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New Old Stock PN557 - $80 | ||||||||||
Paula says - "In my opinion, this Yei pin shows design characteristics and workmanship of being Navajo made. But, because we are unable to attribute the YR hallmark to a specific artist we can't legally sell this item as Native American made - read more."
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Yei FigureYei is a shortened version of YeiBeiChei, a holy figure in Native American cultures. The yei figure symbolizes healing powers. Yei petroglyphs (rock art) are found in the America Soutwest. Yei figures are often use in healing sand paintings and woven into rugs. The figures can be found depicted standing upright, curved, angled and in a three-sided square. There are male and female yei figures. Female yei have square heads and male yei are depicted with round heads. |
What does Tufa Cast mean?Tufa cast, or sand cast, items are made using a procedure developed by Navajo silversmiths in the mid 1800s. It is a labor-intensive process that involves many steps. First, the artisan carves the design of the item being cast into the flat surface of a stone. Stones typically used are tuff, a porous volcanic ash material; tufa, a porous limestone that forms near hot springs; and sandstone, which is somewhat harder. Next, another smooth flat stone is placed against the carved half of the mold. The halves are fastened together and a sprue hole is carved into one end. Molten silver is poured into the mold through the sprue hole. Once the silver cools, the halves are separated and the item is taken out and finished. Bracelets are poured flat and then shaped. Read more . . . |
About Silver100% solid silver won't tarnish but it is too soft to use for making jewelry - it could easily be scratched, dented and bent. Sterling silver has a small amount of one or more other metals usually copper, added to the silver. To be called sterling silver, the alloy must contain at least 92.5% pure silver. Sterling silver alloy is harder than pure silver but the added metals also can cause discoloration or tarnish. Read more about silver. |
Our
Rescue Mission |
NOTE:
Items in our Vintage Shop are either USED or NEW. They might come from inheritances,
estate sales, private collections, and store liquidations. Many items are brand
new (NOS, New Old Stock) and in perfect condition while others may show tarnish,
scratches and other signs of use. Major issues will be described in detail and
shown in photos. Vintage Shop items are sold as described and are not returnable. |
Horsekeeping
LLC - Definitions of Jewelry Age and Condition | |
Patina | A dark or colored film of oxidation that forms naturally on metal exposure to air and other elements. It is often valued for its aesthetically pleasing appearance. |
Vintage | 30 years or older. |
NOS | New Old Stock. Retail store inventory from at least 10 years ago. |
Pre-owned | An item that has been used. |
