About this Product
Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings Inspired by Traditional Navajo Design
This pair of hoop earrings pays homage to the old-style Navajo (Navaho) designs from the late 19th to early 20th century (1870–1920). Such earrings, now a rarity in modern reservation culture, were traditionally mostly worn by men and often featured in addition to squash blossoms, silver beads, turquoise tabs, red shell, or abalone embellishments on a simple yet bold hoop.
These earrings stay true to that vintage aesthetic with a slightly thicker hoop wire—measuring 1.3 mm in diameter—approximately 30% thicker than the standard wire used in contemporary hoops. This detail not only enhances their durability but also evokes an authentic vintage feel. The hoops and squash blossoms are crafted from sterling silver with a subtle matte finish to emulate the timeless look of aged silver. Over time, these earrings will develop a natural patina, adding to their character and vintage appeal. A gentle rub with a jewelry cloth will maintain their understated elegance.
Material: Sterling silver
Hoop Diameter: 38 mm (1 1/2 inches)
Squash Blossom Length: 29 mm (1 1/8 inches)
Overall Length: 60 mm (2 3/8 inches)
Total Weight: 5 grams (both earrings)
Perfect for lovers of vintage-inspired jewelry, these earrings blend history, craftsmanship, and style into a truly unique accessory.
FireWind Forge
Meet the Maker
I am a master goldsmith, designer, and hand engraver, driven by the belief that true craftsmanship transcends the ordinary. Each piece I create is meticulously crafted, one at a time, by hand—ensuring that no two are ever alike. My work is a fusion of skill and inspiration, reflecting a deep commitment to artistry where every piece evolves organically, born from both tradition and innovation.
With a lifetime of experience, I am now semi-retired, focusing on creating bespoke, one-of-a-kind designs. I specialize in custom commissions, drawing inspiration from classic styles while incorporating modern elegance. My philosophy comes to life in every creation, blending time-honored techniques with a personal touch, resulting in pieces that are as unique as their wearer.
How it’s Made
The hoops are crafted using the same techniques employed by Navajo silversmiths in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The ends of the silver wire are carefully hammered flat, then folded over to form a secure tube closure. This tube snugly receives the sharpened end of the wire, ensuring the hoop closes seamlessly. The process not only preserves the authenticity of traditional craftsmanship but also enhances the structural integrity of the design, staying true to its historical roots.
Shop Policies
Welcome to Silver Fox Forge! Each piece of jewelry is handcrafted with care, creativity, and attention to detail. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Please take the time to carefully read through my policies.
Precious Metals: I work mostly in 18K gold, sterling, and fine silver. Keum-boo accents are 22K gold.
Important Sizing Information
Getting the right ring size is essential to ensuring a perfect fit. If you’re unsure of your size or it’s been a while since your last fitting, I highly recommend visiting a local jeweler for an accurate measurement. Be sure to mention the type of ring you're sizing for, especially if it’s a wider band, as jewelers can provide specialized sizers for these. Some people may notice significant fluctuations in their ring size, sometimes even within the same day.
Wide Band Considerations
For rings 6 mm or wider, sizing can differ from standard width bands. Since wide rings cover more of your finger, they tend to feel tighter. Most people find that they need to size up by a quarter to half a size for comfort, but this can vary from person to person, so it's important to confirm what feels best for you.
Additional Tips:
Finger size can change due to factors like temperature, age, or activity, so it’s always best to have your finger measured recently for the ring you plan to wear.
I cannot be held responsible for incorrect sizing, so please double-check your measurements carefully to avoid delays or the need for resizing.
By following these steps, you’ll help ensure a comfortable and accurate fit for your ring!
Orders
I want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If there’s an issue with your order, please contact me right away so I can assist you.
Please note that I no longer accept cancellations once an order has been placed.
Shipping Policies:
Processing Time: In-stock items will ship within a couple of business days. Made-to-order take longer (typically 1-2 weeks). You’ll be updated and notified when your item ships. For custom orders, see below.
Shipping Method: I ship with the most economical carrier, either USPS or UPS; shipping may in some cases take up to a week, not counting Sundays.
Shipping costs: Currently, I offer free shipping. Due to the continuously rising shipping rates, it is getting much harder to offer this. These increased costs are frustrating, and unfortunately, they are beyond my control.
Damaged, lost, or stolen packages: Contact me immediately, and in the meantime, take pictures or a short video of the damaged package and contents, as this will help immensely with the claims process.
Payment Policies
Goimagine requires that all makers accept payments through their pay portal.
Returns & Exchanges
I do not offer refunds on rings or other jewelry due to natural tarnishing or changes in appearance over time. These changes are a normal part of the aging process for metals and finishes. When jewelry is textured, stamped, or engraved, the recessed areas are often treated to create contrast. Over time, the color in these areas may gradually change or fade with wear. This is a natural and expected process that adds to the charm and character of the piece and is entirely normal.
