Time Dances By - Native American Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
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.	$125.00
NA097	MELON SHELL ANIMAL SPIRITS ( Vintage Native American Indian Zuni Fetish Necklace ): The Zuni people are famous for their animal carvings, often arranged in what are know as fetish necklaces – another artistic legacy of the ancients. At its most fundamental level, a fetish is an object in which a spirit is thought to reside. (Contemporary Zuni carvers stress that their animal carvings are not endowed with the power of the animal unless they are blessed by a Shaman for a specific purpose.) This dainty single strand necklace has peach colored melon shell fetish carvings of turtles, frogs, bears and birds. (c. 1970). They are strung with hand made shell Heishi beads. I had the necklace restrung in the 80’s and added the gold beads to make it longer so that it could be worn under a collar. There is a hook and eye fastener. For you ladies who like petite feminine jewelry, this is a sweet find. Condition: Excellent. Size: 24” long, hangs 10” when worn. Fetishes are 1/2” to 1” long.	$35.00
NA023	ANCIENT MYSTERIES ( Native American Indian Hopi Necklace ): This large Sterling Collar Necklace is probably what I like to call "Navahopi". That is a Navajo piece made in the Hopi style. It’s a tapered collar piece, shaped like a crescent moon with scenes of ancient pueblo dwellings complete with ladders, windows, doorways and steps. You can even see a small ladder down a well or ceremonial opening at center. The hand made chain is comprised of circles and fused links. A large hook and ring make an easy and sturdy clasp. The necklace is marked "Sterling" and hallmarked "CB". It reminds me of the Canyon de Chelly and the mysterious disappearance of the ancient Anasazi. Condition: Excellent. A few minor surface scratches. Crescent 5 3/4" wide, 1 1/2" high. 6 1/2" chain on each side of crescent. Approximately 19" all the way around the necklace when closed.	$175.00
NA054	HOPI OVERLAY LANDSCAPE ( Native American Indian Hopi Ring ): The design pictured on this vintage (c. 1975) Hopi overlay ring is one of hope for a plentiful harvest for the inhabitants of the pueblo dwelling. The rain symbol above promises that rain will provide the needed nourishment for their corn crop. Hopi overlay technique was developed in the late 1930’s as a distinctive style unlike any of the other Native American silversmiths. An unusual feature of this ring is that the band also has a Hopi overlay pattern. From looking at the back, I would guess that this was originally a pendant that was at some point combined with the ring band to make a larger statement piece. There is a maker’s mark - an animal track - but the artist is unknown to me. Condition: Excellent. Only some surface scratches from wear. Ring size - 6. Size of ring front: 1 1/4" high, 1 1/8" wide. Again, the ring band is a size 6.	$50.00
NA067	SHELL SHADOW BOX ( Vintage Native American Indian 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.	$45.00
NA037	FLOATING FEATHERS ( Native American Indian Hopi Pendant ): Dainty and delicate, this beautiful Sterling Silver Hopi feather design pendant is sure to please you ladies who don’t like “big” jewelry. The feather is done in the Hopi overlay style, oxidized black and textured with a hand tool to make the design stand out. Superior fluid design elements have gone into this piece of Hopi jewelry. (Notice that each section of the feather is different.) This matte silver feather is hallmarked and initialed by the artist. It has been in my collection for about 25 years. Just add a thin chain to the jump ring and you are ready to go – night or day. A wonderful gift idea. Condition: Excellent. Feather is 1 1/2” long, 3/8” wide.	$30.00
NA043	A PIECE OF SKY ( Native American Indian Navajo Turquoise Ring ): This large Vintage Navajo Ring is both bold and simple. At the center is a beautiful piece of blue turquoise. A nice matrix (brown or black webbing) adds character. The stone is bezel set in Sterling Silver with a wire twist inner band and a beaded edge outer rim. A large feather curves around one side. The narrow ring band is held securely by a three way split shank on each side. This design keeps the ring from turning on your finger. It looks great on your index finger as well as your ring finger. It will be noticed! Ring size 7. Condition: Excellent. Size: 1 1/2" high, 1 3/4" wide. Size of turquoise stone: 1" high, 3/4" wide.	$40.00
