Pawn Jewelry- Large Navajo earrings

Navajo handcrafted dangle earrings. Featuring 3 turquoise stones in each earring these large earrings dangle on a silver wire. The unique design of the earrings have a tear drop shape with detailed stamping, twist wire and round beads. They have a medium weight. It comes 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 Navajo culture. 

Material: Sterling silver & turquoise

Tribe affiliation: Navajo

Time period: current 

Overall measurements: 1-1/2" x 1"