Genuine Turquoise Lapis Sterling Silver Turtle French Hook Earrings

This pair of earrings is a true work of art. These earrings feature the traditional Pueblo Indian image of the turtle in shimmering Sterling Silver. The turtle is often used in Native American art as a symbol of long life. This impressive Sterling Silver jewelry has been inlaid with intricately hand-cut stones of genuine Turquoise and Lapis. A twisted wire and imprints of a face and toes have been included for extra detail. Non native made. The turtles that dangle from French hook earrings are 5/8" long and 3/8" wide. Stamped Sterling and signed by the artist. The Turquoise and Lapis may vary slightly. The photo is an excellent representation of the pair of earrings you'll receive from the group.

Since about 200 B.C., Turquoise has been extensively used by southwestern U.S. Native Americans and by many of the Indian tribes in Mexico. The Native American Jewelry or "Indian style" jewelry with Turquoise mounted in or with silver is relatively new. Some believe this style of jewelry was unknown prior to approximately 1880, when a white trader persuaded a Navajo craftsman to make Turquoise and silver jewelry using coin silver. Prior to this time, the Native Americans had made solid turquoise beads, carvings, and inlaid mosaics. Recently, Turquoise has found wide acceptance among people of all walks of life and from many different ethnic groups.