NA115	MIDNIGHT BLACK JET BEARS ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Zuni Bear Fetish Necklace ): Gleaming and glistening black jet bears are the focus of this Vintage Zuni Fetish necklace. (Estate piece c. 1975) The Zuni are famous for their animal carvings, often arrayed in what are known as fetish necklaces. At the most fundamental level a fetish is “an object natural or manmade, 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 necklace of jet bears is accented with inset eyes of turquoise. There are 12 standing bears strung on jet and turquoise heishi with a large bear standing upright at the center. The closure is a silver hook and eye style. Bears are my favorite fetish, representing power, strength and healing. Jet is so light weight that it makes this necklace very comfortable to wear. These delightful bears are strikingly elegant, yet with a delightful touch of whimsy. Condition: Excellent. Size: Necklace is 30” long. Center upright bear is 2” high, 3/4” wide, 1 1/4” deep. Other bears are 1” long, 1 3/8” high, 3/8” deep.	SOLD!
NA118	SHIMMERING BEADED BEAUTIES ( Native American Indian Navajo Beaded Earrings ): I’ll have to let the photos do most of the work in the case of these truly breathtaking Navajo beaded pierced earrings. Call them “shoulder dusters” or long and grand. The red, wine, purple and yellow color palette shimmers and glints with life. The triple Zuni inlaid Tewa (sun face god) disks are set with inserts of turquoise, golden mother-of-pearl, lapis, sugilite, pipestone and abalone shell – and they are a matched pair. The golden and cherry red Venetian glass beads surrounding the sun faces are an inspired choice. These are hand beaded by an artist who truly had mastered the craft of beading. The upper portions of the earrings are applied to suede backings so that they will remain solidly in place. I purchased these at the Dallas Indian Market about 15 years ago. Outstanding earring for the confident woman who likes the have all eyes on her! Condition: Excellent. Size: Total length 5”, hanging beads 1 1/4” at widest point. Triple sunface inlay section 1 3/4” long, 7/8” wide.	SOLD!
NA106	BEAR TREASURE NECKLACE ( Vintage Native American Indian Zuni / Santo Domingo Necklace ): I am pleased to offer you a special estate piece from my personal collection. (c. 1980) This four-strand “Treasure Necklace” consists of a mixture of natural stones, Venetian glass beads and hand carved bear fetishes. There is one large turquoise bear and six smaller serpentine bears. The term “Treasure Necklace” is used to denote a mixture of high quality beads and fetishes selected for their variety and striking mix of color. The beads include amber, spiny oyster shell, jasper, carnelian, malachite, jade and glass beads in royal blue, lavender, red, pink, coral and clear crystal. The artistry is apparent in the choice and placement of the “Treasures”. All four strands are strung on waxed thread with olive shell heishi. The ends of the strands are braided into a closure referred to as a “squaw wrap”. In new pieces a hook and eye fastener has replaced this style of closure. It will slip over your head easily and is comfortable to wear. A lavish and show stopping necklace for you ladies who favor the bold and dramatic look. Condition: Excellent. Size: Almost 32” long from the knot. Necklace hangs approximately 15 ½” long.	SOLD!
NA080	DRIPPING WITH STYLE ( Vintage Navajo Native American Indian Earrings ): I have worn these spectacular Navajo earrings for many years. (Purchased in the 1980’s.) Believe me, they are really something special. Dripping with Sterling Silver leaves and feathers, the central turquoise stones are a rich sky blue accented with bezel set cabochons of coral. The feathers at the bottom swing freely and “dance” when ever you move your head. (I should mention that they are not too heavy.) Regal and elegant, these are superbly crafted Navajo pierced earrings. If you are looking for show-stoppers, you have found them! Condition: Excellent. Size: 3 1/4” long, 1” wide, 1/4” deep.	SOLD!
