"Queen Of Faeries" #PI - 02252018

"Queen Of Faeries"

A Dramatic Statement of Culture - Hippie Culture

I was young during the peak of the hippie culture emergence in the early 60's onward.

My family was living in San Fransisco, CA during the "Summer Of Love".

Much of my life and style has, naturally, been influenced by this time in history.
The Avant-garde is something I embrace.

This Necklace is one of my best "Avant-garde" pieces to date.
As with all of my Jewelry Art ... this is a "One Of A Kind"

It is inspired by "Queen Of Fairies" by Arthur Rackham
(one of my favorite historic artists from the late 18oo's and early 19oo's)

From a "Junk Shop" more than 10 years ago ... in northern Oregon,
I found the Sterling Silver Butterfly that is the centerpiece of this work.

Over the past few years I searched for the smaller 
Sterling Silver Dragon Flies, Butterflies and Frogs.

On a trip to California two years ago, I found the green pearl stands that bring this 
springtime treasure to life.

Featuring five (5) stands of Green Cultured Pearls: 
Biwa, Rice, Coin, Square, Branch, Button and Potato

Hill Tribe Sterling Silver Butterflies, Dragon Flies, Frogs and Leaves
Swarovski Crystals with Jasper and Jade Beads
Sterling Silver Flowers, Spacers and Seed Beads

 All Finding are Sterling Silver
 Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

 Pearl Strands: 21 and 22 Inches Long
Earrings Falls: 2.25 Inches

Years In The Making ...True Wearable Art
$890.00
w/Free Shipping 

Ebay Link Below

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/192473110386?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2648

Kissed By A Rose #PI - 02142018

Pearls ... Natures Original Jewels

A symbol of wealth, status and a form of currency.
Pearls have never gone out of fashion with the rich.
Even now when pearls are "cultured", or even faked in ceramic or plastic, 
the reputation of the pearl survives. 

Real Pearls are Rare, Unique and Mysteriously Beautiful.
This treasured, natural gemstone has fascinated us for centuries.

What Is A Pearl??

When a piece of grit or sand enters its shell, an oyster secretes a layer of Nacre around the irritant to protect it's living soft tissue from harm. Nacre forms a firm crystalline substance containing calcium carbonate that turns into a smooth coating building up in layers over many months and sometimes years. In time, (and with a bit of luck) a beautiful pearl can be taken from the shell without any need for polishing or finishing. The overlapping translucent layers give a pearl its shimmer, color and luster, reflecting the light through those layers.

Human's have been harvesting pearls for centuries in order to try and capture some of the beauty of nature for ourselves. The collecting of pearls is thought to have begun in ancient India among fish-eating families who fancied keeping hold of those little sea gems. Pearl fishing and culture continues in India, Persia, Japan, China, the South Seas and South America.

A necklace was originally a pagan protective device to stop the 

soul from leaving the body and flying off without you. 
Sounds like a pretty essential piece of jewelry to me ??!!

In ancient religions, pearls were symbolic of the moon and possessing magical properties. In fact, most religions make reference to pearls. Even today pearls are symbolic in Buddhist, Hindu, Hebrew, Christian and Islamic religions. 
Pearls are heavenly and pure, the symbol of perfection.

Once upon a time, the family jewels were passed down from generation to generation.
Pearls were popular and worn mostly by royalty.
Who else could afford such rare luxuries from the depths of the ocean?

In ancient Egypt, pearls were used to decorate buildings, royal clothing and even used as sarcophagus decoration. Even cosmetics were made from ground-up pearls.  This is where "Gilter" came from. The Egyptians discovered round pearls through the influence of Persia. A pearl necklace, believed to have belonged to a Persian princess, now hangs in the Louvre.

The Ancient Greeks viewed oysters and pearls as symbols of love.

Ancient Romans also adored pearls as a sign of status for both men and women. 
Both Aphrodite and Venus are said to have emerged from an oyster shell.  
In ancient China pearl jewelry represents purity in the wearer 
and pearls were (and are) used as currency.

View this link for more pearl history:

 http://visforvintage.net/2013/06/07/history-of-pearls

I Love Pearls

Sometimes I will buy them ... and just look at them for years,
before I use them in my jewelry.

Each pearl is an "Individual". 
Each one a "Treasure".

