We’re always excited to welcome new merchandise at Indian Traders, and a recent addition to our stunning Native American jewelry collection is a selection of sterling silver earrings featuring White Feather Jasper.
KEY INSIGHTS
· Jasper is a semi-precious, naturally occurring gemstone that has been prized since ancient times by people all over the world.
· Native Americans traditionally revered jasper, especially red jasper, for its connection to Mother Earth and healing properties.
· White Feather jasper is a variety of the stone featuring a white opaque base with gray to black mineral inclusions.
· Indian Traders offers a selection of Native American jewelry handcrafted by Navajo silversmith Sheryl Martinez and featuring White Feather Jasper.
What is Jasper?
Jasper is a naturally occurring semi-precious gemstone that is an opaque and impure variety of quartz; it may also be classified as chalcedony. It forms from volcanic ash that cements over millennia into a solid, layered stone. It is microcrystalline, meaning that it is formed with crystals, but they are too small to be seen with the naked eye. The stone is characterized by a dense, fine-grained texture and is seen in numerous colors, from red to brown, yellow, green and even white. The color is determined by its specific mineral content.
The term “jasper” derives from Greek; the word iaspi means “spotted stone.” The name is also related to the Assyrian word ashpu and the Hebrew word jashpeh.
Jasper has been prized by people since ancient times and was worn by ancient Egyptian priests. They inscribed jasper with verses from the Egyptian Book of the Dead and wrapped them with mummies as protective amulets for the Afterlife. It was associated with strength and courage.
The ancient Minoans used jasper to craft carved seals for the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete. Jasper is also renowned for being the twelfth stone in the Hebrew High Priest’s breastplate and, according to The Book of Revelation in The Bible, will be the foundation stone of New Jerusalem.
“White Feather” jasper is simply a reference to a variety of jasper stone that is white in color with black or gray mineral inclusions (usually iron oxides), giving it a feathered appearance.
Jasper and the Native Americans
Jasper (especially red) has long been revered by many Native American tribes. It is traditionally believed to possess both the spirit and strength of Mother Earth herself and was used as a healing tool for spiritual and physical ailments, connecting the owner or wearer with the land. Anthropologists and historians also believe that some Native American tribes even ground up jasper (and other healing stones) to mix with water and ingest for inner healing.
Spiritually, white jasper is believed to bring joy, lift the spirits, and nurture a sense of inner calm.
Who is Sheryl Martinez?
We are delighted to currently have a small selection of white feather jasper dangle earrings for sale at Indian Traders, beautifully handcrafted by talented Navajo silversmith Sheryl Martinez.
The daughter of artisan Marie Tsosie, Sheryl produces her jewelry pieces at home, where she concurrently cares for her family. As well as her own designs, she continues producing some of her mother’s original designs.
Caring for Jasper Jewelry
While jasper is indeed a durable stone, you do need to care for your jewelry.
· Remove jewelry before playing sports, bathing, or going swimming.
· Avoid extreme heat exposure (this may alter the color of the stone).
· Clean with a soft, dry cloth.
· Jasper can be porous; this means it will stain easily. If it becomes soiled, wash promptly with warm soapy water (using a gentle soap or detergent) and dry with a soft cloth.
· Store when not wearing your item in a fabric jewelry pouch so it doesn’t become scratched.
Silver Earrings by Martinez at Indian Traders
Explore!
· Sterling Silver Earrings with White Feather Jasper by Martinez #1
· Sterling Silver Earrings with White Feather Jasper by Martinez #2
· Sterling Silver Earrings with White Feather Jasper by Martinez – featuring turquoise #1
· Sterling Silver Earrings with White Feather Jasper by Martinez – featuring turquoise #2
Take a look at this artist’s gorgeous work – as well as the abovementioned White Feather Jasper Earrings, we have some of her Turquoise earrings and Bumble Bee Jasper pendants. We’re sure you’ll find a piece you adore!