I smiled the second I turned these over.
The front is beautiful, but the back tells the real story. Thick sterling, old screw-back findings, hand-cut inlay, decades of honest wear—everything you hope to see in a genuine vintage pair. These weren’t made to imitate Southwestern jewelry. They are Southwestern jewelry.
Details
- Vintage Native American Earrings
- Likely Navajo
- Sterling Silver
- Hand-cut channel inlay turquoise
- Classic pinwheel/sunburst inlay design
- Sculptural notched silver border
- Original vintage screw-back findings
- Hand-fabricated construction
- Approximately the size of a Mercury dime
Why We Love It
Channel inlay is one of those techniques that looks effortless when it’s done well, but it’s anything but easy. Each section of turquoise had to be individually cut, shaped, and fit into sterling silver channels with remarkable precision before the entire surface could be polished smooth.
The pinwheel design gives these earrings a subtle sense of movement, while the bold, gear-like silver border adds just enough texture to frame the turquoise without competing with it. They’re balanced, architectural, and unmistakably handcrafted.
Pieces like these are becoming harder to find because they represent a style of bench work that demanded patience, precision, and a steady hand. That’s exactly the kind of craftsmanship collectors appreciate more with every passing year.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with a rich natural patina. The original screw-back findings remain intact and functional, and the turquoise inlay is secure with light wear consistent with age.
Eric’s Note
I always tell people to flip vintage jewelry over before they decide whether it’s special. The backs don’t have to impress anyone, so that’s where you find the truth. These immediately passed that test. Heavy silver. Honest construction. No shortcuts.
They’re also incredibly wearable. They have enough personality to stand on their own, but they’ll never fight with the rest of your jewelry. Those are the pieces that quietly become favorites—and somehow end up being worn more than anything else in the collection
I smiled the second I turned these over.
The front is beautiful, but the back tells the real story. Thick sterling, old screw-back findings, hand-cut inlay, decades of honest wear—everything you hope to see in a genuine vintage pair. These weren’t made to imitate Southwestern jewelry. They are Southwestern jewelry.
Details
- Vintage Native American Earrings
- Likely Navajo
- Sterling Silver
- Hand-cut channel inlay turquoise
- Classic pinwheel/sunburst inlay design
- Sculptural notched silver border
- Original vintage screw-back findings
- Hand-fabricated construction
- Approximately the size of a Mercury dime
Why We Love It
Channel inlay is one of those techniques that looks effortless when it’s done well, but it’s anything but easy. Each section of turquoise had to be individually cut, shaped, and fit into sterling silver channels with remarkable precision before the entire surface could be polished smooth.
The pinwheel design gives these earrings a subtle sense of movement, while the bold, gear-like silver border adds just enough texture to frame the turquoise without competing with it. They’re balanced, architectural, and unmistakably handcrafted.
Pieces like these are becoming harder to find because they represent a style of bench work that demanded patience, precision, and a steady hand. That’s exactly the kind of craftsmanship collectors appreciate more with every passing year.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with a rich natural patina. The original screw-back findings remain intact and functional, and the turquoise inlay is secure with light wear consistent with age.
Eric’s Note
I always tell people to flip vintage jewelry over before they decide whether it’s special. The backs don’t have to impress anyone, so that’s where you find the truth. These immediately passed that test. Heavy silver. Honest construction. No shortcuts.
They’re also incredibly wearable. They have enough personality to stand on their own, but they’ll never fight with the rest of your jewelry. Those are the pieces that quietly become favorites—and somehow end up being worn more than anything else in the collection
Eric knows you'll love these
Your Next Favorite!
