Pawn Jewelry- Navajo black onyx earrings in silver w/ gold fill elements

These earrings are handcrafted by a Navajo artist. They feature black onyx stones that are set in sterling silver with strips of 12kt gold fill. The earrings have circualr and oval shapes that have detailed stamping.They come attached to its original red pawn ticket.The term "pawn" refers to jewelry that has been pawned to brokers. The practice of pawning jewelry began in the early 1900s when Native Americans and traders would exchange jewelry for food and other necessities, it is still used today and is embedded in the their culture. 

Material: Sterling silver, 12kt gold fill and black onyx

Tribe affiliation: Navajo

Time period: current

measurements: 2" x 1-3/4"- top circle: 1/2" across- bottom oval 1" x 3/4"