NA086	EAGLE INLAY ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Ottawa Bracelet ): This colorful Vintage Sterling Inlay Cuff Bracelet was made by Ottawa artist Carlos Eagle. (c. 1975) The kernel shaped inlay pieces consist of turquoise, jet, spiny oyster, mother-of-pearl shell and green serpentine. A Santa Fe Indian Market award winner, Carlos Eagle is known for his inlay and stamp work jewelry. There is stamp work all the way around the cuff. The subtle interplay of color is both feminine and flattering. The inside of the bracelet is marked “Carlos Eagle”, stamped with his hallmark eagle and stamped “Sterling”. A masterful cornucopia of color executed with skill and artistry. This cuff bracelet will fit a small wrist only. Condition: Excellent. Size: 5/8” wide, 1/4” deep. Inner circumference 6 1/8”, including 1 1/4” opening.	SOLD!
NA073	REGAL CORAL ( Vintage Native American Indian Navajo Ring ): Natural red coral has become increasingly rare and more highly desired because of its limited quantity. These three pieces of ox-blood coral are considered by Native American designers to be the very best in color. This ring of coral and sterling silver was made by Navajo silversmith, Ida Morgan. (Purchased in the 1980’s.) The bezel set coral stones are complemented by curved leaves and accented with silver balls. The silver intensifies the sumptuous color of the coral. The ring band has stamp work running all the way around. Ring size is 8 1/4. The back is hallmarked “Ida M.” and stamped “ Sterling ”. Rich and regal coral – you’ll wear this ring with pride. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2” long, 1 7/8” wide, 1/4” deep. Ring size is 8 1/4.	SOLD!
NA030	NAVAJO DESERT BLOOMS ( Native American Indian Navajo Bracelet ): Squash Blossom necklaces are everywhere, but here is a Sterling Silver Squash Blossom cuff bracelet. The central motif is a massive curved leaf with 3 blossoms (coral, turquoise & mother-of-pearl) tucked inside. A beaded edge finishes off the design. The cuff is formed by four silver bands that fan out from each side of the center. Hallmarked "L B" (L. Burnside) "Navajo". This piece has been in my collection for 30 years and will fit a medium or small wrist comfortably. Condition: Excellent. Minimal wear. Size: Center Motif 2 5/8" long, 1 3/4" wide. Inside cuff measurement 5 1/4".	SOLD!
NA042	POWERFUL BEAR SPIRITS ( Native American Indian Zuni Fetish Necklace ): This fine vintage Zuni Bear Fetish Necklace has been in my family for at least 20 years. A fetish is a natural or man-made object suggesting a specific life force in which a spirit is believed to reside. This necklace is comprised of hand carved full body bears made of jasper, turquoise, jet, serpentine, pipestone, alabaster and picasso marble. The bottom turquoise centerpiece bear is standing on his hind legs at his full height. There are 15 bears on this necklace - each one unique. Bears are said to be powerful carriers of strength and health. The fetishes are strung on olive shell heishi beads with silver cones on the ends. The closure is an easy to fasten hook and eye. A powerful and colorful fetish necklace carefully carved by the Zuni. Condition: Excellent. Size: Full necklace 28" long, center standing bear 1 1/2" high, other bears approximately 5/8" long.	SOLD!
NA061	ZUNI KNIFE-WING DEITY ( Vintage American Indian Zuni Ring ): 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. This large knife-wing ring is a wonderful example of Zuni mosaic inlay work. Purchased in the 1970’s, it is set with turquoise, jet, coral and mother-of-pearl. It is signed “G. D.” & “Vacit – Zuni”. The ring is just over a size 7 1/2 and is very comfortable to wear. Dramatic and complex, this is a ring that will be noticed by everyone. Condition: Excellent. No cracks or chips. Size: Ring size 7 1/2. Mosaic figure 1 1/2” high, 1 3/8” wide.	SOLD!
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