Ornate Silverwork and Coral Post Earrings by Navajo John Begay Jr., Vintage Native American Jewelry
These vintage Native American post earrings feature beautiful ornate silverwork and a piece of deep red Mediterranean coral in the center. They carry the hallmark JB for Navajo John Bejay Jr., a self-taught silversmith who has been practicing his craft for over 30 years and who is known for this unique work with silver wire that has a look unlike anything you'll see by any other artist. From a gallery website that represents him: "He is a master smith and his real trademark is his painstaking design and exacting solder work. The son of Navajo migrant workers, John Begay Junior's upbringing was anything but traditional. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, during the winter harvest months there. Until he was 12 years old, his parents stayed in Phoenix during the winter and returned to their native land in northern New Mexico for the summer. When John was twelve, they moved back home to the Four Corners area for good. John attended high school in Shiprock, New Mexico. His parents did some silversmithing, as did his aunts and uncles. One uncle was renowned for his excellence. John asked this uncle to teach him. The uncle wanted to be paid for lessons, but John could not afford them. So, he began working on his own, devising tools and methods as he went. When John took some of his jewelry into a trading post to sell it, the trader shied away from the elaborate leaf pattern John had created, but instantly recognized the careful construction and soldering of the pieces. John's early work soon evolved into a style combining classic and contemporary Navajo with a Byzantine look. It has the feel of old style jewelry, and yet it is unlike anything ever before created. It is diametric inasmuch as it is detailed and intricate but still has simple lines. He has won several blue ribbons at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonials competitions, especially for his unique earring designs. At the urging of many of his admirers, he has been expanding his considerable skills by working solely in gold and in combinations of sterling and gold, an experience he finds both intimidating and rewarding. One of his winning pieces has become a classic - a "spider" bracelet made of silver, adorned with gold balls. In spite of that enlarged success, John still prefers silver. Although he was raised a Christian, John has reclaimed much of his Navajo heritage. Now, as he does his work, he prays over it in the Navajo fashion. He says that he prays his work will go well. He also desires blessings on those who display his work and especially blessings on the purchaser of the jewelry, that they will be pleased and satisfied in wearing it. John does not mass produce jewelry, as many of his counterparts do. He puts loving skill and spirit into each piece, making his masterpieces unique in more ways than ever." As you can see from the earrings, they are special. That silverwork gives them more weight than one might think, and they truly are heirloom quality.
Each earring is about 7/8" wide by about 1-1/8" tall--not too large nor too small. Weigh 6g each or 12g total. The coral is well seated and the earrings in good condition.
Uncommon beauty.
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Please convo with questions, or call (505) 369-6865. Will return your call as soon as possible.
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For More Native American Earrings: http://bit.ly/2FyZ8wy
Native American Rings: http://bit.ly/2HQXwyY
Native Bracelets and Watches: https://bit.ly/2NpeypL
Native Necklaces, Pendants, and Pins: http://bit.ly/2ESs4Tf
Native Belts and Bolos: http://bit.ly/2oz2XKp
All items: https://romaarellano.com
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 4 - 12 weeks
- Europe : 6 - 16 weeks
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 6 - 16 weeks
- Asia Pacific : 6 - 16 weeks
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 6 - 16 weeks
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns and cancellations
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Worldwide Shipping, Processing & Insurance
• We ship to many parts of the world. On any listing, enter your zip or postal code into the Shipping box to find out if your country is included and how much it will cost. If you find we do not ship to your country, contact us to find out if we might be able to.
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Returns & Refunds
• We accept returns. Per our policies, contact us within 14 days of delivery. Return shipping with insurance and tracking is at your expense. We process refunds once the item is returned in the same condition received.
• If your item arrives damaged, photograph it with packaging so we may make a claim.
• Returning an item is no fun; contact us before buying to ask questions or request additional photos. I'd rather talk you out of something vs your being disappointed with a purchase!
• Our top priority is your positive experience with this shop, and our greatest hope is that you LOVE the item purchased!
Do you do layaways?
We can work with you on a payment plan with immediate down payment up to two months for full payment.
Note that layaways past due over 30 days go into default. Once in default the transaction is cancelled and layaway payments are not returnable due to having removed items from the market and losing potential sales.
Convo to talk about a layaway plan that works for your budget.
Do you accept offers?
Please, no offers. We receive so much correspondence daily that we are unable to respond to offer requests.
We have loyal customers who return again and again and use the repeat customer discount coupon for 10% off. We set fair prices from the get-go. If something is expensive, you know it's good.
We do run sales occasionally, so watch for those. And we value community. Whether you are a returning customer, Facebook friend, or Instagram follower--our thanks to you is 10% off for supporting this shop. Please go to the About section of the main shop page and click on the social media links. Follow us on one of those platforms, convo to say you've done so and we'll send you the coupon code for 10% off.
Will you reserve or hold items?
We do NOT do reserves or holds. Like any business, we use sales proceeds to keep the shop running. We truly can't afford to take items off the market. But even if you have some funds with which to make a down payment, we can do layaway with you. Just convo to say you'd like to do a layaway, and we'll work with you on that route instead of a Hold or Reserve.
Can you tell me SOLD prices?
We get correspondance almost daily asking how much certain items are worth or what the price was of items that have sold, and we can no longer respond to these messages.
Reviews (1)
Average:
Oct 25, 2023
Gorgeously detailed earrings as described, rapid shipping, highly recommended seller! Thank you so much,Susan
Susan