Early Pueblo Coral & Cast Silver Cross Pendant

  
This is a listing for a pueblo Native American cross pendant... It's sterling that has been tufa cast. Tufa is a soft stone that can be carved into a desired mold shape and used for casting sterling silver. The mold is broken in the process, so only used once. The molded silver is set with stones if desired, and polished. The entire process requires a lot of skill and this cross is a beautiful example of vintage tufa cast pueblo jewelry...

Very similar to pieces that Aaron Anderson, a contemporary Navajo smith, bases his creations on. This is not one of his pieces.

I believe it predates his work. The pendant measures 2 and 7/8th inches in length and 2 and 1/8th inches in width. It weighs a sturdy 21 grams. The coral stone is deep oxblood red natural Mediterranean coral, oval cut with a domed surface and measures approximately 6mm by 10mm in size.

Nicely mounted in a smooth tight bezel. The bail is soldered to the top in a shepherd's hook shape that is not soldered closed but remains open and can slip over any size beads. This is a lovely old piece that will arrive insured by Ground Advantage.