Native American handmade sterling silver overlay earrings, created by the family of world famous Navajo silversmith Thomas Singer. Tommy was considered to be one of the greatest contemporary Indian jewelry silversmiths of our time. Tommy's wife Rosita and his family have continued his legacy by creating jewelry based upon his designs.
The large earrings feature genuine Sleeping Beauty turquoise stones. The turquoise stones are set in the middle of a contemporary sterling silver overlaid design with an oxidized (darkened) background.
The earrings measures 1-5/8 inches inches by 1-1/2 inches wide and are lightweight, only 5 grams each. Brand new and in perfect condition. Gift Box and Certificate of Authenticity included. This piece like all other jewelry made after Tommy's passing is stamped T&R Singer.
About Thomas Singer: Tommy Singer passed away on May 31, 2014. Tommy began creating jewelry full-time at the age of 21. His early works were done in the Silver overlay technique. His work soon began to feature Turquoise stones. While working with scrap turquoise chips, Tommy pioneered the technique of Chip inlay used by thousands of artists to this day. For many years, Tommy and his brothers created Jewelry using the Chip inlay style. In recent years, Tommy returned to his roots by creating Exquisite Silver Overlaid Jewelry with intricate designs. Tommy's wife Rosita and his family have continued his legacy by creating jewelry based upon his designs - stamping all jewelry made since his passing with T&R Singer.
About Silver Overlay Jewelry: Overlay is a process of soldering one piece of silver, from which a design has been cut, over another piece of silver. The top layer is a handmade, hand cut overlay created from a sheet of sterling that is then bonded to the base layer of sterling. The base layer background is usually oxidized, which turns the silver surface black, and is often scratched or stamped. The oxidation brings out a contrast between the two pieces and makes the individual designs more visible. This technique remains characteristic of the Hopi Indians, although several well regarded Navajo silversmiths use it too. The Tommy Singer family, the Becenti brothers and Everett & Mary Teller are examples of Navajo artists who do overlay work with distinctive and recognizable styles.