#001   5 Strand Spiny Coral Necklace

Because it has historically been difficult to obtain red coral in the Southwest, it is traditionally referred to as "red gold".  It is believed to bring longevity and good luck.  For many Southwest Native Americans, multi-strand coral necklaces are associated with wealth and good standing in the community.   Native American made, this dramatic necklace is just over 26" long with 5 strands of spiny coral.  No dyes have been used.  Some of the silver bead work is ornate and beautiful.  Smooth silver beads lie against the neck, so there is no 'prickling' sensation on the neck from the coral. Introduced to the Southwest by the Spanish, the red coral is primarily harvested from the Mediterranean. For more information see "Southwestern Indian Jewelry" available here.  

                                                                        


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#007   Double-Strand Turquoise Nuggets and Shell
Created in traditional Southwest Native American style, this double-strand necklace measures approximately 27 inches in length.  Two strands of Olive Shell heishi include polished turquoise nuggets.  The traditional way of making heishi is a tedious process.  The artist starts with a whole shell and then cuts it into hundreds of pieces.  Each tiny piece then has a hole drilled in the center . The pieces are strung together and then carefully held to a grinding wheel to evenly shape all the shells at once.  Some Natives still shape the pieces by rolling them by hand against sandstone, although this is not the case with this necklace.  The less technology that is used to create heishi (for example shaping the shell by hand rather than by machine), the more valuable the final product.  For more information, see "Southwestern Indian Jewelry" available here.  
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#010   Bead Fest #1 
This is one of three 'Bead Fests' in the gallery. This colorful and playful necklace measure 23" long.  It incorporates many elements including green turquoise, African turquoise, red coral, amethyst (purple), and serpentine (a yellowish stone).  Some of the sterling silver beads are made by Native Americans, the rest are handcrafted in Bali, Indonesia.  
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#012  Triple Strand Turquoise Chip Necklace
Approximately 24" long, this necklace is made up of tiny turquoise chips.  Inspired by Southwest Native American jewelry. 
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#015   8 Strand Red Coral
Measuring 18" long, this coral necklace includes an attached  4 1/2 inch gold-plated chain that can extend the necklace.  The tiny round coral beads are a red-orange color.  The coral is interspersed with turquoise and brass beads.  The 8 strands have been braided to some extent.  With gold-filled cones at the ends, this necklace has an elegant appearance. For many Southwest Native Americans, multi-strand coral necklaces are associated with wealth and good standing in the community. Coral is believed to bring longevity and good luck to the owner.  Because it has historically been difficult to obtain coral in the southwest, it is traditionally referred to as "red gold".  For more information, see "Southwestern Indian Jewelry" available here.  

 


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#021   Sterling Silver Bolo Tie with Turquoise
This bolo is fabricated by well known Navajo artist Peter Nelson.  The back is stamped with his name and 'STERLING'.  The silver patterns are skillfully cut and layered.  Several different textures have been created on the silver pieces.  The design is further heightened with decorative sterling wire and tiny hand made silver balls.  A turquoise stone centers the piece. See the photo enlargement for more details. 

 


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#024 Pink Coral and Pearls
This formal Navajo piece is made up of pink coral and pearls.  Small pieces of blue lapis and red coral are sprinkled throughout the necklace. Measuring 28 1/2" long, the strands have been gently braided. While red coral has become popular in the past few years, pink coral (also known as angel skin coral) is less available. Since it has been historically difficult to obtain coral in the Southwest, many Native tribes consider coral jewelry to be a sign of prestige.  Much of the coral used in jewelry today comes from the Mediterranean.   

 


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#015   8 Strand Red Coral
Measuring 18" long, this coral necklace includes an attached  4 1/2 inch gold-plated chain that can extend the necklace.  The tiny round coral beads are a red-orange color.  The coral is interspersed with turquoise and brass beads.  The 8 strands have been braided to some extent.  With gold-filled cones at the ends, this necklace has an elegant appearance. For many Southwest Native Americans, multi-strand coral necklaces are associated with wealth and good standing in the community. Coral is believed to bring longevity and good luck to the owner.  Because it has historically been difficult to obtain coral in the southwest, it is traditionally referred to as "red gold".  For more information, see "Southwestern Indian Jewelry" available here.  

