Handmade Spiny Oyster Shell Sterling Silver Earrings FJE1879

Navajo silversmiths are renowned for their intricate, detailed stamp work, a style developed over many generations. Stamping is done by hand, and the stamps themselves are often times unique to the artist or are handed down from generations of silversmiths.

Twisted wire metalworking is a very old technique used by many Southwestern tribes. It can be found in both vintage and modern pieces.

Seen frequently throughout Native American jewelry, Sterling Silver "raindrops" are a traditional design element. They can be smooth and high polished or they can be starlike and oxidized. 

Southwest jewelry styles are often popping with color. Spiny Oyster shell is often inlaid or used as cabochons and the color combination of Spiny Oyster and turquoise is as old as the human love for adornment. Coming all the way from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, Spiny 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 at a much greater depth than the brilliant oranges and are rare and more expensive. Spiny Oyster beads of good color are much coveted and can be worn with all of your turquoise and silver pieces.