Time Dances By - Native American Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
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.	$175.00
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.	$125.00
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.	$150.00
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.	SOLD!
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. 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.	$100.00
NA094	SILVER DUST ( Native American Indian Navajo Cuff Bracelet ): As Native American artists master new techniques the look of Southwestern jewelry has been expanding in many directions. This Navajo bracelet, signed “Nez”, is an example of the reticulation technique. Discovered by accident in 1978, in the reticulation process shavings or filings of silver dust are applied to a silver surface – which is then heated until the particles adhere to it, providing a grainy texture. At the center of this Sterling Silver bracelet is a bezel set cabochon of deep coral. The granulation provides a surface that greatly enhances the color of the coral. I purchased this piece in Santa Fe approximately 20 years ago, but it is still a cutting edge look for a collector who enjoys an artistic contemporary style. Condition: Excellent. Size: Bracelet is 3/4” wide, 6 1/2” in circumference, including the 1 3/8” opening. Best suited to a smaller wrist.	SOLD!
NA012	CORAL & CORN COBS ( Native American Indian Navajo Earrings ): This pair of corn cob earrings has been in my private collection for at least 35 years. (c. 1970) A signed pair of pierced earrings depicting a favorite Native American motif – food grown from mother earth. These hand made corn cobs have all of their little kernels exposed along with 3 silky leaves. Two of the leaves are curved at the bottom as if they had been pulled open and the third leaf gracefully curves up to the post. My favorite touch is the bezel set oxblood coral at the bottom. These coral pieces are sought out by collectors because of the scarcity of true coral. The value of Native American jewelry set with coral has risen tremendously in recent years and will go nowhere but up! These pierced earrings are unusual and fun to wear. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2 ½” high, 3/4” at wide point.	$50.00
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. Size: Inner opening: 5 1/2", opening between ends: 1 1/4", width: 1" at center, tapers to 5/8" at ends.	$150.00
NA125	HOOP DANCERS ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Earrings ): Fashion favors hoop earrings again and these Navajo beauties are a knockout. (c. 1985) Large bezel set greenish-blue turquoise stones with lots of brown matrix clip onto your ears. I am partial to stones with the wonderful character that matrix adds. The Sterling Silver hoops are not flat, but slightly raised on the inside. Vivid drops of bezel set ox-blood coral dance in the center of the hoops. There is no hallmark on these marvelous clip back earrings. Coral has become almost impossible to obtain any longer since the ban on Mediterranean coral has been imposed. Delightful and light to wear, these sophisticated hoops add an understated elegance to your collection. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2” long from top of turquoise stone to bottom of hoop. Sterling hook is 1 3/4” wide. Coral dangle inside the hoop is 3/4” long. The large oval turquoise stone is 1” long 3/4” wide, 1/8” deep.	SOLD!
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.	$35.00
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.	SOLD!
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.)	$125.00
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.	$50.00
NA014	MAY THE GODS SMILE ON YOU ( Native American Indian Hopi Pin / Pendant ): A very large silver, polished, Hopi overlay pin using a Tewa (Hopi Sun God) as its design motif. The overlay technique was developed by the Hopi in the early 1940’s. This estate piece was purchased in Santa Fe in the 1970'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 distinctive Hopi texture marks on the bottom layer. It is hallmarked with the “bear claw” signature of Hopi artist, Riley Polequaptewa. The “Tewa” hallmark indicates his membership in the Hopi Silvercraft Guild. This pin/pendant can be worn on a chain or a neckwire. The pinback has a safety clasp closure. Condition: Excellent. Some fine surface scratches. Size: The pin is 2 1/2” in diameter.	SOLD!
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.	SOLD!
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