Even in today's world, with fine "Cultured Pearls", (we no longer wait for nature to put a "seed" into an Oyster - we do it manually - then leave the oyster to grow us a beautiful creation), the pearl still holds great value and meaning.

I am offering a wonderfully modern version of the Pearl Necklace and Earrings set.

Made from three kinds of white pearls, Branch, Biwa and Baroque, 
this necklace and earring set is very wearable.  
Enhanced with a Sterling Silver Rose bead at it's center, Swarovski Crystals 
and Brown/Tan/Gold Jasper stone beads this necklace has a lovely look.

Featuring Two (2) 22 millimeter Baroque Pearls 
(very large natural pearls - amazing size, shape and colors)

6 and 10 millimeter Biwa (Tear Drop) Pearls and 16 Millimeter Branch Pearls
Swarovski Crystals and Jasper Beads
Sterling Silver Rose and Spacer Beads 

All Finding are Sterling Silver
 Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

Necklace: 20 Inches
Earrings Fall: 2 Inches

$225.00
w/free shipping

Ebay Link Below

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/192480646779?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2648

Beauty's Ambassador #NAI - 02122018

"Sit Quietly ... And She Will Find You"

The Butterfly is Nature's Beauty Ambassador

There is a special kind of joy in seeing a large butterfly winging near you.

 They go about their busy way ... 

but just seeing one will bring you a sense of reverence for life!!!

They are delicate. Their lives are short. 
They remind us that our own lives too are short.

Young, unmarried girls in Native Cultures throughout the world are often compared to Butterflies. The Hopi of the American Southwest celebrated the Butterfly everyday in the historic pueblo hairstyle of their Maidens. Attend a Pow Wow and you will see
 "Butterfly Dancers" in all the colors of the rainbow. 
In their dance, dress and person ... these Native Children are ... Beauty Incarnate.
  
Native American Silversmiths will often use the butterfly motif in their work.

This Brushed Silver Butterfly reminds all who will see it ... that the wearer has a connection with, and joy in nature.

Rough Cut Turquoise Beads, Hand Finished Sterling Oxidized Beads,

Bali Silver Spacers, Tiny Sand-cast  Butterfly Beads, Sterling Navajo Pearls with a Stunning Hand Carved Brushed Sterling Silver Butterfly set with Turquoise.

All Finding are Sterling Silver
 Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

Butterfly w/Large Pale: 3 x 2 inches
(Makers Mark: B. Johnson - Sterling)

Necklace: 20 inches

Earrings Fall:  2.5 inches


 Modern with an Elegant Simplicity, yet very Native American
Perfect for our "Dressed Down" modern world - Jeans and a T-shirt
$625.00
w/Free Shipping

EBay Link Below
 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Made-Jewelry-Handcrafted-Jewelry-One-Of-A-Kind-Art-Jewelry/192480851483

The Last Of Nevada #8: # NAI - 02142018

A Uniquely American Beauty

The Nevada #8 turquoise mine closed a few years ago ... there will be no more turquoise from that location. Nevada #8 is valued for it's soft turquoise color 

infused with a deep brown, tan and gold matrix.

Each bead is a masterpiece of Nature's Southwestern Colors from
Mother Earth and Father Sky

 This necklace shows the Nevada #8 colors to a very fine level.  

The graduated beads showcase the wonderful versatility of  Native American Jewelry.

I have added two stunning Hill Tribe Tube Beads, Bali Spacers and 
Carved/Sand-cast "Navajo Pearls" to create a Classically Modern Treasure.

Made From: Nevada #8 Turquoise, Large Hill Tribe Silver Tube Beads, 

Bali Silver Spacers, Peyote Shaped "Navajo Pearls" 

with Hand Carved Silver "Tear Drops" and Liquid Silver Beads

Necklace: 21 Inches Long

Earrings Fall: 2 Inches

All Findings are Sterling Silver

Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

Very Wearable One Of A Kind High Style

Dress it Up or Down

$ 495.00
Free Shipping

Ebay. Link Below

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/192473184463?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2648

Pink Pearls Inspirations - # PI - 02112018

Shimmering Pink Pearls and Swarovski Crystals

Ladies love pearls, but in today's world the 
simple traditional round pearl necklace has evolved a bit.

