Spiney Oyster shell is often inlaid or used as cabochons and the color combination of Spiney Oyster and turquoise is as old as the human love for adornment. Coming all the way from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, Spiney Oyster shell is most commonly seen in orange, red and purple. The more strident the color, the more expensive the shell is. Red and purple shells are found a much greater depth than the brilliant oranges, and are rare and more expensive. Spiney Oyster beads of good color are much coveted and can be worn with all of your turquoise and silver pieces.
Stamping to decorate silver is a technique uniquely mastered by Diné silversmiths, who are renowned for their detailed stamp work. Stamps for making jewelry are made from steel or iron, and the hammering of deep stamping is strong physical work. Stamps are often unique to a specific artist, and may have been passed down through a family of silversmiths over many generations.
Twisted wire metal working for jewelry making is a very old Navajo technique and can be found in vintage and Old Pawn jewelry made by Southwestern tribes
