Judy Jay's

Time Dances By

jjay@timedancesby.com


Phone: 210-690-8454

--Last Updated: 03/08/2010 --


Native American Jewelry

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Item: Description: Price:

NA131

VANISHING CORAL ( Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Daniel Sunshine Reeves Coral Bangle Bracelet ): This dazzling Navajo Sterling Silver bangle bracelet is bezel set with 31 ox-blood red coral oval stones. (c. 1990) Taken from my personal collection, this is the first bangle bracelet I have offered. The workmanship by award winning Navajo artist, Daniel Sunshine Reeves, is fine and precise – and the color the deepest red (not orange) is luscious. Coral is associated with good luck and long life, as well as a sign of prestige and wealth. Since the law now prohibits the harvesting of any more Mediterranean Coral it has dramatically increased in price and will continue to do so because it has become so scarce. This captivating coral bangle is hallmarked on the inside by the artist “Sunshine Reeves” & “Sterling”. Reeves is a star among Indian jewelers of today. Coal is flattering to all skin tones and this is your chance to add an exciting item to your jewelry collection before it is gone – gone – gone!

Condition: Excellent.
Size: A narrow bangle 1/4” wide, inner opening is 2 1/2", 1/4" deep.
SOLD!

NA103

JOURNEY TO THE HOPI WORLD ( Native American Indian Hopi Bolo Tie ): I am pleased to be able to offer you this outstanding bolo tie by award winning Hopi Artist Chalmers Day. This exquisite Sterling Silver Hopi design is very sophisticated with extremely detailed overlay work. The quality of his artistry is exceptional as seen in this bolo, which combines rain, water and village scenes in one piece. The most complex Hopi designer of whom I know, his work is often identified by the tiny round circle as seen on the left lower half of this bolo. Chalmers Day’s jewelry takes one on a journey into the Hopi world. His designs portray the life of the Hopi, their migrations, ceremonies and spiritual figures. He is recognized as one of the greatest overlay jewelers in history. (See “American Indian Jewelry I – 1200 Artist Biographies” Page 133.) There is a clamp style release on the back of the bolo and the Chalmers Day hallmark of a cloud is impressed in the silver. The braided tie is black leather with long tapered Sterling Silver tips and dangling cones. His awards are to numerous to list. I used to stand in line at 7 AM at the Santa Fe Indian Market to be able to purchase one of the 7 or 8 pieces he had made. This is the finest Hopi work available. It is a bolo that will stand out in any collection. Condition: Excellent. This is part of our personal collection and was purchased over 20 years ago. Size: Silver overlay design 2 3/4” high, 1 3/4” wide. Braided tie plus tips 47” long. SOLD!

NA128

DAZZLING PINK CORAL ( Native American Indian Jewelry Zuni Pink Coral Necklace ): One of the distinctive characteristics of Southwest Indian jewelry is its dazzling diversity of color created by the intermingling of a variety of stones, shells and metals. This wonderful Angelskin Coral necklace is an estate piece that was purchased at the Santa Fe Indian Market in 1985. Mediterranean Coral, was introduced to Zuni artisans by traders in the late 1930’s. The variations in coral from blood red to pale pink – and its scarceness – still make it a highly coveted material. Multiple-strand necklaces in coral are a sign of prestige and wealth; coral is also associated with good luck and a long life. Most native artists purchase their coral beads already cut, polished and drilled. Then they restring them into necklaces. I just love this four strand cylindrical shaped pink coral necklace because of the natural shaped and shaded beads. There are tiny olive shell heishi beads between each coral bead and at the top of the necklace. They are very different from the beaded strands where every bead is alike. This necklace goes over your head and is finished off with a “squaw wrap” cotton closure. Developed before commercial fasteners were available; it is still a preferred style for many Native American artists. Coral has dramatically increased in price and will continue to do so. This is a necklace that you don’t want to pass up.

