Apache Indian Antiqued Pipe Bone Bead Turquoise Cabochon Sterling Silver Bear Paw Choker Necklace by Verna and Berlinda.

This Antiqued Pipe Bone bead choker has a distinctive Native American Apache Indian design and is hand made with Antiqued Pipe Bone beads. The hand etched Antiqued Pipe Bone beads frame a Sterling Silver shadow box bear paw with a Turquoise cabochon. A true collector's item, this choker will match perfectly with any other Apache style jewelry you already own. The cool blue colors of the turquoise compliment the wood beads very nicely. This choker is 1-1/8" wide, and 20" long. This was made by Berlinda and Verna in our shop.

Turquoise is one of the most valuable, non-transparent minerals in the jewelry trade. It has been mined for eons since at least 6000 BC by early Egyptians. Today, it is more popular than ever and its use around the world is prolific. The most valuable Turquoise has special characteristics; it is naturally hard the way it was found and is a bright sky blue. Certain Native Americans called turquoise "Chal-cui-hui-tal", meaning "the highest and most valued thing in the world". Many believe the stone can help protect them from demons or help a person feel intuitively the difference between good and evil as well as protect against accidents and various dangers. To actually see a bright blue nugget of Turquoise on the otherwise gray and dusty desert floor is to know the incredible nature of this stone and will lead anyone to realize what the American Indians have known to be true for millennia - that Turquoise is special, sacred, and has power.

The Bear is a potent source of strength for many Native Americans. Admired for their strength, independence, and self reliance, the Spirit of the Bear was often invoked before entering battle. Warriors sometimes painted their faces with marks resembling bear claw scratches and carried double-edged knives with handles carved from the jawbones of bears as good luck charms. It was believed that bear power could also cure illness. Shamans or medicine men from many different groups frequently dressed as bears when working to heal the sick. Just as honoring the bear spirit could bring blessings to people, provoking the spirit might bring them harm. For that reason, some tribes, most notably the Apache, forbade their hunters to kill a bear, or even to touch the carcass of one found dead in the woods.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC