Native American Mosaic Earrings with Black Jet, Turquoise, Shell and other materials. Mary Tafoya, Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo 3/168
DETAILS:
Artist: Mary Louise Tafoya
Size: 1 7/8" long x 1 1/8" wide
Weight: 20.4 grams total
Materials: black jet and other stones and shells
Condition: New
3/168
About Mary in her own words...
I was born and raised in Santo Domingo. I learned my jewelry-making techniques from my father along with influences from my mother. As a young girl, my father would teach me about the different colors of turquoise from deep green to brilliant blue. I learned from him that Turquoise was special to Native Americans because it is one of the oldest materials used in their crafted jewelry. I created my first piece around the age of 10. I created small jaclas, which were taken to Gallup by my father to be sold. I was fortunate to have sold them for $12 (which is a fortune to a little girl).
My mother had a huge influence on my style of jewelry-making. I studied as she cut out parts of Thunderbird (pendants) and set them. I would sit for hours and just watch her work. Every now and then I would ask my mother if I could cut out some pieces too. Once she showed me how, I practiced until I became quite good at it. As I continued watching and learning from my parents, I would create designs in my head and suggest ideas to my father. As I became older, I eventually learned how to operate all the other machines (ie. Slicer, grinder and polisher) and was able to create more pieces of jewelry.
Thanks to my mother and father, I have a talent not many people have. I am proud of what I’ve learned over the years. My inlay technique is very similar to the traditional techniques. Many people comment on the finished pieces and say, “Wow! That looks like a painting!” I draw my ideas from nature and each piece is unique. I am always keeping my eyes open for inspiration from the world around me.
Today, my husband Lorenzo and I enjoy making jewelry in our home studio in Kewa Pueblo, NM. We hope to continue to pass on the things we've learned to our children and grandchildren.
DETAILS:
Artist: Mary Louise Tafoya
Size: 1 7/8" long x 1 1/8" wide
Weight: 20.4 grams total
Materials: black jet and other stones and shells
Condition: New
3/168
About Mary in her own words...
I was born and raised in Santo Domingo. I learned my jewelry-making techniques from my father along with influences from my mother. As a young girl, my father would teach me about the different colors of turquoise from deep green to brilliant blue. I learned from him that Turquoise was special to Native Americans because it is one of the oldest materials used in their crafted jewelry. I created my first piece around the age of 10. I created small jaclas, which were taken to Gallup by my father to be sold. I was fortunate to have sold them for $12 (which is a fortune to a little girl).
My mother had a huge influence on my style of jewelry-making. I studied as she cut out parts of Thunderbird (pendants) and set them. I would sit for hours and just watch her work. Every now and then I would ask my mother if I could cut out some pieces too. Once she showed me how, I practiced until I became quite good at it. As I continued watching and learning from my parents, I would create designs in my head and suggest ideas to my father. As I became older, I eventually learned how to operate all the other machines (ie. Slicer, grinder and polisher) and was able to create more pieces of jewelry.
Thanks to my mother and father, I have a talent not many people have. I am proud of what I’ve learned over the years. My inlay technique is very similar to the traditional techniques. Many people comment on the finished pieces and say, “Wow! That looks like a painting!” I draw my ideas from nature and each piece is unique. I am always keeping my eyes open for inspiration from the world around me.
Today, my husband Lorenzo and I enjoy making jewelry in our home studio in Kewa Pueblo, NM. We hope to continue to pass on the things we've learned to our children and grandchildren.
SHIPPING: We will ship within five business days of an order being placed. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer. Unless otherwise specified, we will carefully pack and ship with insurance included in the shipping price. For fragile items, we double-box. Depending on customers preference the package will go USPS, FedEx, or UPS. If an item arrives at your location with damage, please contact us immediately and provide us with photographs and a description of the damage so we can file an insurance claim with the shipper.
Sorry, but we won’t ship to Post Office boxes. If you want shipment to a country other than the United States, contact us so we can provide an additional cost of international shipping and tariff fees that will be paid by the buyer. For all shipments, we will provide you with a shipping tracking number, so you can track and manage your delivery.
RETURNS: We have spent countless hours choosing the very best arts and we want you to enjoy your selection. Carefully look at the items offered, and if you have questions, or if you want additional photographs, please let us know before purchasing. If the item doesn’t meet your satisfaction, you can return it to us for a full refund, excluding shipping charges. We will accept returns within 15 business days of our original shipment date.
Should you feel the need to return an item, you are responsible for return packing, return postage, and return insurance. For return of pottery and art, packing must be done by the shipping company for insurance purposes. For all other items, packing should be similar to what was used by us to send it to you.
Upon receipt of your return, we will refund your original purchase price less shipping charges through your PayPal account within 7 business days. If the returned item is damaged (different than when it originally left our location), we will provide photographic documentation to you and expect you to file an insurance claim with the shipper. As these are unique one-of-a-kind pieces of art, damage to them renders them valueless to anyone. Thank you for helping to preserve these wonderful pieces of art.
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