Condition: Excellent.
Size: 34 ½” long, squaw wrap is 6” long and very soft and comfortable.
SOLD!

 

NA102

FLASHES OF FIRE ( Native American Indian Jewelry Zuni / Navajo Bracelet ): I am pleased to offer this sparkling angelskin Coral & Opal Channel Inlay Cuff Bracelet. (c. 1985) The pink of the coral set against the flash and sparkle of the opal pieces is a killer combination. Fine and precise workmanship is needed to cut and inlay these pieces of stone separated by fine Sterling Silver lines. Channel inlay is a technique usually associated with Zuni craftsman, but it is now equally popular with Navajo artists. Ray Tracy is a prominent Navajo jewelry designer who has used this contemporary inlay method. This bracelet is hallmarked “DD” and marked “Sterling”. The opals used in this inlay work are referred to as “lab opals”. They are man made and commonly used by Native American artists. Feminine and flattering, this bracelet looks superb on your wrist and the color combination is unbeatable. Condition: Excellent. Size: 3/4” wide, 1/8” thick, inner dimension 6 5/8” including 1” opening. My wrist is 6 1/2” over the wrist bone and it fits me perfectly. This bracelet cannot be made wider. It will fit a medium wrist. SOLD!

NA110

PHILLIP HONANIE HOPI PUEBLO ( Vintage Native American Indian Hopi Belt Buckle ): From my personal collection I am offering this superb Sterling Silver Hopi belt buckle. I purchased it in Santa Fe about 35 years ago. The buckle was made by Phillip Honanie, a prominent Hopi artist featured in the book “American Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist’s Biographies” (pg. 178). The deeply etched overlay design is of a pueblo under a crescent moon and star filled sky. The oval shape is very comfortable to wear and this buckle can be worn by either a woman or a man. A good sized buckle, it is designed to snap on to a belt and the hook goes into the eye of the belt. The back is hallmarked with Phil’s “friendship” mark and stamped “Sterling”. Go West in the Best! Condition: Excellent. Size: 3 ½” wide, 2 ¼” high. Slight dome to the oval so that it slides thru belt without marking the leather. SOLD!

NA129

ANCIENT IVORY SLICES ( Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Fossilized Ivory Bracelet ): Slices of fossilized ivory have been bezel set in this wonderful Navajo cuff bracelet from my personal collection. There are seven pieces of ivory ranging in color from off-white to brown set in a sterling silver band. This bracelet looks terrific when worn with Turquoise or Coral jewelry. By itself, this ivory cuff blends beautifully with any color, especially fashion favorites brown, green and blue. The inside of the band is hallmarked “M. Lee”, “Sterling”. If this doesn’t draw compliments whenever you wear it - change your friends!

Condition: Excellent.
Size: Just over ¾” wide. Stones are 1/4” deep and vary slightly in size. The center stone is ¾” high. Inner circumference 6 1/2”, including opening. Opening can be made smaller. Will fit a medium wrist as is.
SOLD!

NA130

NIGHT SKY LITTLE BEAR ( Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Ring ): This Navajo ring is quite a marvel – the quality of the silver, turquoise and mother-of-pearl inlay is so remarkable! The jet black bear has three different sized dots and circles inlayed all across the face of the piece. With a turquoise zigzag heartline running through it, a comet speeding downward and a shell moon, the whole bear takes on the appearance of the constellation Ursa Minor in the night time sky. Its name is Latin for “little bear”. This bear is set in Sterling Silver and mounted on a triple shank ring band. The hallmark on the bear reads “N?D” and “Sterling”. The ring fits my pinky finger and must have originally been a pin or a pendant that was converted into a ring, thus obscuring part of the hallmark. The current ring band reassures a size 5 1/2, perfect for petite fingers. Both delicate and dazzling, this guardian bear spirit will delight you.

