PRODUCT DETAILS
The Navajo started working with silver in the mid 1800s, metalsmiths making things like buckles, buttons, jewelry and tobacco canteens from melted coins and flatware.
Jewelry and its adornment has always been an integral piece of Navajo traditions and craftsmanship and by the start of the 1900s, turquoise and other stones set in silver soldered into bead and leaf and feather designs became the statement of traditional Navajo jewelry.
In Native American culture, bears are tied to healing and medicine as they can continue fighting even while injured and it is believed that they can heal their own wounds. A bear claw on a necklace is worn by a warrior for protection and strength.
Graduated petrified wood heishi beads with sterling silver sphere beads and 3 sterling and crushed turquoise inlay bear claws.
Barrel clasp screw closure, strung on wire.
The necklace measures 18" long.
The claw pendants measure 1.5" long, 6mm at their widest and 8mm thick.
46 grams total weight.
Minor bends to the wiring and tarnish to the silver.
Unmarked, tested for silver.