Gilbert Calavaza, Zuni - Sterling Silver |
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About Effie CalavazaZuni artist Effie Calavaza (1928 - 2019), from Zuni, New Mexico, is famous for her snake designs. She typically used turquoise, coral and sometimes opal in her jewelry. She learned silversmithing from her husband Juan Calavaza, who was taught by Dan Simplicio. Effie began making her own designs in 1956. Her pieces are prized and collected throughout the world. New pieces using her patterns are made by her son, Randy Calavaza and his wife, Amelia (Joy) Calavaza and by her grandson Gilbert Calavaza. |
Indian Snake SymbolismFor some Native American tribes the snake represents abundant rainfall and fertility and is depicted as as lightning or a lightning arrow. Some tribes use the snake as a healing image or for swiftness in battle. The snake does not symbolize anything negative or treacherous. Snakes are rarely used in Navajo jewelry but they are often seen in Zuni jewelry. We here in Colorado live with snakes - they are part of the landscape and ecosystem. Since our climate is semi-arid, we welcome the abundant rainfall the snake might bring. |
ABOUT TURQUOISE Turquoise is associated with the sky,
and bringing sky energy to earth. It is known as a master healer stone as it is
believed to help speed the healing process. It is also thought that turquoise
can help promote honest and clear communication from the heart. |
About Red CoralRed Coral is the common name given to Corallium Rubrum and several related species of marine coral. Red coral is a collection of hundreds of tiny animals living together in a colonies that resemble small leafless bushes growing on dark, rocky seabottom. The coral skeleton is composed hard calcium carbonate, colored in shades of red from pale pink to deep red. It can be semi-translucent to opaque. It is naturally matte, but can be polished to a glassy shine. Red coral is frequently dyed to enhance color and it can also be impregnated with resins or epoxies to fill surface fissures and flaws. Coral jewelry has been found in ancient Egyptian and prehistoric European burials. The Romans believed coral could protect children from harm, as well as cure bites from snakes and scorpions and diagnose diseases by changing colour. Read more . . . |
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. |
About Native American RingsMaterialsSouthwest Native American rings can be made from many materials but usually are sterling silver alone or embellished with turquoise, coral, jet, mother of pearl, petrified wood, abalone, lapis lazuli, jasper, gaspeite, malachite, spiny oyster, tiger eye, white buffalo stone, onyx, opal, bear claws and much more. StylesThe styles of Southwest Native American rings are many and varied including bands, single stone, shadowbox, cigar band, pictorial inlay, cobblestone, corn row and mosaic inlay, storyteller, sandand tufa , cluster, petit point, needlepoint, snake eye, overlay, feather, leaf, channel inlay and others. NavajoNavajo rings are typically a sterling silver band, often heavy and/or elaborate. The band can be silver only or have stones that are set with various types of bezels. For more information on bezels, read my article Types of Bezels. If a Navajo ring is inlaid, the inlay pieces are usually separated by silver channels.ZuniZuni rings are usually either stone-on-stone inlays (no silver channels in between the pieces), snake rings, snake eye, petit point or needlepoint. HopiHopi rings are most often sterling silver overlays with contrasting (oxidized) and textured backgrounds. Read more in my blog post: Southwest Native American Rings |
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. |
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