Eight strand necklace using carnelian and agate beads from North Africa, Egypt and the Middle East (circa 300 AD - late 1700's).
Silver beads are from Northern India and the small ones made of wire, from coin silver, are Ethiopian (circa 1800's). There are white quartz glass trade beads from Europe (circa early 1800's). The silver plates and attachments are hand made by Kateri, by utilizing a lost wax process of casting. They are taken from colonial Spanish bracelet designs. The tassel strands on each side contain pendant and amulet pieces from India.
"Holy medals" have their form in every culture.
Originally from Flint, Michigan, ne Kateri Marie Dufault, Mrs. Weiss earned scholarships to attend Interlochen Center for the Arts and the University of Ann Arbor. She has been cutting turquoise garnered from a large number of different mines since 1972, and is entirely aware of its unique qualities. A professional sculptor, painter and designer, she has a background in engineering and architectural design to include drafting on a contract basis for fine jewelers as well as architectural offices. This highly capable woman is also a recognized expert in verifying the authenticity of Zuni fetish carvings including artists such as Leekya Deyuse and his Zuni peers.