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FREE: 1940's Native American Black Onyx Set

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Description

The listing, 1940's Native American Black Onyx Set has ended.

Hello everyone.......I have here a rare and unusual set
from the Navajo Nation in Arizona. The unusual and
rare parts about this set is that during the world wars the precious metals as gold, silver, nickel and copper were marked for the war effort. Things that required any of these, had to make due with other metals............even nickels were made of steel when the US ran low. So to make this set the artist used half the sterling silver and the way they did this is the rare and unusual technique. This set was made in a two step process. The under
frame is made seperately of high polished metal and then decorated with Sterling silver. This is called "Mixed
Metal Media technique". This set is the perfect example
of what this way portraits. To save metals while not compromising beauty. All genuine black onyx stones,
Marked "SS" underneath on all peices. This gorgeous
set is far more beautiful than the pictures show. And a
great example of how history influenced the jewelry biz.
Not just in the Native Indian but in all jewelry making.
PLEASE check out all my auctions that ship for free
with tracking. I ship out on fridays. All Listia Rules apply.
Thanks for having a look.

*Sorry everyone...This is approx. an 18 inches in length.

Questions & Comments

This is a very nice set. However I doubt it is Navajo. I believe if anything the "SS" may have been added or may even indicate the initials of whomever created this set. I would say that the style is very evocative of Victorian era cast jewely, probably from Mexico or even perhaps a European country, but again I doubt very much if it is Navajo. I say this as a former resident of Arizona for many years, with many trips to the reservation, many contacts with the artisans both in Arizona and New Mexico and many years as a jewelry collector. I also frequented the shops that carried the old pawn jewelry and became quite expert in determining real from not real American Indian jewelry. The part that actually concerns me the most is the way the chain is attached to the pendant. My best guess...and again, from my background is a guess, is that this is probably East Indian, not American Indian. The "mixed metal" technique you describe is what is commonly referred to as plating and the technique was not available to the American Indians in the time period you describe. I hope this information helps, but I certainly anticipate that this comment will be hidden and I will be blocked. In the war times and even before, the Navajo used coins to create their jewelry, melting if necessary and hammering out the silver mostly. It is a lovely set, but highly doubt your story.

Jan 16th, 2015 at 3:06:42 AM PST by

One thing I learned in all my 38 years experience, is that no two artisans are alike
or collectors knowledge. Everyone has there opinions and theories. As well as techniques in doing ways of producing are also many. I also think that taking in the
consideration of the age of this piece, the chain may have been added later. But
I didnt mention this because this is how I bought it. However, Your therory of INDIANS USING COINS is nearly rediculous. When everyone was near poverty
level accross the country and counting pennies and recieving war rations. On top of this.....Gold, Silver, copper , nickel and other metals where kept from public use
and used in the war effort. So I will keep your comment up.....so others can make
up there own minds and see your theory just doesnt hold up !

Jan 16th, 2015 at 9:54:03 AM PST by

So how is it that the Navajo could "facet " the face of the stones? All the Native American tooled onyx i ever see from this time period is polished cabochons that is easily done with a grinder.

Jan 17th, 2015 at 5:35:35 PM PST by

These stones are NOT faceted......they are flat with a beveled edge.

Jan 17th, 2015 at 10:24:47 PM PST by

I was just wondering here grandmasstuff2--how did you determine that this is Navajo? Hope you have a great weekend!

Jan 9th, 2015 at 3:10:48 PM PST by

answer on auction.....thanks for you interest.

Jan 9th, 2015 at 4:03:41 PM PST by

awesome hope to win from my heritage

Jan 10th, 2015 at 6:51:00 PM PST by

Thank you and best of luck !

Jan 10th, 2015 at 7:04:51 PM PST by

ty so mch

Jan 10th, 2015 at 7:32:04 PM PST by

Your always welcome.!

Jan 10th, 2015 at 7:37:25 PM PST by

I Lived just outside Phoenix for several years (and as I am a Jewelry collector
most of my life) when I went out there I was sure to buy the real thing and not
the souvinier junk. I went to the reservations and bought from local artist directly.
It is in there style, but this is my opinion from many years of experiance. TY

Jan 9th, 2015 at 3:40:49 PM PST by