Wear with a simple White, Pink or Black Sweater for a Classic Fashion Statement,
 or layer with Pink Jeans and a White T-Shirt -  creating a Fresh  Modern Twist to Your Life

Made from AAA Pink Pearls: Baroque, Biwa Stick, Rice
Pink Swarovski Crystals and Seed Beads

Necklace: 21 Inches

Earring Fall: 2.25 Inches
All Findings are Sterling Silver
Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

Unique and Elegantly Classic
$89.00
Free Shipping

Ebay Link Below

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Made-Jewelry-Pearl-Jewelry-Handcarfted-Art-Jewelry/192480865085

"The Messenger" # NAI - 02082018

"The Messenger"

Coming from within Native American Culture, 

there are many wonderful stories bringing us important lessons
 to be learned from Nature.

Each piece of my Jewelry tells a story ... if you wish to hear and see it.

This Hishie and Zuni Silver work necklace and earring set 
speaks of Nature as Teacher and Guide.

It is said: "Nature Speaks Clearly ... only Man is deaf to Her Voice"

Native America beliefs (and other Indigenous Faiths as well) 

bring us a window into the world of Man and our relationship with Nature.

Through Native American teachings ... we are able to hear 
the voice of the Great Spirit more clearly.

Butterflies, Dragonflies and Humming Birds are known for their ability to bring,

the mindful person, needed inspiration or an important personal message.

In this necklace you can imagine a beautiful Butterfly landing on your shoulder, 
bringing you it's message of 
Beauty, Joy in the Living World ... and giving you a ... Gentle Peace to Your Heart.

The Zuni Butterfly sits lovingly over the wearer Heart

10 strands of Brown and Turquoise Hishie, Natural Turquoise Chips, 
Carved Payote Shaped Turquoise, Brown Freshwater Pearls, 
tiny Hill Tribe Silver Sand-cast Butterflies, Sterling Silver Beads,

all surrounding a Zuni Silver Butterfly 
(w/makers mark - maker unknown - older 1920's ??)

Necklace: 23.5 inches long.

Earrings: Fall 2 inches.
  All findings are Sterling Silver 
Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

Modern, Unique, Elegantly Simple and Light to Wear
with a Powerful Natural Beauty

$775.00
Gallery Displayed
w/Free Shipping 

Link to ebay.com

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Made-Jewelry-Handcrafted-One-Of-A-Kind-Art-Jewelry-The-Messenger/192480542370?hash=item2cd0bbfea2:g:jpMAAOSweehanDv1

Deer Clan Earring # NAO - 06182014

Historic photos always show Native American men and women wearing earring.

Sometimes these earrings were just bones or shells 
on a gut thread or metal wire hoop.

 Many Indigenous peoples from around the world also show this trend.

Most often the earrings were hand made by the wearer or wear's family member.

The next time you see the old photographs or drawings
 ... pay attention to the earrings.

I was attending a "Pow Wow" in Northern Montana a few years back and had a lovely visit with an older Native, Crow, lady I have known for years. She was helping her son (mid-20's) get dressed in his dance regalia ... when I noticed a young woman looking on. This lovely Native lady (Eva) was the Son's wife. She was dressed to dance and wearing earrings made from Deer antler bone and silver beads. I commentated on, and admired them. She told me she made her living making and selling earrings, and other Native beaded arts.

I showed her some of the photos of my own work.

Later that month after I returned home ... a package came for me in the mail.

The item I had bought from Eva had arrived!!
There was also a gift.

Eva's enclosed note thanked me for my purchase 
and stated the Deer bone tips were a gift.

 (Native peoples will often give a gift as an extension/expression of their gratitude)

(I know the tips also come with a ceremonial blessing ...
something I was also able to attend as well during the Pow Wow).

I made these earrings similar to Eve's from memory.

(You should NEVER take photos of Native People - without their stated permission)
(I don't do it at all)

Deer Antler Tip Drops, Hill Tribe Silver Beads and Spacers, Sterling Silver Findings

New Made ... Old Fashioned Style Treasure

Falling: 3.5 inches

$250.00

In My Private Collection - sold only to the "Right Person"

Native America Restoration #NAO - 10102015

 From The Past .... To The Present ... With Joy

After centuries of abuse and neglect ... Indigenous peoples of the world (with their art and culture) are again receiving the recognition they truly deserve. As their wisdom, art and music are again being celebrated, many historic handmade items are being resorted and treasured.

