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MATERIALS:
Sterling silver, man made Opal and real Coral.
MEASUREMENTS:
Post earrings measure approximately 1/2" long and 3/8" widest point.
DESCRIPTION:
This gorgeous pair of earrings is absolutely distinctive in each and every way! This piece of Native American jewelry is Zuni hand crafted by artist Effie Calavaza, out of genuine sterling silver, man made Opal stones, and real Corals. The earrings have a a total of EIGHT stones, (FOUR in each earring) FOUR of which are inlayed to create the Coral snakes eyes, while the other FOUR Opals are set in hand cut bezel, in the midst of stunning silver snake designs. Imprinted designs and silver beads add style and character to the earrings. The snake is found in many healing and fertility rituals. It is also connected with lightning, speed, and being able to move undetected. The earrings are stamped Zuni and hallmarked by the artist.
Most people know Opal for its distinctive play of color, it is a semi-transparent solidified mineral composed of silicon and water, and it gets its name from the Latin word "Oplus" meaning precious stone. Opal is the birthstone for October. It is believed to release self-consciousness allowing spontaneous action, and awakens psychic and mystical qualities.
Corals are known to be very soothing and very protective. Coral is of an organic origin; it is the skeletal remains of marine animals called Coral Polyps. Colonies of these tiny creatures build branching structures as they grow, gradually forming reefs and atolls.
Effie Calavaza-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 hand done work is 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!
