We have similar Hopi and Overlay items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. Listing Description by: Angela A. Main Stone Measurements/Color. Accent Stone Measurements/Color. Handmade by a talented Hopi silversmith in the 1960s. 900 sterling silver, also known as coin silver, a popular purity of silver during this time period. Features a geometric design created using the overlay style, which consists of sheets of sterling silver, some punched with designs, soldered to each other. These four curving, swirling designs have blackened surfaces for high contrast. Completed with a standard bale for wear as a pendant, as well as a pin stem and locking “c” clasp for wear as a pin brooch. Damage : Age appropriate wear. There is a small dent on the edge of the brooch in one area; this does not affect wear. Some minor tarnish is present on the sterling silver, giving the piece an antique quality we believe is rather lovely. The price has been reduced to reflect this. This listing is for the item only. This beautiful piece was made by a very talented Native American silversmith. It features handcrafted silversmith work throughout. Antique Native American jewelry is very rare to find. This is due to these pieces being made for reservation and personal use before the tourist trade became popular. Very few pieces were made and even less survived to today. The members of the Hopi nation are the oldest continuous inhabitants of Arizona and are known for their beautiful jewelry made of sterling silver. Prior to first contact with Spanish colonialists and explorers, Hopi jewelry was made from carved stones, shell, bone, and wood which not only served as decoration or ornamentation but as religious and spiritual objects as well. Historians believe that Sikyatala of Walpi was the first member of the Hopi nation to learn the art of silversmithing, which he in turn introduced to the early Hopi silversmiths. Initially, Hopi jewelry was similar in design to pieces being created by the Navajo and Zuni and was commonly made out of recycled shell casings and copper wire. It wasn’t until after World War II that Hopi silversmiths developed their own distinct style utilizing a technique known as overlay. This technique was combined with ancient cultural symbolism and beliefs to create beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry that are highly sought after. Hopi overlay jewelry was first developed following the Second World War by Hopi silversmiths and jewelers as they created their own distinct style of jewelry, setting themselves apart from Zuni and Navajo silversmiths. This silversmithing technique involves punching designs out of a sheet of sterling silver which is then overlaid over another sheet of silver. The two sheets are soldered together, resulting in a raised design. To create contrast in the piece, parts of the lower sheet of silver are darkened using various patina agents. This item is in the category “Jewelry & Watches\Ethnic, Regional & Tribal\Necklaces & Pendants”. The seller is “abeautifultimeco” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Handmade: Yes
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Department: Unisex Adults
• Style: Pendant
• Pendant/Locket Type: Drop
• Type: Pendant
• Antique: No
• Color: Silver
• Vintage: Yes
• Metal Purity: 900
• Closure: Standard bale, pin stem and locking \
• Brand: Unbranded
• Metal: Sterling Silver
• Tribal Affiliation: Hopi
• Era: Vintage Native Hopi c. 1960
• Ethnic & Regional Style: Native American