I found these earrings in a "Junk Shop" on an Arizona, Zuni Reservation.

The "STORE" (I use the word lightly) was a smelly, dust, mess !!! 

My husband would not even go inside!!!

I discovered these earring, strung on very stiff and badly warn gut thread in their originally made state.  A rare find, likely sold for quick cash to the pawn shop.

I was very lucky (and grateful) that day to have found them.

Even with their heavy patina (a nice word for dirty) and in such a fragile state,

they cost me a "Pretty Penny".

I have cleaned the beads/shells and restored the stinging.

Because of the hand made nature ... they are very "imperfect" ... a sure sign of originality.  Each bead has been restored to it's original position in the re-stringing.  I was able to use the original silver spacers too - a rare thing - they still show the original oxidation and patina.

The set has new Sterling Silver earring wires.
Falling: 3 3/4 inches

Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

The "Real Thing" ... restored and ready for a "Second Chance"

Hand Carved and Graduated Turquoise with White Sea Shell

Hand Caved Red Coral Heshie Beads and Sand-cast Silver Spacers

 A True Western American Historic Treasure

$625.00

 Ebay link below
 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Made-Jewelry-Handcrafted-Jewelry-One-Of-A-Kind-Earings-Native-American/192480638407

From The Grand Cayman Island # AAI-02152018

The Heshie in this Necklace and Earrings set is made from antique turtle shell beads 
from Grand Cayman Island.

During a vacation visit to Grand Cayman, I found a FANTASTIC junk shop.

I love "Junk Shops" ... they are full of wonderful things the average tourist would never see or buy.  I bought a dusty, very old, half missing, turtle shell necklace.  After the cleaning restoration, I have been waiting for the right Hill Tribe silver accents to come my way.

You can see the results in this gently masculine set.

The necklace is 18.5 inches (a nice length for guys) with the earrings falling 2 inches.

Turtle Shell, Hill Tribe Silver Feathers, Bali Silver Spacers, Eagle Bone Spacers and Picture Jasper.  All findings are Sterling Silver.  Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps".

A Truly Worldly Treasure

$280.00 with free shipping
Gallery Displayed

Uniquely Petite # AAI - 02022018

This lovely Necklace and Earring set comes together 

from four different world continents!!

The Gaspeite stone beads are from Austrialia,

The Silver Feathers are Hill Tribe Silver

The round silver beads are from Bali

The finding hale from China

Necklace is 18 inches
Earrings fall 2 inches

Perfect with jeans and a white, tan or green T-Shirt - Worldly Style

Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

$250.00 with free shipping
Gallery Displayed

Ebay Link Below

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Made-Jewelry-Handcrafted-Jewelry-One-Of-A-Kind-Jewelry-Art-Jewelry/192480653226

Four In One Layers #NAI - 01072018

Four separate necklaces with two sets of earrings.

Wear them all at once or each one can be worn separately.

Heshie, Purple and Orange Spiny Oyster, Red Corral, Turquoise, Gaspeite,
Sterling Silver Beads, Eagle Bone, Picture Jasper, Freshwater Pearls.

Longest Strand: 25 inches

Two Strands of Heshie: 23 inches

Turquoise Strand by: Tommy Singer: 21.5 inches

Purple Spiny Oyster Strand: 19 inches

Earring Fall: 2 inches

All finding are sterling silver

Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

Complete Set:  $650.00 with free shipping

Gallery Displayed

Ebay Link Below

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/192480861299?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

Red Corral Beauty #AAI-02012018 SOLD: For $375.00 on 2/7/2018

Red Corral and Hill Tribe Silver.

Necklace is 22 inches with Earrings falling 2 inches.

All Findings are Sterling Silver.

 Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

$400.00 w/ free shipping

Gallery Displayed

Fetish Necklace # NAI-02062018

A modern take on the traditional Native American Fetish Necklace

All Sterling Silver Findings
Hand Carved Fetishes:  Horses, Bear, Mink, Foxes, Wolves, Butterflies,

Heshie Beads with Colored and Turquoise Heshie inserts

Necklace is 22 inches with Earrings falling 4 inches

Set on coated high tinsel wire and secured with "Twisted Crimps"

$ 375.00    w/ Free Shipping

Gallery Displayed

Ebay Link Below

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Made-Jewelry-Handcrafted-Jewelry-One-Of-A-Kind-Native-American/192480867581