
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. |
SOLD! |

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. |
SOLD! |

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. |
SOLD! |

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. |
SOLD! |

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. |
SOLD! |
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