 


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#021   Sterling Silver Bolo Tie with Turquoise
This bolo is fabricated by well known Navajo artist Peter Nelson.  The back is stamped with his name and 'STERLING'.  The silver patterns are skillfully cut and layered.  Several different textures have been created on the silver pieces.  The design is further heightened with decorative sterling wire and tiny hand made silver balls.  A turquoise stone centers the piece. See the photo enlargement for more details. 

 


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#024 Pink Coral and Pearls
This formal Navajo piece is made up of pink coral and pearls.  Small pieces of blue lapis and red coral are sprinkled throughout the necklace. Measuring 28 1/2" long, the strands have been gently braided. While red coral has become popular in the past few years, pink coral (also known as angel skin coral) is less available. Since it has been historically difficult to obtain coral in the Southwest, many Native tribes consider coral jewelry to be a sign of prestige.  Much of the coral used in jewelry today comes from the Mediterranean.   

 


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#039 Buffalo Bolo
This primitive looking piece is made by Navajo jeweler Peter Nelson.  The bolo is 1 1/2" tall by 1 1/2" at its widest.  The silver background has been worked to give it a stony texture.  The buffalo relief is coated with a thin layer of gold.  Particularly for the Plains tribes, the buffalo is thought to be a positive sign and a powerful influence.  The presence of the buffalo has brought survival and strength to these tribes.  In Native legends, the buffalo often plays an important role.  To learn more about the buffalo and other Native American nature symbols, see Bobby Lake-Thom's book "Spirits of the Earth".
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#041     Triple Strand Blue Green Turquoise 
This 26 inches long 3-tierd necklace is strung with glossy blue-green turquoise.  Some of the silver beads are quite ornate and beautifully made.  An attractive piece, it is likely Native made.
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#042  Green Turquoise and Bali Beads #2 

One of two such necklaces in this gallery, this double-strand turquoise necklace is approximately 30" long.  Each of the turquoise beads in this necklace is wonderfully multi-colored (see close-up). Because of this, the piece may be worn with teal, brown, green or black clothing.  Predominantly green in color, the necklace includes decorative silver Bali beads.  These beads are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Bali, Indonesia. 

 


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#043   4 Strand Turquoise Chips
This 4 strand necklace is made up of pretty blue turquoise chips. The stones have been smoothed over and polished.  The strands have been slightly braided together.  18" long, the end of the necklace includes an attached sterling silver chain that may extend the necklace length by up to 4".   

 


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#045  Red Barrel Coral Necklace
Smooth yet irregular red coral barrel beads make up this 5 strand necklace.  The silver bead work is quite ornate and beautiful.  The red coral itself has been heat treated to produce a more uniform red color.  Most of the red coral used by Southwest Indians originates from the Mediterranean.  The Spanish introduced coral to the Southwest many years ago.  26" long, it is likely Native made. 

 


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#050  5 Strand Turquoise Necklace
18" long, this 5 strand necklace includes an attached 4 1/2" silver chain that may extend the necklace to 22 1/2 ".  The light blue-green turquoise chips are shiny, irregular and smoothed. Likely Naive made.  

 


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#051   African Turquoise Necklace 
The coloring of the turquoise mined in Africa is distinctive. Pale green and attractively blotched with black, the African Turquoise of this necklace is interspersed with decorative metal beads. This piece is approximately 21" in length. 