By understanding these natural processes, you can appreciate how your jewelry will develop a unique persona over time, enhancing its personal beauty and character.
Return Policy: I want you to be satisfied with your purchase! If for any reason you are not satisfied, you may return items within 10 days of delivery for a refund. Please contact me first to initiate the return process.
Exceptions: Custom orders, personalized items, and sale items are final and cannot be returned.
Condition of Return: Items must be returned in their original condition and packaging. Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer may be responsible for any loss in value.
Exchanges: I do not offer direct exchanges. If you'd like to exchange an item, follow the return process and place a new order for the desired piece.
Custom & Personalized Orders
Custom Orders: I love creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces! If you have a specific vision in mind, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your ideas. I’m excited to collaborate and bring your concept to life.
Custom orders typically take 2–4 weeks to complete, depending on the design and materials involved. However, more complex designs or sourcing specific materials may extend this timeframe. I’ll keep you updated throughout the process to ensure everything is on track.
Please note that due to the personalized nature of custom orders, they are non-returnable.
Personalization: Some items can be customized with names, initials, or specific gemstones. Please double-check all custom details before placing your order, as personalized items are non-refundable.
Care Instructions
To ensure the longevity of your jewelry, please note:
Fine silver and all alloys of silver will tarnish, even modern tarnish-resistant alloys. Sterling silver is an alloy that contains metals that react with chemicals found in air and produce tarnish over time; high moisture levels and contaminants such as salt water increase this reaction. If not being worn, store in a plastic bag. Take steps to protect sterling silver by keeping it in airtight packages, using tarnish-resistant products (such as tarnish tabs or strips) that absorb harmful chemicals, and storing sterling in a cool, dry place. Most tarnish is easily removed by polishing with a treated jewelry polishing cloth available at most larger chain jewelry stores.
Karat gold requires minimal care.
Patinas are surface treatments that will naturally change with age and wear, enhancing their vintage appearance. Note that patinated surfaces can be harmed by overaggressive cleaning and polishing.
Keum-boo surfaces are susceptible to abrasion.
Protect all jewelry from harsh chemicals; remove fine jewelry before household tasks, gardening, or entering a pool or hot tub. The sanitizing chemicals used in pools can damage gold jewelry in as little as 100 hours of accumulated exposure. Also, bleach can darken/blacken even high-karat gold with the same damage to the metal as pools and hot tubs.
High polish and soft luster finishes on sterling silver are delicate and can become easily scratched, even by something as simple as a paper towel. To keep your jewelry looking its best, always use a treated jewelry polishing cloth or a microfiber or soft, unbleached cotton cloth for buffing.
Toothpaste should NEVER be used as a silver polish. Some toothpastes contain baking soda or other ingredients that are much too abrasive; even trace amounts can cause serious damage.
Turquoise, red coral, lapis lazuli, and pearls are inherently fragile and sensitive to solvents; perfume and other cosmetics will attack the finish and may alter the color of these gems, as will skin oils and most commercial jewelry cleaning fluids. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may also discolor or dehydrate turquoise and fade red coral.
The following gems should never be put into an ultrasonic cleaner:
Pearls are organic items; please refrain from immersing them in an ultrasonic cleaning process. The 'thin skin' of the pearl will be ruined within seconds. Mohs scale is at 2.5.
Opals are very delicate stones. Mohs scale: 5 - 6.5
Amber is basically petrified pine sap. Mohs scale 2 - 2.5
Turquoise can lose its color, particularly if it is stabilized. Mohs Scale 5-6.
Onyx: Some of these stones are often color-dyed Mohs scales 6.5–7.
Aquamarine can still sustain damage, particularly at lower ends of its hardness range. These are soft at 5–8 on the Mohs Scale.
Emeralds are brittle due to their natural inclusions and can shatter under ultrasonic vibrations. Mohs scale 6.5.
Lapis LazuliI: Very soft at 5-6 on the Mohs Scale.
Coral: Be very careful cleaning coral; use only water and very light suds of Dawn dishsoap. Mohs Scale 3-4.
Fracture-filled Diamonds: Many diamonds naturally contain inclusions. To enhance their appearance, fractures within the diamond's crystalline structure are often filled, camouflaging the visible veins and improving clarity.
Fracture-filled Rubies, also known as lead-glass-filled rubies, are even worse and should never be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. The vibrations can cause the filling material to loosen, degrade, or even fall out entirely, which compromises the appearance and integrity of the stone.
Contact Information:
For any questions, concerns, or custom order inquiries, please reach out to me. My goal is to respond within 24 hours.
I appreciate your support for small businesses and handmade artistry!
