MATERIALS:
Sterling silver and real Coral.
MEASUREMENTS:
Necklace measures approximately 24" inside circumference allowing the side links to measure 1/2" long and 1-1/4" wide, while the center piece measures 2-1/2" long and 2-1/4" at widest point. The necklace weighs 98 grams. Post earrings measure approximately 3/4" long and 1/2" at widest point.
DESCRIPTION:
If you are looking for elegance and beauty, you have found it! This Native American jewelry set is Zuni hand crafted and strung by artist Effie Calavaza, out of genuine sterling silver and real Corals. The necklace is composed of one Naja (the crescent-shaped large center pendant) and double strands of 7-mm silver eccentric beads that are placed at regular intervals among the round side of the center. The entire necklace consists of TWENTY gorgeous snake designs. Each snake design has a total of FOUR stones, TWO of which are inlayed and create the snakes eyes, while the other TWO are set in hand cut bezel settings for a wonderful look. The Naja is set with EIGHT snake designs, while each side of the necklace has SIX snakes that are then attached to silver petals which are called squash blossoms. The entire traditional necklace is flexible "not stiff". Each earring has FOUR stones and create a snake design that perfectly matches the necklace. The workmanship and detail put into this set is spectacular! A total of EIGHTY-EIGHT stones were used to create this stunning set. The snake is found in many healing and fertility rituals. It is also connected with lightning, speed, and being able to move undetected. The necklace and earrings are stamped sterling, Zuni, and hallmarked by the artist.
Well-known artist Effie Calavaza is from the Zuni Tribe, which is located in New Mexico. Effie was taught by her husband Juan Calavaza and began silver work in 1956. She combined her husband's work and her designs to create some of the most beautiful and most distinctive Native American art! Her sand casting and hand done work are among the best and most recognized jewelry in the southwest. Her jewelry is stamped with the family hallmark EFFIE C. ZUNI, which is used by Effie and her three daughters Georgiana Yatsattie, Gloria Jean Garcia, and Susie Calavaza. Effie's daughters assist her in the jewelry making (she shared her spouse's mark, JUAN C. ZUNI, until his death ca. 1970). To this day Effie's work is collected throughout the world and she continues making jewelry because she enjoys it!