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#052   Double-Strand Green Turquoise #2
One of 2 such necklaces in this gallery, this necklace measures approximately 30 " long.  Each of the the turquoise beads in this necklace are wonderfully multi-colored (see close-up).  Because of this, the necklace can be worn with teal, brown, green or black clothing.  Predominantly green in color, this double-strand necklace includes decorative silver Bali beads.  These beads are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Bali, Indonesia.  
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#054  Coral Chip Necklace #1
Measuring approximately 17" long, this necklace is made up of raw red coral chips. The natural imperfections of the chips lend the piece a primitive 'by the shore' look. Many Southwest Native Americans believe coral brings longevity and good luck to the owner. Most of the red coral available today is harvested from the Mediterranean.  This necklace can be worn as a double-strand with the longer coral chip necklace featured below (#055). 
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#055  Coral Chip Necklace #2
Measuring approximately 20" long, this necklace is made up of raw red coral chips.  The natural imperfections of the chips lend the piece a primitive and 'by the shore' look.  Most of the red coral available today comes from the Mediterranean. This necklace can be worn as a double-strand with the shorter coral chip necklace featured above (#054).  
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#056   Kachina and Turquoise Bolo Tie
This sterling silver overlay bolo is fabricated by well known Navajo artist Peter Nelson.  The tiny silver patterns and the image of the kachina (which means "spirit") are carefully cut by the artist using a jeweler's saw.  These small pieces are then soldered onto a heavy silver sheet backing.  The bolo's black leather braided cords are capped at the ends with handmade silver tubes.  A good deal of skill and talent go into this attractive and solid bolo. The back is stamped with the artist's name and with the word 'Sterling' (silver).  For many Southwest American Indians, the kachina is an important part of the spiritual world.  These mystical beings are believed to be protectors and messengers to the world of spirit.  They may bring blessings of fruitfulness and harmony.  Imagery of the kachina can be traced back to pre-historic times.  For more information see "Southwestern Indian Jewelry" available here. 
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#059  Sterling Geometry Bolo
This attractive bolo is fabricated by well known Navajo silversmith Peter Nelson.  The intricate geometric designs of this piece are carefully cut from sterling silver sheet using a fine jewelers saw. Texture is added to the pieces for interest.  All the pieces are then fit together like a jig saw puzzle onto a flat sheet of silver and soldered into place. The bolo itself measures  2 1/4" long and 1 1/2" at its widest and includes the black braided leather cord.  The cord tips have been capped off with decorative silver endings. The artist has stamped his name on the back along with 'STERLING'. 

 


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#061  Red Coral and Turquoise Necklace #2
19 1/2" long, this is one of 4 such necklaces in this gallery.  The necklace includes irregular red coral beads.  The coral is dyed to produce a uniform red color.  Natural black spots occur on the coral and provide more interest.  Brass discs and irregular blue-green turquoise are interspersed throughout the necklace.  Because the coral and turquoise are not ground to be uniform in shape, the necklace has a more primitive and playful look.  
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#064   Spiny Oyster and Silver Set
This 16" choker includes an attached 4 inch silver chain that can extend the length of the necklace.  The colorful red toned inlay is polished spiny oyster shell.  A feminine and delicate looking piece. Matching earrings included.  Navajo made. 
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#068   Bead Fest #2 
One of 3 such necklaces in this gallery, this playful necklace measures 20 1/2" long.  It incorporates many elements including green and African turquoise, red coral, amethyst, and the yellowish serpentine stone.  Some of the silver beads are Native made, while others are handcrafted by artisans in Bali, Indonesia. 
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#070  Azurite Necklace #1
19" long, this necklace is made up of azurite stone and vermeil spacers.  Azurite is deep blue in color. The blue is typically mixed with the bright green of malachite stone.  They make for a beautiful combination.  The round stones here are 6 mm in size.  The bead spacers are vermeil, which is a gold plated sterling silver. This necklace may be worn in conjunction with the longer necklace that follows (#071). 
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#071 Azurite Necklace #2
21" long, this necklace is made up of azurite stone and vermeil spacers.  Azurite is deep blue in color.  The blue is typically mixed with the bright green of malachite stone.  The two together are a beautiful combination.  The azurite beads here are 8mm.  The gold spacers are vermeil, which is gold plated silver.  It can be worn as a double-strand with the smaller azurite necklace featured above (#070). 
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#073 Double Strand Turquoise and Sparkles
This double-stranded turquoise necklace is approximately 18" long.  The discs of turquoise are unevenly made, giving the stones a more natural look.  The silver colored seed beads placed between the turquoise discs give the necklace an occasional sparkle.  The necklace length can be increased by up to 4 inches using the sterling silver chain attached to the back. 
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#076   Pink Clam Shells
This simple choker is made up of small pink shell chips.  Non-Native made.  

