What is Overlay?

Overlay pieces are made of two layers of sterling silver. The top layer has a cutout design. The solid bottom layer (background to the cutout) is usually accented for contrast. The Navajo silversmiths oxidize the bottom layer which darkens it. Hopi silversmiths oxidize and etch the background (texturize it) with hashmarks. The cutout top layer is placed over the bottom layer and the two pieces are "sweated" together, that is, heated so that they become one. This is a very difficult skill to master.