Condition: Excellent. Some fine scratches from wear only visible under magnification.
Size: Bear measures 1 3/4” wide, 3/4" high, just over 1/8” deep. Ring band is 1/8” wide and currently a size 5 1/2.
SOLD!

NA124

BEADED HEARTLINE ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Beaded Necklace ): I’ll have to let the photos do most of the work in the case of this most unusual Navajo Beaded Bear Choker. This hand beaded choker necklace is from my personal collection purchased in the ‘80’s at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. Worn high around your neck, this bronze beaded bear design continues down into fringe. He has a bold turquoise and wine beaded heart line and deep gray gunmetal bear tracks on each side. The entire background is shimmering opalescent beige. The fringe is deepest at the center graduating up on the sides. The entire piece is hand beaded on a cream strip of leather. To wear it, put it over your head and push the brown ring closure up around your neck until it is centered and the tightness you desire. You can then tie a knot or a bow to keep the leather strands in place. It is easier to do than to “describe”. A rare example of style and color. Truly the work of a master craftsman (or woman). I have never seen anything like it and neither will you! One of a kind hand work and design, this will make eyes “pop”. I know you’ll love it! Condition: Excellent. No missing beads. Size: Beaded portion along leather strip is 8 5/8” long. Beaded bear is 4 1/2” long, with fringe hanging 2 3/4” long. The leather backing strip is 10” long, 1” wide. The leather pull ties are 7 1/2” long on each side. SOLD!

NA113

GUARDIAN OF THE SUN ( Vintage Native American Indian Jewelry Navajo Inlay Bear Pendant ): Bears, the symbol of supreme power, have always been a popular subject with Southwest jewelers. In the Navajo creation story the bear is a guardian of the sun. From my personal collection, I am offering this superbly crafted Navajo Bear Inlay Pendant. (c. 1975) A dazzling diversity of color is created by the intermingling of a variety of stones, shells and metals. Set in Sterling Silver, this bear inlay consists of turquoise, purple and orange spiny oyster shell, jet, mother-of-pearl and malachite. A rare dynamite combination of colors that you won’t find again. This captivating pendant is signed “Frank Yellowhorse” (along with his hallmark of a rearing horse) and stamped “Navajo – Sterling”. There is a large bale wide enough for a thick chain, neck collar or omega chain. The colors and details are a pleasure to study. You can wear this piece with denim or black velvet and be certain that all eyes will be on you! Condition: Excellent. Size: 3 ½” wide, 2 ½” long with bale, ¼” deep. Bale has ½” opening. SOLD!

NA123

A MELODY OF STONES ( Native American Indian Navajo Inlay Ring ): This gorgeous Navajo ring is a rich medley of stones, inlayed around the edge as well as bezel set in the center. Imagine the work that went into this skillful mix of techniques! At the center is an oval set of stones, a large piece of purple charoite with a band of bright blue turquoise, finished off with a black matrix turquoise stone. The complex silver work mimics Hopi overlay, but is indeed Navajo made. The real challenge to the artist is the in the inlayed pieces between the Hopi-like silver top and solid Sterling Silver backing. These inlayed stones include charoite, jet, lapis, deep reddish purple sugilite and several types of turquoise. The ring has a split shank and a narrow band. This ring is a U.S. Size 6. (It can be sized by a knowledgeable jeweler.) It can easily be made larger since that involves only the band. The piece is hallmarked “Navajo”, “AB”, “Sterling”. (Possibly Abraham Begay.) I purchased this ring about 15 years ago in Phoenix. This is one of those rings that seems to say “extravagance”. The work is so refined and elegant. A contemporary designed ring with a timeless beauty - go native with confidence. Condition: Excellent. Some stones may contain natural inclusions. Size: U.S. ring size 6. 1 3/4” high, 1 1/8” wide, 3/4” center stone, 3/8” deep. Ring band is 1/8” wide. SOLD!

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!
NA080A.JPG (76879 bytes)

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!
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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!
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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!
 

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