MEET THE ARTIST:

29 year old Navajo artisan SHAMENIKA WILLIE shares her blood lines with one of the industries most recognizable Navajo names--The "Willie's".. Melissa Willie (see cuff listings) is Shamenika's mother & Ronnie,Lonnie,Rudy, Juan Willie happen to be Shamenika's uncle's. Cooper, Tawney & Dakota Willie are just a few of her cousins,but there are MANY more! It is however, Shamenika's mother Melissa who taught the ropes of metalsmithing to not only her, but to Shamenika's younger brother Micah.There's not too many in this family who don't make jewelry & not too many who aren't good if not excellent, at what they do.. This whole family has made a reputable name off their gifted talents..(All these names can be found throughout my site in various categories)

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THE EARRINGS:

Made of light gauge sterling, these earrings are made where the Native "KIVA STEP" dominates the design and were an inspiration that Shamenika took from her Grandmother's Navajo woven rug designs.

Hand cut out and hand stamped with perfection, these are little works of art that are done in a 'Metal Form" The metal has a contemporary finishing whereas in the crevices of the stampwork are left darker to accentuate the Kiva design.

Since they're made with a light gauge sterling, makes these wearable in weight. So for those who love Native jewelry but can't do heavy, these would be a great call.. Plus being they're all sterling, you can pair them with literally anything, from wearing them with colored stone jewelry, to wearing them when you want to do a day of all sterling!! I'd call these 'that perfect 'go to' earring' that you may wanna grab all the time! These can be easily worn in or out of the southwest since they'll pair well with traditional Native jewelry to contemporary non-native!

**In the last photo is this same style earring but are designed differently**.(Can be found in this same category- ”Earrings 2”)