Authentic Native American Navajo Indian Pink Shell Rosary

• Crucifix, medal and all metal beads are sterling silver
• The large sterling silver beads with seams are bench-made beads and are 8mm diameter
• Shell nuggets are approximately 8mm diameter
• Rosary laid out is 13" long

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Dime in above photo shows scale of beads.

Crucifix and medal are stamped "CHAPEL STER", which means the items were purchased from the Catholic Church and that they are Sterling Silver.

What is a rosary?

A rosary is a string of knots or beads, designed as an aid to the memory, and, when used in religious exercises, providing a convenient method for counting the recitation of prayers or the repetition of the names and attributes of the Deity."

- From the Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, ed. James Hastings, Volume X: Picts - Sacraments.

The Parts of a Rosary

The Chaplet is divided into five Decades with four Dividing Beads and a fifth one called the Medal, which may be of the same sort as the Divider Beads or a charm. The two ends of the Chaplet attach to the Medal as well as the Terminal which is a short piece that connects the Chaplet to the Crucifix.

The Divider Beads: There are four larger or differently sized beads to separate the Decades.

The Five Decades: There are five sets of ten beads that comprise the Chaplet.

The Medal or the Center: Previously described.

Pendant: Usually a Crucifix.