Navajo made bracelet, with a large chunk of natural American turquoise, and bear claw. All set in sterling silver, made by Phillip V. Sanchez.
Featuring hammer and stamp work
Turquoise the Native tribes believe to be the fallen sky stone, held and worn for Protection, Strength, Vitality and Good fortune. The stone of Father Sky, abundant with Positive Heart energy that will encourage Truth, Courage and the expression of our heart desires. Place around the Throat, Third eye or Solar plexus to receive its full energy.
An overlay is made with two or more silver pieces that are overlaid, one on top of another. This creates depth and dimension in the design as the silver base is darkened through oxidizing, whilst the upper parts are polished.
Hammer and stamp work is done by hand using special hammers and stamps to create beautifully repeated yet simple patterns.
Stamp work is done using metal stamps, each with a unique tip. Imagine a smaller version of a flat-head screwdriver that has a unique point. With each stamp, Native American jewellery artists create beautiful designs using this repeated technique in patterns.
Stamp patterns can be as simple as a sunburst on a metal bracelet to intricate portraits and landscapes- all done with single or multiple stamping tools.
