SILVER CAST TURQUOISE PENDANT

Cast silver jewelry is one of the most distinctive forms of Native American jewelry. Although all of the Indian silversmiths do casting, the Navajos are probably the best known for it. Their love of the work results in many outstanding sterling silver bracelets and other jewelry items. The process takes skill and patience and is passed on from generation to generation. A mold is first cut using sandstone, volcanic material or very hard clay. The mold material must be strong and fine grained but soft enough to carve into intricate designs. Usually two rectangular stones are cut for a particular mold and then the two face surfaces are repeatedly rubbed together until they fit together with perfection. The chosen design is then cut into only one of the blocks of stone or clay. A small channel (called a sprue) is next cut from the design to the outside of the block. The channel is used in the casting process for the pouring in of the silver. The design must be carefully planned so that the silver can easily flow from the channel to all parts of the design. A mold of this kind will only last for a few castings before it breaks and, at that time, a new mold must be made using the same process. Molds made of cement or metal will last considerably longer and are more compatible with the modern production of sterling silver jewelry.

Before the melted silver is poured into the mold, charcoal, soot or animal fat are rubbed on the design area to prevent the silver from sticking to the stone or clay. The two mold pieces are then fitted together and tied very securely. The silver is then melted and poured into the channel so it will flow into the design area. If the molten silver fails to flow properly into all parts of the design, the whole process must be repeated. This problem can arise because of a faulty design, trapped air bubbles or if the silver cools too quickly. After the silver has cooled, the mold is opened, the design  is removed and inspected for success.or failure. If successful, the sterling silver jewelry piece must now be hand filed to smooth all edges and remove imperfections. If the cast piece is a sterling silver bracelet, it must be repeatedly heated and hammered with a wood or leather hammer to form it to the proper shape. The same process would be required for sterling silver rings because of  their rounded shape. The piece must now go through the finishing process to be completed with the final polish. It’s no wonder why cast sterling silver Native American jewelry items are seemingly pricey. The time and work involved in making just one piece can be overwhelming.