed to a horizontal pin with a safety catch. The pendant hook appears to have been added at that time. This kind of hook works best in an open link chain. The Sunface also looks great pinned to a neck ribbon. Condition: Very good. To the naked eye it looks perfect. Only under magnification are some age-related flaws visible. Size: 1 7/8" diameter.	$90.00
NA003	WIDE SATIN FINISH HOPI CUFF ( Native American Indian Hopi Bracelet ): I bought this sterling Hopi cuff bracelet in Gallup, N.M. at the Intertribal Ceremonial dances 20 years ago. Center motif is a huge Tewa flanked by eagle and rain signs on the sides. It is GORGEOUS and Hopi overlay prices have gone through the ceiling. Condition: Very fine. There is one tiny cut at the tip of the eagles wing. I have shown it magnified but in real life it is not noticeable. The price reflects this tiny flaw. 2" wide, the Tewa motif measures 1 7/8". Fits a medium wrist and can be carefully made smaller or larger.	SOLD!
NA014	MAY THE GODS SMILE ON YOU ( Native American Indian Hopi Pin / Pendant ): A very large silver, polished, Hopi overlay pin using a Tewa as its design motif. This overlay technique was developed by the Hopi in the early 1940's. The bottom layer of silver that shows through the top cut out is oxidized to make the design more prominent. Look closely for the tiny Hopi texture marks under the overlay polished design. This pin/pendant is hallmarked and can be worn on a chain or neckwire. Condition: Excellent. 2 1/2" circle.	$225.00
NA026	HOPI SPLENDOR ( Native American Indian Hopi Bracelet ): This splendid sterling cuff bracelet is an exciting example of new Hopi techniques. A wonderful blend of old and new silver work. This bracelet combines a brand of traditional Hopi overlay work set on top of a cuff of abraded brushed silver. I think the designs are water symbols. Made by prominent Hopi artist - Ramon A. Dalangyawma. This cuff is from my personal collection. It is marked "Sterling" and hallmarked "DALANGYAWMA". Will fit a medium to small wrist. A very special contemporary piece of Hopi silver artistry. Condition: Excellent. Inner opening: 5 1/2", opening between ends: 1 1/4", width: 1" at center, tapers to 5/8" at ends.	$250.00
NA057	FEATHERS FRAME TURQUOISE ( Native American Indian Turquoise Pendant ): The large piece of deep blue Turquoise in this Vintage Navajo Sterling Silver Pendant is particularly attractive. It has veins of dark matrix that add so much character to the Turquoise. The stone is bezel set with a wire twist frame and is embellished with two large raised and curved feathers. Wear it on a neck collar for a contemporary look. Purchased in the 1970’s, it is a lovely and graceful way to achieve the "Western Look". Condition: Excellent. Size: 1 3/4" high, 1 1/2" wide. Stone is 1 3/8" high, 5/8" wide at top.	$50.00
	(( Previous \| 1 \| 2 \| 3 \| Next ))