 


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#077   Bead Fest #3
One of 3 such necklaces in this gallery, this strand measures 21" long.  This playful necklace incorporates many elements including green turquoise, African turquoise, red coral, amethyst (purple) and serpentine (a yellowish stone found in desert areas).  Some of the silver beads are made by Native Americans while others are handcrafted by artisans in Bali, Indonesia. 
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#078   Coral and Turquoise Necklace #4
One of 4 such necklaces in this gallery, this necklace measures 19" long.  The necklace incorporates irregular red coral beads.  The coral is dyed to produce a more uniform red color.  Natural black spots occur on the coral and provide more interest.  Brass discs and irregular blue-green turquoise are interspersed throughout the necklace. A more playful and primitive looking piece.  
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#079  Santo Domingo Classic #3
This is one of 3 such necklaces in the gallery.  It is typical of the work that comes out of the Santo Domingo pueblo in New Mexico.  The white and tan colors of this necklace are shell.  Because the pueblo lies along the Rio Grande, shell is readily available. The black color is a fossilized coal referred to as 'jet'.  The sienna is pipestone, which is native to the Southwest.  The center of the necklace is turquoise.  Created by T. Crespin of the Santo Domingo pueblo, it is reasonably priced.  Approximately 19" in length, the necklace may be worn by a male or female.

 


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#080   Polished Green Turquoise Necklace
This green turquoise necklace is 7 1/2 inches long.  The graduated beads are a high grade turquoise.  The beads are smooth and polished. 
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#085   30" Liquid Silver Necklace
Native American made, this liquid silver necklace is 30" long and is made up of 50 strands.  Each tiny sterling silver tube bead is just 1/16 of an inch long.  In a single 30 inch strand there are 480 beads.  In this 50 strand necklace the maker had to string approximately 24,000 beads.  This type of stringing can be very taxing on the eyes.  Because there are so many beads per inch, the necklace is able to drape in such an elegant way as to look like liquid silver.     

 


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#089   Green Turquoise and Silver
Measuring approximately 30", this necklace is made up of 2 different strands of green/brown turquoise.  An unusual and earthy color, these are graduated 'heishi' turquoise beads.  The sterling silver tube beads are hand made and decoratively stamped by Southwest Native Americans.                   

 
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#090   Aquamarine Turquoise and Silver
Measuring approximately 30", this double-strand necklace is made up of pale aquamarine graduated turquoise. The sterling silver tube beads are hand made and decoratively stamped by Southwest Native Americans. The necklace is finished off at the ends with delicate sterling silver beads. A beautiful piece.  
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#091  Arizona Brown Beaded Necklace
Navajo artist Rena Charles utilizes a loom to create her beaded necklaces.  This scintillating 11 strand necklace measures approximately 30" long.  The band of beads on the left  measures 1" wide and illustrates traditional Navajo design.  
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#092  Beaded Chokers
These chokers are beaded by well known Navajo artist Rena Charles.  The wearer must customize the choker to their own neck by sewing either a snap catch or a Velcro catch to the cloth ends. The beaded section of the violet-shaded choker measures 1" wide by 8" long.  The entire choker measures 24" long and can be trimmed at the ends to fit the wearer. The beaded section of the earth colored choker measures 1" wide by 6 3/8" long.  The entire choker measures 20 1/2" from end to end and may be trimmed to fit.  The coin in the image is a dime for size comparison.

                                                                             

                  
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#093  Pink Coral Necklace 

This pink spiny coral necklace measures approximately 21" long.  The spines have a delicate appearance.  There is a slight red cast to the bright pink color.  

 
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#094  Double Strand Red Coral and Turquoise
This double strand red coral necklace measures about 32" in length and is accompanied by a matching pair of earrings.  The earrings measure about 1 1/2" long.  The coral is made up of short stubby spines.  The coral is followed by  sky-blue turquoise tube beads.  The necklace ends are made up of sterling silver round beads.  These silver beads make the necklace comfortable to wear against the neck.  Navajo made.  

 


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#095   Triple Red Coral and Gold
This dainty necklace measures about 15 1/2" long and includes a 2" gold colored chain at its end.  The chain can add length to the necklace if desired.  The decorative gold colored beads are vermeil.  Vermeil is 22K gold plated sterling silver. The individual coral beads have been heat-treated to enhance their red color.  Beads are irregular in size and average 8.5mm long by 3.5mm in diameter. 
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